UPDATE 1-US has no desire to run automakers -White House

* US wants self-reliant domestic automakers

* Obama adm hopeful for deal with Chrysler lenders (Adds chrysler)

WASHINGTON, April 27 - The U.S. government has no desire to run a domestic automaker even though in a restructuring it could wind up with a controlling interest in General Motors Corp <GM.N>, the White House said on Monday.

"We strongly back an auto industry that we believe can and should be self reliant," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters. "It is not our desire to either own or run one of the auto companies."

Earlier in the day, GM accelerated its restructuring plan by launching a bond exchange that, if accepted, would effectively nationalize the the company.

The government has already extended $15 billion to GM in bailout funds and has reserved up to $3 billion more to see the company through its June 1 deadline to develop a viable business plan or face probable bankruptcy.

Gibbs also said the Obama administration was pleased with proposed concessions by the United Auto Workers (UAW) that are considered crucial for cementing an alliance with Italy's Fiat SpA <FIA.MI>, Chrysler's only workable alternative to a court filing.

"It appears as if another hurdle has been cleared," Gibbs said ahead of Thursday's government-imposed deadline for Chrysler to prove its viability by completing the Fiat transaction.

Gibbs said the administration was hopeful the government would now strike a deal with Chrysler lenders to lower their debt, which represents the other chief requirement for closing the Fiat deal.

The Treasury Department is expected to propose new debt restructuring terms to the committee of banks and other lenders as early as Monday.

Chrysler is controlled by Cerberus Capital Management LP [CBS.UL].