The White House unveiled a $17.4 billion bailout plan for U.S. automakers Friday, eliciting sighs of relief from the companies, which are currently teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.

DETROIT, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- U.S. automaker General Motors Corp. denied reports that it had reopened merger talks with Chrysler LLC, while Chrysler refused to confirm the story.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A bailout plan for beleaguered U.S. automakers is unlikely before the end of the year as Democratic congressional leaders say they don't have the votes.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Setting up rules for the $25 billion federal loan recently earmarked for the U.S. automobile industry may take months, government officials said.

In this month of financial turmoil, the Big Three automakers and low-income families have a reason to celebrate today, following the finalization of an act that provides capital for efficient cars and utility payments.

WASHINGTON, July 18 (UPI) -- The National Academies of Science has recommended the United States spend $200 billion to speed up deployment of hydrogen-powered cars.

CHICAGO, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. automakers say proposed fuel-efficiency standards would cost billions and risk jobs if they had to stop making their biggest, most profitable models.

CHICAGO, March 25 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating two near-collisions during the past week at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A federal inspector has been reassigned after raising safety concerns about Northwest Airlines during a mechanics' strike against the carrier.