Obama Wants Banks to Pay for Auto Bailout Losses
The White House wants the nation's largest financial institutions to repay taxpayers for the costs of bailing out banks and automakers, reported The Detroit News.
Under the proposal, the largest 50 banks -- including GMAC -- would pay $90 billion over 10 years to cover taxpayer losses under the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Despite receiving bailout money, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC would not be required to pay new taxes; the banks would repay taxpayers for the anticipated $30.4 billion loss on the $86 billion auto bailout.
The White House defends its decision not to tax automakers -- arguing the banks helped slow auto sales.
Gene Sperling, a senior adviser to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, told reporters on a conference call that Detroit-based auto lender GMAC will be one of the institutions covered by the new fee.
He said the administration is committed to getting automakers to repay their outstanding loans.
More Industry

Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →
Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers
The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.
Read More →
Battery Storage Takes Priority Over EVs
U.S. automakers are prioritizing battery energy stationary storage over electric-vehicle production as the consumer demand for EVs lags the rest of the world.
Read More →