New Ticket Options Announced
MyFox Detroit
The National Summit today announced a new ticket plan and
pricing structure that will allow more people and businesses
challenged by the troubled economy to participate. In addition to
reduced prices for 3-day tickets, The National Summit is now
offering 1-day tickets, as well as a Walk Around ticket rate that
will allow access to the new technology showcase.
"The goal of The National Summit is to convene an inclusive
gathering to address the economic challenges facing this country,
so it’s important that we recognize the financial
difficulties many potential participants are going through.”
said Beth Chappell, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Club
(DEC). “With that in mind, we have reduced prices and created
alternative ticket options so that more people can add their voices
to this crucial conversation."
Pricing for a 3-day ticket will now be $600 for a DEC member and
$695 for a non-member. 1-day tickets will be $250 for a DEC member
and $295 for a non-member. Walk Around tickets, which will allow
access to the Innovation Celebration technology showcase and
workshop, will be $65 for a member and $75 for a non-member.
More than 1,000 tickets have already been sold for The National
Summit, which will be held June 15-17 at Ford Field in Detroit. It
will bring the country’s business leaders together with
government officials and academic experts to discuss and advance a
national economic agenda. William Clay Ford Jr., Executive
Chairman, Ford Motor Company and Andrew Liveris, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, The Dow Chemical Company, will co-chair The
National Summit.
Currently, forty-five Speakers, including leaders from energy,
technology, communications,
transportation and other sectors have agreed to address The
National Summit, including:
- Richard H. Anderson; CEO, Delta Airlines, Inc.
- Steven A. Ballmer; CEO, Microsoft Corp.
- Eva Chen; Co-founder & CEO, Trend Micro Inc.
- Dr. Mary Sue Coleman; President, University of Michigan
- Richard E. Dauch; Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, American
Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
- D. Scott Davis; Chairman & CEO, United Parcel Service,
Inc.
- Samuel A. DiPiazza, Jr.; CEO, PricewaterhouseCoopers
International Ltd.
- Thomas J. Donohue; President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of
Commerce
- Anthony F. Earley, Jr.; Chairman & CEO, DTE Energy Co.
- Matthew W. Ferguson; President & CEO, Careerbuilder.com
- Marvin S. Fertel; President & CEO, Nuclear Energy
Institute Ltd.
- William Clay Ford, Jr.; Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Co.
- J. Erik Frywald; Chairman, President & CEO, Nalco Co.
- Christopher Ilitch; President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings,
Inc.
- Christopher J. Kearney; Chairman, President & CEO, SPX
Corp.
- Martin M. Koffel; President & CEO, URS Corp.
- Timothy D. Leuliette; Chairman, President & CEO, Dura
Automotive Systems, Inc.
- Andrew N. Liveris; Chairman & CEO, The Dow Chemical Co.
- Timothy M. Manganello; Chairman & CEO, BorgWarner Inc.
- Peter J. Marks; Chairman, President & CEO, Robert Bosch
LLC
- Michael B. McCallister; President & CEO, Humana, Inc.
- Charles G. McClure; Chairman, President & CEO,
ArvinMeritor Inc.
- Harold W. McGraw III; Chairman, President & CEO, The
McGraw-Hill Cos.
- Alan R. Mulally; President & CEO, Ford Motor Co.
- James J. Mulva; Chairman & CEO, ConocoPhillips Co.
- Robert L. Nardelli; Chairman and CEO, Chrysler LLC; Board
of Managers, Chrysler LLC
- James B. Nicholson; President & CEO, PVS Chemicals,
Inc.
- Dr. Jay Noren; President, Wayne State University
- Keith D. Nosbusch; Chairman & CEO, Rockwell Automation,
Inc.
- Steve Odland; Chairman & CEO, Office Depot, Inc.
- W. Douglas Parker; Chairman & CEO, US Airways Group,
Inc.
- James H. Quigley; Global CEO, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
- Matthew K. Rose; Chairman, President & CEO, BNSF
Railway Co.
- John W. Rowe; Chairman & CEO, Exelon Corp.
- Tom Schmitt; President of Global Supply Services, Senior
Vice President & CEO, FedEx Solutions
- Dr. Lou Anna K. Simon; President, Michigan State University
- David P. Steiner; CEO, Waste Management, Inc.
- Dr. Anthony R. Tersigni; President & CEO, Ascension
Health
- James S. Turley; Chairman & CEO, Ernst & Young LLP
- Timothy Wadhams; President & CEO, Masco Corp.
- Donald J. Walker; CEO, Magna International Inc.
- Joseph L. Welch; Chairman, President & CEO, ITC
Holdings Corporation
- Ronald A. Williams; Chairman & CEO, Aetna, Inc.
- Deborah L. Wince-Smith; President, The Council on
Competitiveness
The Detroit Economic Club is a non-partisan, non-profit group
that has a 75-year history of convening leaders to debate and
discuss important business, government and social issues. It has
hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon, and is
ranked as one of America’s “Top 10 Executive Speaking
Forums” and third in the world for “Most Valuable
Podiums for CEOs.”
For more information on The National Summit, please visit
nationalsummit.org
. For more
information about the Detroit Economic Club, please visit
econclub.org
.
GM Presents Gov't Updated Viability Plan
MyFox Detroit
General Motors (NYSE: GM) today presented the United States
Department of Treasury with an updated plan that boldly responds to
the weaker global auto market conditions and details the company's
long term viability. The plan, which provides a comprehensive
review of key aspects of GM's restructuring, is the first of two
status reports required by the loan agreement signed by GM and the
U.S. Treasury on Dec. 31, 2008.
The plan submitted today addresses the key restructuring targets
required by the loan agreement, including a number of the critical
elements of the turnaround plan that was submitted to the U.S.
government on Dec. 2, 2008. Among these are: U.S. market
competitiveness; fuel economy and emissions; competitive labor
cost; and restructuring of the company's unsecured debt. It also
includes a timeline for repayment of the Federal loans, and an
analysis of the company's positive net present value (NPV).
The plan also details the future reduction of GM's vehicle
brands and nameplates in the U.S., further consolidation in its
workforce and dealer network, accelerated capacity actions and
enhanced manufacturing competitiveness, while maintaining GM's
strong commitment to high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles and
advanced propulsion technologies.
GM's viability plan actions result in a projected GM North
America (GMNA) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) breakeven
point of 11.5-12.0 million units in the U.S., compared to the
12.5-13.0 million unit range indicated in the Dec. 2, 2008 plan.
The operating and balance sheet improvements outlined in GM's
viability plan are forecasted to result in a significant enterprise
value and positive net present value, positive adjusted EBIT in
2010 and positive operating cash flow for its North American
operations in the same year.
Overall adjusted operating cash flows are expected to approach
breakeven levels in 2011, and improve to more than $6 billion in
the 2012-2014 period, reflecting both the full effect of GM's
global restructuring initiatives and recovering industry
volumes.
GM's need for government support was driven by the global
financial market crisis, dramatically weaker economy and the
resulting precipitous decline in vehicle demand. These conditions
have impacted the entire auto industry, which in the U.S. is down
approximately 40 percent from its peak in 2005, to the lowest per
capita sales rate in 50 years. Though the impact has been most
severe in the U.S. and Western Europe, automakers around the world
are reporting large losses, with many seeking government assistance
to weather the downturn.
Following the steep decline in U.S. industry sales in December
2008 and January 2009, GM responded by further lowering its
forecast for 2009 U.S. industry sales to 10.5 million units (57.5
million units globally) for viability planning purposes. These
industry planning volumes are more conservative than those being
used by most other industry sources.
"The U.S. and global auto industries are facing times of
unprecedented challenge," said GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner.
"These conditions dictate that we must take very tough actions to
accelerate GM's restructuring efforts. We've made a lot of progress
since the plan we submitted on December 2, 2008, and we have more
to do before March 31. The plan we delivered today to the U.S.
Treasury is aggressive but achievable. It provides a clear pathway
for GM that continues to support American manufacturing and
technology innovation, which are vital to the future of our
nation's economy."
Since the original plan submission on Dec. 2, 2008, GM has made
significant progress in a number of areas, including the
following:
Dealers and Brands
Evaluating Hummer sale options
Completed strategic review of global Saab business and sought
buyers for the business
Saturn review complete; sale or spin-off possible; if not,
phase out the brand at the end of current product lifecycle
Further reduction in model nameplates
Accelerated consolidation of GM's dealer network
Cost Competitiveness
Further reduction in U.S. manufacturing capacity beyond Dec.
2 targets
Significant progress with the UAW to address labor cost
competitiveness
Special hourly attrition program, salaried employment
reductions
Canada restructuring discussions advancing
Engaged with European labor partners to achieve $1.2 billion
in cost reductions
Balance Sheet
Term sheets exchanged with UAW and bondholder committee
advisors
Initiated bond exchange negotiations with bondholder
committee advisors
UAW and bondholder committee advisors conducting extensive
due diligence
Building on progress GM has already made, the company is taking
a number of additional actions to reduce costs, streamline its
business and improve its competitive position.
Marketing and Revenue Improvement
In the U.S., GM will focus on its core brands; Chevrolet,
Cadillac, Buick and GMC. Pontiac will serve as a focused brand with
fewer entries, within the Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel. GM will have a
total of 36 nameplates in 2012, down 25 percent from 2008 levels.
The plan also provides additional detail on the Hummer, Saturn and
Saab brands.
GM expects to make a decision to sell or phase out the Hummer
brand by Mar. 31, with a final resolution expected no later than
2010.
GM has conducted a strategic review of the global Saab business
and has offered it for sale. Given the urgency of stemming sizeable
cash demands associated with Saab operations, GM is requesting
Swedish government support prior to any sale. The company has
developed a specific proposal that would have the effect of capping
GM's financial support, with Saab's operations effectively becoming
an independent business entity Jan. 1, 2010. While GM hopes to
reach agreement with the Swedish government, the Saab Automobile AB
subsidiary could file for reorganization as early as this
month.
Saturn will remain in operation for the next several years,
through the end of the planned lifecycle for all Saturn products.
In the interim, if Saturn retailers or other investors present a
plan that would allow a spin-off or sale of Saturn Distribution
Corporation, GM would be open to any such possibility. If a
spin-off or sale does not occur, GM plans to phase out the Saturn
brand at the end of the current product lifecycle.
GM's dealer count is also projected to be further reduced, from
6,246 in 2008 to 4,700 by 2012, and to 4,100 by 2014. Most of this
reduction will take place in metro and suburban markets where
dealership overcapacity is most prevalent. The result will be a
smaller, but healthier GM dealer network.
Technology/Regulation Compliance
As indicated in the Dec. 2, 2008 plan, GM is moving ahead
aggressively with plans to improve the fuel efficiency of its
vehicles and develop a broad range of advanced propulsion
technologies. The company is investing significantly in alternative
fuel and advanced propulsion technologies in the 2009-2012
timeframe, supporting the expansion of GM's hybrid offerings and
development of the Chevrolet Volt's extended-range electric vehicle
technology.
For example, GM in January announced construction of a new U.S.
manufacturing facility to build lithium-ion battery packs for the
Volt. Lithium-ion batteries are an essential technology for
advanced hybrids and electrically driven vehicles, and an important
energy storage technology for other applications. GM has also
committed to increasing its number of hybrid models to 14 by 2012,
and to making more than 60 percent of its fleet alternative-fuel
capable.
The investments in this restructuring plan will allow GM to
become a long-term global leader in the development of fuel
efficient and advanced technology vehicles. In doing so, the
company will contribute to the development of this country's
advanced manufacturing capabilities and support the growth of
"green" industries in the U.S.
Cost Reduction and Operational Actions
In order to improve capacity utilization and cost
competitiveness, GM has consolidated its manufacturing footprint
considerably by closing 12 manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
between 2000 and 2008. Given the current very difficult market
conditions, GM will close an additional 14 facilities by 2012, five
more than were included in the Dec. 2, 2008 plan.
Agreements with the UAW concerning several items have been
completed and are now being implemented. First, a special attrition
program has been negotiated to assist restructuring efforts by
reducing excess employment costs through voluntary attrition of the
current hourly workforce. Second, the UAW and GM's management have
suspended the JOBS program. The program provided full income and
benefit protection in lieu of layoff for an indefinite period of
time. In addition, GM and the UAW have reached a tentative
agreement relative to additional wage and benefit changes.
GM's management estimates that these competitive improvements
will further substantially reduce GM's labor costs and represent a
major move to close the competitive gap with U.S. transplant
competitors. In addition, GM and the UAW have agreed to improve
competitive work rules, which will also significantly reduce labor
costs.
While these changes materially improve GM's competitiveness and
help the company realize a substantial portion of the labor cost
savings targeted in the financial projections, further progress
will be required to achieve the full targeted savings. GM plans to
report these changes to the U.S. Secretary of Labor, who must
certify GM's competitiveness relative to the U.S. transplants.
Outside of the U.S., GM has accelerated restructuring plans for
its Canadian, European and Asia-Pacific operations, all of which
will be funded from sources outside the U.S.
Canada - Discussions are well advanced with the Canadian Federal
and Ontario governments regarding long-term financial assistance to
execute the restructuring actions necessary for long-term viability
and with the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union on achieving
competitive labor costs. The CAW has committed to achieving an
hourly cost structure that is consistent with what is ultimately
negotiated with the UAW.
Progress has also been made with the Canadian Federal and
Ontario governments toward an agreement focused on maintaining
proportional levels of manufacturing in Canada and on providing
GMCL with a level of long-term financial assistance that is
proportional to the total support provided to GM by the U.S.
government. GMCL is continuing dialogue with its unions and the
Canadian government with a target to finalize both agreements in
March 2009.
GM remains optimistic both agreements can be completed by that
time, which would enable GMCL to achieve long-term viability and
enhance the value of GM. In the event that an agreement cannot be
reached, GM will be required to reevaluate its future strategy for
GMCL since it would not be viable on a standalone basis.
Europe - Europe is a highly competitive environment that is
unprofitable for many vehicle manufacturers, and has a relatively
costly restructuring environment. GM has engaged its European labor
partners to achieve $1.2 billion in cost reductions, which include
several possible closures or spinoffs of manufacturing facilities
in high cost locations. In addition, GM is restructuring its sales
organization to become more brand focused and better optimize its
advertising. GM is also in discussions with the German government
for operating and balance sheet support. A sustainable strategy for
GM's European operations may include support from partnerships with
the German government and/or other European governments. The
company expects to resolve solvency issues for its European
operations prior to Mar. 31, 2009.
Asia-Pacific - In light of current market conditions, GM is
reconsidering the pace of its expansion in the Asia Pacific region.
As such, some of the proposed capacity expansion projects and
product programs in the region are no longer financially feasible
and will not proceed without financial support from either the
respective governments or from other partners. GM is holding
discussions with its stakeholders to address the required
support.
Capitalization
As outlined in the GM viability plan, approximately $27 billion
in unsecured public liabilities currently on the company's balance
sheet will be converted to a combination of new debt and equity,
for a net debt reduction of at least $18 billion.
Negotiations are progressing with advisors of the ad hoc
bondholder committee. Term sheets have been exchanged and due
diligence regarding GM's restructuring has commenced. The company
anticipates that the bond exchange offer will commence in late
March, consistent with requirements in the U.S. Treasury loan
documents. Under the term sheet proposal, a substantial majority of
the pro-forma equity in GM would be distributed to exchanging
bondholders and the UAW VEBA.
Discussions with representatives of the UAW VEBA have also been
progressing, and due diligence is also proceeding with respect to
reaching agreement to convert at least half of future VEBA payments
to equity. A draft term sheet has been provided to the UAW, and
they have indicated their desire to discuss the VEBA situation with
government officials prior to signing any such term sheet. Closing
of the conversion of VEBA obligations and unsecured debt to equity
should be complete in May of this year.
Government Funding
To complete its aggressive restructuring and fund its ongoing
operations amid an uncertain economic environment, GM is requesting
the U.S. government to consider funding the company with a
combination of secured term loans, revolving credit, and preferred
equity.
In the Dec. 2 submission, GM indicated that under a U.S.
downside volume scenario, the company would need funding support of
approximately $18 billion. In addition, GM assumed that the $4.5
billion U.S. secured revolver credit facility would be renewed when
it matures in 2011.
In the current baseline forecast, near-term industry volumes are
similar to the December 2 downside scenario, and so GM's forecast
indicates the company will need the $18 billion that was requested
in December. In addition, based on current credit market
conditions, it cannot be assumed that the company will be able to
rollover the $4.5 billion revolver in 2011.
Therefore, GM is requesting federal funding support of $22.5
billion under its current baseline industry volume scenario. If the
U.S. industry deteriorates further, a scenario depicted in the
company's new, lower downside volume scenario with U.S. industry
volume of 9.5 million units in 2009 and 11.5 million units in 2010,
GM would require further federal funding, estimated currently at an
additional $7.5 billion, which could bring total Government support
up to $30 billion by 2011. Under the company's baseline outlook,
repayment of federal support is expected to begin in 2012.
Additional financial support might be required in 2013 and 2014
if GM has to make contributions to our U.S. pension funds. In an
update to the Dec. 2, 2008 submission, recent valuations indicate
that GM's U.S. pension plans are currently under-funded as of Dec.
31, 2008. At this point, it is premature to conclude whether the
company will need to make additional pension contributions, as the
funded status of the pension plan is subject to many variables,
including asset returns and discount rates. GM is currently
analyzing its pension funding strategies.
During 2009-2014, GM also is requesting funding support from the
governments of Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and
Thailand, and has included an estimate of $6 billion in funding
support by 2010 to provide liquidity specifically for GM's
operations in these countries.
Finally, the plan submitted today discusses the issue of
bankruptcy as a potential option for restructuring, concluding it
would be a highly risky, extremely costly and time-consuming
process. This reaffirms management's position that bankruptcy is
not in the best interests of GM or its stakeholders. The overriding
risks are the significant impact a bankruptcy would have on the
company's revenue stream and the resulting huge
debtor-in-possession funding support that would be required from
the government, as such funding is not available from traditional
sources in today's market conditions. Accordingly, accomplishing
GM's restructuring out of court remains by far the best approach
for all constituents.
"Our viability plan requires significant sacrifices from all GM
stakeholders: management, employees, unions, suppliers, dealers,
investors and bondholders," Wagoner said. "But these are the kind
of actions we need to take to survive the current industry crisis,
and position GM for sustainability and success. This plan, in
effect, signifies the reinvention of General Motors for the 21st
century. We are working non-stop to put this plan into action, and
we greatly appreciate the support and encouragement we continue to
receive as we take these important steps toward viability. "
GM's leadership team will continue to work with its key
stakeholders and the newly formed Presidential Task Force on Autos
as it proceeds with its restructuring. In accordance with the loan
agreement, GM will submit its second progress report to the U.S.
Treasury on March 31. This progress report will be the basis for
the Task Force to issue a 'Plan Completion Certificate' to
Congress, which confirms GM's long-term viability.
For additional details on GM's restructuring, the complete plan
will be posted online at http://media.gm.com.
About GM
General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest
automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and
trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM
employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and
sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold
8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands:
Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel,
Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national
market is the U.S., followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom,
Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry
leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More
information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.
Exchange Offer Information
In connection with the proposed public exchange offers General
Motors plans to file documents with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including filing a Registration Statement on Form S-4
and a Schedule TO containing a prospectus, consent solicitation and
tender offer statement regarding the proposed transaction.
Investors and security holders of GM are urged to carefully read
the documents when they are available, because they will contain
important information about the proposed transaction. Investors and
security holders may obtain free copies of these documents (when
available) and other documents filed with the SEC at the SEC's web
site at www.sec.gov or by contacting Nick S. Cyprus at
(313)556-5000.
GM and its directors and executive officers may be deemed
participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the
proposed transaction. Information regarding the interests of these
directors and executive officers in the proposed transaction will
be included in the documents described above. Additional
information regarding the directors and executive officers is also
included in GM's proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2008, and
additional information is available in the Annual Report on Form
10-K, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2008,
respectively.
Forward-Looking Statements
In this press release and in related comments by our management,
our use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "ensure," "promote,"
"target," "believe," "improve," "intend," "enable," "continue,"
"will," "may," "would," "could," "should," "project," "projected,"
"positioned" or similar expressions is intended to identify
forward-looking statements that represent our current judgment
about possible future events. We believe these judgments are
reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any events
or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially
due to a variety of important factors. Among other items, such
factors might include: our ability to comply with the requirements
of our credit agreement with the U.S. Treasury; the availability of
funding for future loans under that credit agreement; our ability
to execute the restructuring plans that we have disclosed, our
ability to maintain adequate liquidity and financing sources and an
appropriate level of debt; and changes in general economic
conditions, market acceptance of our products; shortages of and
price volatility for fuel; significant changes in the competitive
environment and the effect of competition on our markets, including
on our pricing policies, financing sources and an appropriate level
of debt; and changes in general economic conditions.
Our most recent reports on SEC Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K provide
information about these and other factors, which may be revised or
supplemented in future reports to the SEC on those forms.
Chrysler LLC Viability Plan Submitted
MyFox Detroit
Chrysler LLC today submitted its viability plan to the U.S.
Treasury Department, outlining the Company’s plans to:
enhance its product lineup; complete its ongoing aggressive
restructuring; and achieve cost reducing concessions from
stakeholders. The Company’s plan is required to be finalized
by March 31. The submission outlines significant progress towards
meeting the terms of the U.S. Treasury Department’s loan
agreement related to achieving competitive costs and increasing
fuel economy.
“On behalf of the men and women of our extended family, we
thank the Administration and the Congress for the opportunity to
continue the process of requesting federal loans to assist Chrysler
LLC in the restructuring necessary to achieve long-term
viability,” Chrysler LLC Chairman and CEO Robert L. Nardelli
said. “We fully understand the need to adapt to significantly
reduced annual U.S. sales and to national concerns over energy
security and climate change.
“We believe that Chrysler LLC will be viable based on the
updated assumptions contained in this submission, and that an
orderly restructuring outside of bankruptcy, together with the
completion of our standalone viability plan, enhanced by a
strategic alliance with Fiat, is the best option for Chrysler
employees, our unions, dealers, suppliers and customers. Today, our
people are eager to re-establish Chrysler as an iconic American
company and, in the process, repay the U.S. government and
taxpayers for their faith in our future. We believe the requested
working capital loan is the least-costly alternative and will help
provide an important stimulus to the U.S. economy and deliver
positive results for American taxpayers. This plan will ensure the
continued provision of health care and pension benefits to our
active employees and retirees, while continuing to protect hundreds
of thousands of middle class, quality American jobs at Chrysler,
our dealer network and our suppliers.”
To help meet customer needs and increased federal fuel economy
standards, Chrysler plans 24 vehicle launches in 48 months, and
announced electric technology as a primary strategy for developing
fuel-efficient, low emission vehicles, including an electric-drive
vehicle in 2010. The viability plan shows compliance with current
federal fuel economy requirements as set forth in the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007. Going forward, Chrysler
supports the development of a uniform national standard that
reflects the input of all constituents.
To reduce costs, UAW, dealers, suppliers and 2nd lien
lenders’ concessions have been implemented or fundamentally
agreed upon. The signed term sheets for the Labor Modifications and
VEBA modifications fundamentally comply with the requirements set
forth in the U.S. Treasury Loan and once realized would provide
Chrysler with a work force cost structure that is competitive with
the transplant automotive manufacturers.
Since Chrysler LLC’s original $7 billion submission, there
has been an unprecedented decline in the automotive sector. The
continued lack of available credit affects consumers and dealers,
leading to reduced wholesale orders for Chrysler. Due to this
continued lack of consumer credit, we are revising our Seasonally
Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) forecast in the plan submitted today,
which is conservatively based and reflects the reality of a
declining automotive industry. We are now projecting a SAAR level
of 10.1 million units for this year, (which is a 40-year low for
our industry) and an average SAAR level of 10.8 million units for
2009-2012. This is a reduction from our original December
submission of 7.2 million units, or an average 1.8 million units
annually during the four years. For Chrysler, this represents a
sales decline of approximately 720,000 units, (or an average
180,000 units per year) assuming a 10 percent market share. For
Chrysler, this results in approximately $18 billion in lost revenue
and a $3.6 billion decline in cash inflows during the four
years.
Based on this, we will require incremental financial support to
continue our orderly and effective restructuring and are therefore
now seeking an incremental $2 billion in addition to the remaining
$3 billion that was within the scope of our original December 2
plan submission.
Chrysler LLC Viability Plan Highlights
Strategic Alliance
Chrysler has signed a non-binding agreement to pursue a
strategic alliance with Fiat that represents significant strategic
and financial benefits to stakeholders. The written and oral
testimony Chrysler submitted to the U.S. House and Senate in 2008
stated the Company’s intent to seek the benefits of global
partnerships and alliances. The proposed Fiat Alliance would
enhance Chrysler’s viability plan and would provide the
Company with access to competitive fuel-efficient vehicle
platforms, distribution capabilities in key growth markets and
substantial cost-saving opportunities.
Products
Chrysler’s product line is a key component of its
Viability Plan. In 2010, the Company will launch four highly
successful platforms: a new Jeep Grand Cherokee, a new Dodge
Charger, a new Dodge Durango and a new Chrysler 300 (the most
awarded car in automotive history since its launch in 2005). The
Chrysler 300 launch will be followed by a new, bolder Dodge Charger
and an all-new unibody Dodge Durango.
In 2008, Chrysler offered six vehicles with highway fuel economy
of 28 miles per gallon or better. For 2009, 73 percent of Chrysler
LLC’s vehicles show improved fuel economy compared with the
prior year’s model. Fuel economy will continue to improve in
2010 with the introduction of the all-new Phoenix V-6 engine, which
will provide fuel efficiency improvements of between 6 to 8 percent
over the engines it replaces. A two-mode hybrid version of the
Company’s best-selling vehicle, the Dodge Ram is scheduled
for 2010. The first Chrysler electric-drive vehicle is also
scheduled to reach the market in 2010. It will be followed by other
electric-drive vehicles, including Range-extended Electric
Vehicles, in the following years in order to further reduce fuel
consumption.
The proposed Fiat alliance would further help the Company
achieve these standards as Chrysler gains access to Fiat’s
smaller, fuel-efficient platforms and powertrain technologies. The
alliance would enable Chrysler to reduce its capital expenditures
while supporting the company’s commitment to develop a
portfolio of vehicles that support the country’s energy
security and environmental objectives.
Restructuring Actions
Chrysler LLC has aggressively restructured operations to
significantly improve cost competitiveness while improving quality
and productivity. Through year end 2008, Chrysler has:
Reduced fixed costs by $3.1 billion
Reduced its work force by 32,000 (a 37 percent reduction
since January 2007)
Eliminated 12 production shifts
Eliminated 1.2 million units (more than 30 percent) of
production capacity
Discontinued four vehicle models
Disposed of $700 million in non-earning assets
Improved manufacturing productivity to equal Toyota as the
best in the industry as measured by assembly hours per vehicle
according to the Harbour Report
Achieved lowest warranty claim rate in Chrysler’s
history
Recorded the fewest product recalls among leading automakers
in 2008
The following additional restructuring actions are planned in
2009:
Reduce fixed costs by $700 million
Reduce one shift of manufacturing
Reduce total manpower by 3,000 people
Discontinue three vehicle models
Take out 100,000 units of capacity
Sell $300 million additional non-earning assets
Management Concessions
Chrysler will fully comply with the restrictions established
under section 111 of EESA relative to executive privileges and
compensation. In addition, the Company has suspended the 401k
match, incentive bonuses, merit increases and has eliminated
retiree life insurance benefits.
Dealer Concessions
Chrysler will achieve cost savings/improved cash flow through
a number of initiatives including: reduced dealer margins,
elimination of fuel fill, reduction of service contract
margins.
Union Concessions
The signed term sheets for the UAW Labor Modifications and
VEBA modifications fundamentally comply with the requirements set
forth in the U.S. Treasury Loan and once realized would provide
Chrysler with a work force cost structure that is competitive with
the transplant automotive manufacturers.
Supplier Concessions
The Company has initiated the dialogue with its suppliers and
believes that it will be able to obtain substantial cost reductions
from suppliers that will result in achieving targeted savings.
Chrysler supports the supplier associations’ proposals, which
would provide a government guarantee of OEM accounts payables.
2nd Lien Debt Holders Concessions
Chrysler anticipates that the holders of the 2nd Lien Debt
will agree to convert 100 percent of their debt to equity.
Chrysler’s Viability Plan includes expectations to further
reduce its outstanding debt by $5 billion. In addition to
strengthening the Company’s balance sheet for the long term,
this reduction will also provide immediate cash flow via interest
savings of between $350 million and $400 million
annually.