Q&A: Automakers Bailout?

Q&A: Automakers Bailout?

	Why are the auto companies asking for the government's help?

	What are GM, Ford and Chrysler asking for?

	How would this auto bailout differ from the government's bailout of the nation's banks?

	Why is Congress considering a bailout for the auto industry?

	Would the government play a role in a merger between GM and Chrysler?

	Didn't the automakers receive government funding earlier this year?

	Can the auto industry expect help from the incoming Obama administration?

	If the government helps the companies, what will taxpayers get in return?

Why are the auto companies asking for the government's help?

The automakers have been hurt by the weakened economy, the credit crunch and consumers' shift away from profitable sport utility vehicles.

U.S. auto sales declined in October 2008 to their lowest level in more than 17 years. As a result, the companies are running out of cash - GM and Ford said Friday that they burned through a combined $14.6 billion in the third quarter. GM warned it could run out of cash in 2009.