Even a bailout could not save three of the last remaining plants in the U.S. still making sport utility vehicles.

Even a federal bailout could not save three of the last remaining plants in the United States still making sport utility vehicles.

If GMAC becomes a bank, it will be able to issue more car loans by gaining access to money under the Treasury’s $700 billion bailout plan.

The grim forecast from Toyota is the latest sign of the global auto industry’s slowdown after years of profits and expansion.

The grim forecast from Toyota Motor on Monday is the latest sign of the global auto industry’s sharp slowdown after years of rising profits and rapid expansion.

The auto bailout will give President-elect Barack Obama a tool to prod the industry to change, but it will also test his resolve as he pushes it in new directions.

The auto bailout will give President-elect Barack Obama a tool to prod the industry to change, but it will also test his resolve as he pushes it in new directions.

Shares rose after President Bush announced government loans for G.M. and Chrysler, but then gave back most of their gains, ending mixed.

A $13.4 billion loan to General Motors and Chrysler may be followed by $4 billion more if the Obama administration finds sufficient progress.

By eschewing any federal assistance, Ford runs the risk of falling behind G.M. and Chrysler if those two companies can wrest concessions from the union and Ford cannot.