General Motors: Timeline
.timelineday {
color: #335;
font-size: 14px;
font-family: Arial Black, arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Sans;
text-transform: uppercase;
line-height: 13px;
}
.timelinenumber {
color: #64a6c1;
font-size: 45px;
font-family: Arial Black, arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Sans;
}
General Motors: Timeline
A Look At Major Dates In The History Of The Historic Auto Company
June 1, 2009
GM files for Chapter 11 bankrupcy protection in a deal that will give taxpayers a 60 percent ownership stake and expand the government's reach into big business. It's the fourth-largest bankrupcy filing in U.S. history, and the largest for an industrial company. The company said it has $172.81 billion in debt and $82.29 billion in assets.
May 27, 2009
GM says debt exchange offer has failed. Bankruptcy appears likely, as GM tries to get all parties to agree to new, leaner terms before June 1. Government loans now total $19.4 billion.
May 26, 2009
United Auto Workers agrees to job cuts, 14 plant closures and a 20 percent equity stake in the company to cover retiree health care costs. Members are expected to vote on the changes by the end of the week.
May 15, 2009
GM says it will end contracts with about 1,100 dealers.
May 7, 2009
GM reports a first quarter loss of $6 billion, with revenue falling by more than half.
April 27, 2009
GM asks 90 percent of its bondholders to participate in a debt-for-equity swap to rid the company of $24 billion by giving them 225 shares for every $1,000 in bond for a combined 10 percent stake in the company. Existing shareholders would end up with 1 percent of the company following the issuance of 62 billion new shares and a 100-for-1 reverse stock split.
The company also announces it will end the Pontiac line.
March 30, 2009
President Barack Obama, a day after firing CEO Rick Wagoner, tells GM it hasn't done enough to restructure and gives the company until June 1 to make aggressive cuts.
2009
The Obama administration takes office in January. On Feb. 17, GM says it will need a total of $30 billion and its Saab unit files for bankruptcy in Sweden.
In its restructuring plan presented to the U.S. government, GM say it will only keep Saturn running through 2011, but it's open to the possibility of spinning off the money-losing brand to retailers or investors. Discussions are ongoing.
2008
Gas prices hit $4 per gallon and truck sales plummet. GM announces plan to close four pickup and sport utility vehicle factories and plans to shed 8,350 jobs. The Hummer brand is put up for sale.
By fall, executives begin asking congressional leaders for aid. GM and Chrysler talk about a merger, but talks die down as both companies' sales continue to fall on U.S. and worldwide recession woes.
By December, GM tells Congress it needs $18 billion to stay afloat. It receives $13.4 billion, and racks up a $30.9 billion annual loss and burns through $19.2 billion.
2007
GM loses $38.7 billion, including $39 billion third-quarter charge for unused tax credits. It's the largest annual loss in auto industry history.
2004
Last model year for Oldsmobile.
1999
Purchases rights to the Hummer brand from AM General.
1998
Strikes at two Michigan parts plants shut down almost all North American production.
1990
GM launches Saturn, takes $2.1 billion charge for four plant closings, and profits fall to $102 million as auto sales plummet.
1989
GM complies with federal regulations and equips about 15 percent of its fleet with driver's air bags, blames devices for boosting car prices. Profits fall to $4.2 billion.
1980
GM loses more than $750 million as car and truck sales plunge 26 percent.
1979
GM's U.S. employment peaks at 618,365, making it the largest private employer in the country. Worldwide employment is 853,000. Decade features sales decline, recession, Arab oil embargo and gains by Japanese automakers.
1960
Reacting to invasion of small European cars, GM introduces Chevrolet Corvair. The car is later attacked by Ralph Nader. His book, "Unsafe at Any Speed," led to congressional auto safety hearings.
1954
GM's U.S. market share reaches 54 percent. Company makes 50 millionth car.
1945-46
Workers strike for 113 days.
1942
Civilian auto production halted and plants turned to war effort.
1937
Violent sit-down strikes by GM hourly workers in Flint, Mich., shake the company and lead to United Auto Workers representation.
1921
GM accounts for 12 percent of U.S. car market.
1917-19
GM shifts most truck production to war effort.
1916
GM incorporated as General Motors Corp. Durant, after founding company that builds Chevrolets, regains control.
1910
Durant brings the Buick, Olds, Pontiac, Cadillac, Champion Ignition, AC Spark Plug and other companies into GM.
1909
GM sells 25,000 cars and trucks.
Sept. 16, 1908
General Motors Company founded by William C. Durant.