An in-form Barack Obama served up a heated defence of the $85 billion domestic motor industry finance bailout. He continued to praise the revitalisation of the economy and that of the industry itself.

He appeared at both the Chrysler Group LLC’s Jefferson North Assembly plant and General Motors Co.’s Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Plant, and received a rapturous welcome from workers, including one or two hugs.

He stated: "Don't bet against the American worker. Don't bet against the American people," Obama said, eliciting cheers from an estimated 1,500 workers at the Chrysler factory. "You are proving the naysayers wrong."