Government Watchdog Calls for GM, Ally Exit Plan
WASHINGTON — A subcommittee of the U.S. House Oversight Committee will hear testimony today from government watchdog Christy Romero, who said that the Obama administration must conjure a plan on how to sell the government’s stake in General Motors Co.
Romero — special inspector general for the corporate bailout initiative, the Troubled Asset Relief Program — offered her opinion on what is expected to be one of the highly contested issues heading into the November presidential election. While Romero disagrees with calls from the Republican-led House Oversight Committee to sell share below break-even prices, she said the Obama administration must come up with a plan for the Treasury to rid its stake in GM and Ally.
“Although that would result in taxpayers getting out of these investments more quickly, it would decrease taxpayer return,” Romero said of selling share below break-even prices. “Treasury should develop a concrete exit plan for GM and Ally.”
Romero said the U.S. Treasury would have to sell off its remaining 500 million shares at more than $52 each in order to break even on a bailout for GM, which would take years.
The Treasury has invested more than $50 million in GM, but has not sold any shares since 2010. The stock is currently trading at just above $20, down from its initial public offering price of $33 in November 2010. Taxpayers currently hold a 30 percent stake in the company.
As for Ally, previously known as GMAC, the government infused the former captive lender with $17 billion through multiple bailouts during the credit crisis and now owns more than 70 percent of the company. The former captive lender filed its intent to offer shares to the public back in March, but has since delayed plans to begin marketing its IPO.
More Industry

Ownership Priorities are Shifting
A new survey shows that in the U.S. vehicle quality for generation Z is largely defined by advanced safety features, intuitive technology and premium sound systems.
Read More →
Pump Price Jump Calculated
ISeeCars.com examined fuel costs for different power trains, finding which ones have experienced the biggest hits since the war in Iran commenced.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Wholesale values fell last week despite the spring season still being in the traditional full-gear mode, analysts said.
Read More →
Arkansas Auto Group Acquires First Indiana Rooftop
Performance Brokerage Services represented both the buyer and seller in the sale of Carver Toyota of Columbus by Carlock Automotive Group.
Read More →
Stellantis to Dive Into U.S. Lending
The multinational maker of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and multiple other brands received conditional approvals for a Utah-based industrial bank.
Read More →
New-Vehicle Prices Rise
With April sales down, higher prices on in-demand large vehicles helped inflate the overall ATP, though increases were under long-term averages, Cox Automotive reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Last week in the wholesale automotive market proved to be a mixed bag, analysts reported.
Read More →
Black Book: Weekly Market Update
Conversion rates were flat last week at 63%, Black Book analysts calculated, as low-mileage and almost-near units outpaced the overall market.
Read More →
EU Auto Association Urges Action
Trade relations between the European Union and the U.S. are at risk, causing the European Automobile Manufacturers Association to push lawmakers to make a decision.
Read More →
Driving into the Super CFC Era
Understanding the risks and benefits of retail accounting and Super CFCs can help you better present options to your dealer partners.
Read More →