If General Motors was forced into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the US government could have to lend it about US$30bn to help it through or risk a series of failures in the auto industry, a leading bank has said.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


GM could need the $30bn for debtor-in-possession loans to pay operating expenses under bankruptcy protection restructuring, Bank of America analysts said in a report cited by Reuters.


The bank calculated the $30bn as twice GM’s working capital plus another $10bn for further earnings hits and to fund suppliers, the report said.


The bank reckons the government would need to lend funds to support the company in bankruptcy rather than out of bankruptcy, as that was the only way to ensure the government had the most senior claim on the automaker’s assets, the news agency said.


Bank of America suggested money from the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP, could be combined with funds from section 13 of the Federal Reserve Act, which allows the Fed to lend to companies on a secured basis under “unusual and exigent conditions”, Reuters added.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Bank of America said a GM failure could drag suppliers and others down in a systemic failure”, according to the report.

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now