US carmakers double cash plea

Detroit motor companies are looking for $50 billion (£31.7 billion) from the US taxpayer - twice the size of the bailout first expected.

The money would be on top of $25 billion already approved to help the industry retool to make more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The chief executives of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler say they are confronting a "near collapse" in demand for cars. GM's Rick Wagoner, Alan Mulally of Ford and Bob Nardelli of Chrysler met House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate leader Harry Reid.

Pelosi said before the meeting the government needed to "ensure the viability" of the US automotive sector, whose sales slid 30% in October.

The carmakers and their union want the government to extend borrowing for $25 billion in emergency capital and another $25 billion for a healthcare trust for pensioners.