Mulally is credited with turning around Ford while avoiding the government bailouts needed to save its crosstown rivals General Motors Co and Chrysler Group LLC in 2009.

MSN: "One Ford" strategy top focus, says incoming Ford COO

The talks are tacit recognition that the incoming administration believes that whatever Congress does is likely to be a stopgap to keep one or more of the Big Three -- Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.

CNN: President-elect's team weighing auto industry options

His administration provided bailout funding and ushered Chrysler and rival General Motors Co.

WSJ: Chrysler's 'Halftime' Ad Stirs Dealers

By 2009 Chrysler and Chery plan to co-develop another small car, perhaps the Dodge Hornet, which would be good enough for the U.S. market.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Dennis Gusick, who owns a distribution business that serves automotive customers, said he voted for Mr. Romney despite the former governor's opposition to the federal aid given to General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC.

WSJ: Romney Wins in Michigan, Arizona

The reason I came to Toledo was to congratulate Jill and her co-workers on the turnaround they helped bring about at Chrysler and throughout the auto industry.

WHITEHOUSE: Weekly Address: Growing Manufacturing with the Auto Industry Turnaround | The White House