GM Could Repay Some Bailout Money in '09

Although Whitacre declined to name an actual figure, the possibility of even a modest loan repayment could help GM’s image. Since it filed for bankruptcy in June — after bleeding $88 billion since 2004 — the Obama administration has made a priority to keep GM afloat with a 61% government stake in the company.

October was the first time GM’s sales have risen since January 2008, and its market share improved to 20% for the month. It’s only one month, but it has given Whitacre and CEO Fritz Henderson hope that the automaker has made it through the roughest waters. Even if the amount is negligible — $50 billion is a pretty deep hole — in terms of a PR move, it couldn’t hurt.

GM May Repay Some Fed Aid in ’09 (Detroit News)