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02 Feb 2009 01:15

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Biz, U.S.: Did bailed-out banks hire foreign workers over U.S. citizens?

  • The numbers suggest it. Just before the economic collapse that required hundreds of billions of dollars in bailouts, banks were attempting to hire foreign workers en masse, an Associated Press investigation recently found. The dozen banks getting the biggest chunks of the $150 billion set aside just for them applied for 21,800 visas in the last six years. That number only increased over time; in fiscal 2008 alone, it was 4,163. source

29 Jan 2009 09:58

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Biz: Automaker Ford: Sure we lost a buncha money, but really, we’re OK!

  • $5.5 billion amount that Ford blew through in the fourth quarter; they’re the only Detroit automaker not to take a bailout, and they had a huge loss last quarter source

21 Jan 2009 11:10

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Biz: How long was GM on top of the auto sales heap?

  • 77 years. That’s a really long time. source

21 Jan 2009 11:06

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Biz: GM “cautiously optimistic” even after losing sales crown

  • We feel we’ve weathered one hell of a storm, and we’re cautiously optimistic as we move into ’09 that we can stabilize and grow again.
  • Mike DiGiovanni • General Motors sales analyst, on sales prospects for 2009. GM recently lost the title of top automaker to Toyota, although, considering the economy and bailout-tinged circumstances, neither are all that excited about that. • source

19 Jan 2009 15:29

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Biz: Fix it again, Chrysler: Fiat could be their new suitor

  • Fiat to buy stake in Chrysler? Chrysler’s under the gun after getting $4 billion from the auto industry bailout, so it’s looking for some outside help. It needs to come up with a plan to stay alive to show to the U.S. government by March 31. Enter Fiat, the Italian car manufacturer with a long history of foreign interests. source
  • Fiat to buy stake in Chrysler? Chrysler’s under the gun after getting $4 billion from the auto industry bailout, so it’s looking for some outside help. It needs to come up with a plan to stay alive to show to the U.S. government by March 31. Enter Fiat, the Italian car manufacturer with a long history of foreign interests.
  • Scratching each other’s backs Fiat at the very least would offer some help to Chrysler. Both would benefit from the deal. Chrysler gets access to Fiat’s experience in building efficient small-to-medium-size cars; Fiat gets a foothold in the American market to introduce some of its vehicles to the States. Win-win, right? source

12 Jan 2009 12:12

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Biz, U.S.: Oh wait! Obama wants me to release those bailout funds!

  • $350 billion was just signed off on by Bush source

12 Jan 2009 11:45

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U.S.: I’m outta here! This is on that Obama guy’s watch now.

  • I don’t intend to make the request unless he specifically asks me to make it.
  • George W. Bush • on the release of $350 billion in Troubled Asset Relief Program funds. If the money were to be released today, it wouldn’t be available until after Obama takes office. Obama has yet to request the money. • source