Automobile manufactures are hopeful about the possibility of more bailout money from the federal government in the wake of an announced $5 million payment to the companies that make auto parts. While the current initiative is aimed solely at protecting the half-million workers in the auto parts industry, and amounts to far less than the $18.5 million said industry asked for, experts claim that the government's move indicates a willingness to continue providing aid to the ailing auto manufacturers.
See "Bailout for car parts makers a hopeful sign for Detroit", Ken Bensinger, Los Angeles Times, March 19, 2009