WASHINGTON, March 30, 2009 (AFP) - The White House has given ailing US automaker Chrysler 30 days to reach a deal with Italian auto giant Fiat to qualify for more US government loans, the New York Times reported Monday.

Chrysler would get no more help from the government if it fails to conclude the proposed alliance with Fiat by April 30, the paper said, citing administration officials.

Chrysler, the third largest automaker, has said the proposed deal could be worth as much as 10 billion dollars, as it struggles to stay afloat amid plunging car sales and the global economic downturn.

If a deal is reached within the 30-day deadline, the US administration will consider giving the company another loan of six billion dollars, the New York Times reported.

Chrysler has said it needs another five billion dollars in emergency loans on top of the four billion awarded in December.

Under the alliance Fiat would receive a 35 percent stake in Chrysler but provide no capital infusion.

Chief executive Robert Nardelli said earlier this month: "Our viability for the long term would be enhanced even more by global strategic alliances and partnerships. The proposed Fiat alliance provides significant benefits to Chrysler.

"Fiat would make available to us its entire product portfolio and powertrain technology, worldwide distribution capabilities for vehicles we produce today and synergies in the areas of purchasing and engineering, among others.

"We estimate the cash value of Fiat's contribution to be between eight and 10 billion dollars considering the cost to develop these vehicles, platforms and powertrains from scratch," he said.