White House says automakers must prove viability for aid

GREENSBORO, North Carolina (Reuters) - The White House on Tuesday said it was sticking with its position that ailing automakers must prove their viability before receiving government aid, as the industry's top three companies presented plans to Congress.

"We are sticking to our guns that the companies have to prove that they are viable before the taxpayer dollars should be given to them," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino told reporters travelling with President George W. Bush to North Carolina.

"I realise that they say they are teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. We've said that we wanted to support them and we've provided what we believe is a bipartisan way to do that," she said.

(Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)