Dec. 2 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp. asked Congress for as much as $12 billion in loans to provide adequate funding through 2009, as well as a $6 billion line of credit should industry conditions worsen.

The automaker outlined its $18 billion request in a statement on its Web site. Ford Motor Co. earlier today asked Congress for a credit line of as much as $9 billion, saying it expects to break even or be profitable before taxes in 2011.

The two companies’ requests exceed the $25 billion in aid lawmakers has been considering for all three U.S. automakers. Chrysler LLC is due to outline its request later today. Ford, GM and Chrysler must convince a divided Congress their plans to shrink are severe enough to ensure repayment of the loans.

GM anticipates an “initial draw” of $4 billion this month, according to its statement.

To contact the reporter on this story: John Hughes in Washington at Jhughes5@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: December 2, 2008 16:04 EST