Auto

GM, Ford and Chrysler have offered $100,000 buyouts to many of their hourly auto workers. But for some of those employees the money isn't worth the uncertainty of getting another job. Dustin Dwyer reports.

GMAC will be closing most of its North American auto-financing offices and even cutting jobs to save money. Jill Barshay reports this doesn't mean you can't get a General Motors car loan, but it may take longer to get approved.

Having the second-largest car market in the world, China has also been charging higher tariffs on imports of car parts from abroad. The World Trade Organization has condemned this as protectionist. Stephen Beard reports.

While General Motors lost more money in 2007 than any car company in any year, it made a substantial gain to its core automotive business. Janet Babin reports the bright spot could be due to the company's turnaround plan.

Venezuela has begun moving oil revenues into Swiss banks to avoid a possible seizure of funds by Exxon Mobil. The move creates a new chapter in the legal fight between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and one of America's biggest companies. Dan Grech reports.

Chrysler has decided to reduce the number of models sold under its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. The company also plans to reduce dealerships, which could result in costly buyouts. Jeff Tyler reports.

The United Auto Workers is in the middle of its annual legislative conference, and as its an election year, the union is more fired up than usual. But Steve Tripoli reports UAW support doesn't come directly from funding.

To help profits, Ford might trim down its work force. But what will help the automaker after that? Ashley Milne-Tyte reports the company needs to rely on new product development in order to progress.

CEO Alan Mulally has been running Ford for the past 15 months, when he was brought in from Boeing to lead the turnaround of the troubled automaker. In an interview with Kai Ryssdal, he says he's got his work cut out for him.

The annual International Auto Show is usually where automakers showcase their biggest, shiniest models. But the rising price of gas is putting hybrids in the spotlight. Scott Jagow talks with David Welch.