More details are now emerging of the US government's plans for Chrysler. Initially President Obama said he hoped the bankruptcy process would only last 60 days. But according to Bloomberg, the administration now accepts that this period will just cover the "sale of Chrysler's best assets" to Fiat.
Suppliers, including those in the chemical industry, now face a potential double hit. First, they may not be chosen as a supplier to 'new Chrysler', given that this will be a much smaller entity. Second, if they are not chosen, their claims for previous supplies may take many years to be resolved. And cleani-up costs, for those factories that cannot be sold, will probably account for most of any money remaining for creditors.
Suppliers preparing their contingency plans for a possible GM bankruptcy will no doubt take note.