Ever since U.S. auto giants General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC began contemplating bankruptcy last year, industry specialists have been asking one question: Will Toyota rescue them?
As Tuesday's deadline for President Barack Obama's auto task force to commit additional loans to the ailing automakers approaches, there is stubborn speculation Toyota Motor Corp., now the world's No. 1 automaker, may lend a helping hand to its rivals as concerns grow about the health of the critical U.S. market.
The futures of GM and Chrysler are not yet clear. Both must submit restructuring plans to prove their viability to the federal government by the end of this month to get more loans.