While a spokesman for the automaker wouldn't confirm the JLLhire, he tells GlobeSt.com that there is a significant amount ofsurplus property that could be sold. "We will continue to exploreoptions to sell," he says. "Generally speaking, due to thecircumstances we are facing right now, we certainly want to look atmaximizing the company's liquidity position. We're in the midst ofwhat is arguably the worst financial crunch since World War II."The company reportedly could raise another $253 million by sellingproperties overseas, including a Saab plant in Sweden and GM'soffice on Sandyford Business Estate in Dublin.

The firm recently divested its Oklahoma City assembly plant tothe city, which was able to give it over to Tinker Air Force Base,which will expand onto the site. He also says his company hopes tohave a deal closed by the end of the year to sell a former assemblyplant in Doraville, GA. "We're actively working that property," thespokesman says.

He says early this year, the company paid off a $626 millionloan to own outright the headquarters complex, which was formerlyknown as the Renaissance Center, along the Detroit River. Thecompany spent more than $1 billion to renovate the Downtownlandmark, which includes four 39-story business towers, with GMoccupying three of them and the fourth leased as multitenant. Thecomplex is about 90% occupied, and includes a 70-story Marriotthotel tower.