CAR workers have vented their fury over Barack Obama's tough tactics, inflaming feelings that the people who put America on wheels are treated differently to the wizards of Wall Street.

The president said he was "absolutely committed" to the survival of a domestic car industry that could compete internationally.

He said the administration would offer General Motors "adequate working capital" during the next 60 days to produce an acceptable reorganisation plan.

And the government gave Chrysler LLC 30 days to overcome hurdles to a merger with Italian car maker Fiat.

But embittered car workers said the government had not dictated such terms to collapsed insurance giant AIG or the banks in which it had taken an ownership stake.

Mr Obama's actions came amid public outrage over bonuses paid to business leaders and AIG executives.