General Motors chief says ‘sorry’ for tax cash plea

The chief executive of General Motors apologised for asking for US taxpayers' money today as the Big Three of the American auto industry prepared to plead with the US Congress for more than $34bn (€26bn) in loans.

General Motors (GM), Chrysler and Ford were appearing before congressional committees today and tomorrow to ask for federal assistance after both GM and Chrysler said they would not survive beyond the end of the month without the rescue package.