Obama to unveil auto aid plan by Tuesday -W. House

WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will unveil his administration's plans for aid to struggling U.S. automakers before leaving for a European trip on Tuesday, the White House said on Thursday.

"What the president said today and what he's maintained through the process is that America needs viable automobile manufacturers," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters. Obama said earlier on Thursday there would be announcements on automaker assistance over the next several days. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Eric Walsh)