The Big Three automakers asked for help to stave off collapse, but it appeared they had not persuaded enough lawmakers to move quickly on a bailout.

The heads of the Big Three automakers pleaded for emergency government aid to stave off potential collapse, but it appeared they had not persuaded enough lawmakers to move quickly on a bailout.

The heads of Detroit’s Big Three automakers and the United Auto Workers union were arguing for federal assistance before a Senate committee.

There is a fix to G.M.’s dance with disaster. Call it a government-sponsored bankruptcy.

Rick Wagoner and his company, G.M., have become the lightning rods of the debate over whether Detroit should get a bailout.

There is a fix to G.M.’s dance with disaster. Call it a government-sponsored bankruptcy.

A major question for Rick Wagoner, G.M.’s chief executive for the last eight years, is whether he will return to Detroit with his job.

Cash-strapped General Motors will sell its entire stake in the Japanese automaker for $230 million.

A major question for Rick Wagoner, G.M.’s chief executive for the last eight years, is whether he will return to Detroit with his job.

Rick Wagoner, G.M.’s chief executive, and his company have become the lightning rods of the debate over whether Detroit should get a bailout.