FOR RELEASE: 2009-02-17
GM Presents U.S. Government Updated Plan for a
Viable, Sustainable Company
Restructured GM to be
Re-focused, Streamlined and Simplified
2009-02-17 GM Viability Plan [pdf]
- Updated plan demonstrates GM's viability, despite further
deterioration in global economy
- Accelerated cost reductions
- GMNA EBIT breakeven level lowered to U.S. industry levels of
11.5-12.0 million units
- Additional government support requested in U.S., Europe and
Canada
- 'Fewer, better' products and brands, continued commitment to
segment-leading fuel economy and advanced propulsion technology
- Aggressive and bold plan that demonstrates significant
progress
WASHINGTON - 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.
2009-02-17 GM Viability Plan [pdf]