Follow up to previous postings on auto industry, today’s White House press release: “…the only way to avoid a collapse of the U.S. auto industry is for the executive branch to step in. The American people want the auto companies to succeed, and so do I. So today, I’m announcing that the federal government will grant loans to auto companies under conditions similar to those Congress considered last week…These loans will provide help in two ways. First, they will give automakers three months to put in place plans to restructure into viable companies — which we believe they are capable of doing. Second, if restructuring cannot be accomplished outside of bankruptcy, the loans will provide time for companies to make the legal and financial preparations necessary for an orderly Chapter 11 process that offers a better prospect of long-term success — and gives consumers confidence that they can continue to buy American cars.”

Treasury Releases Term Sheet for Automotive Plan: Washington – The U.S. Treasury Department today released the term sheet and appendices for the Administration’s plan for stabilizing the automotive industry.

• Chrysler Term Sheet and Appendix
• General Motors Term Sheet and Appendix
• New York Times: Bush Approves $17.4 Billion Auto Bailout