Car makers in U.S. seek help from Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) — Automakers plan to urge Congress to support funding up to $50 billion in low-interest loans over three years to help them modernize their assembly plants and develop next-generation fuel-efficient vehicles.

Industry officials said the loans, which are twice the amount authorized in last year’s energy bill, are a top priority when Congress returns next month because of the declining fortunes of Detroit’s automakers and tightening credit markets.

“The amount of concern and urgency from the Detroit companies has increased in the last month and significantly ratcheted up what they’re communicating what their funding needs are,” said Alan Reuther, legislative director for the United Auto Workers union.

Congress authorized $25 billion in low-interest loans in last year’s energy bill, but the auto industry’s allies in Congress have been unable to get funding for the plan.

The loans would provide low-interest credit for up to 30 percent of the cost of retooling facilities to build hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric cars and other alternatives.

Detroit’s automakers have struggled this year amid a sluggish economy and consumers shunning large sport utility vehicles and trucks because of high fuel prices. General Motors Corp. reported a second-quarter loss of $15.5 billion, and Ford Motor Co. reported an $8.7 billion loss.

The auto industry’s future has been a top issue in Midwest battleground states key to the presidential race. Sen. John McCain had opposed the retooling efforts, arguing that his $5,000 tax credits for consumers who buy fuel-efficient vehicles and a $300 million battery prize would accomplish the same goal.

But in a statement released Friday, the Arizona Republican said Congress should fund the loan program in the energy bill: “I believe we should fund it and take action that will assist Detroit and its suppliers in making it through this difficult time of transition.”

Douglas Holtz-Eakin, McCain’s top economic adviser, said the conditions had declined for auto companies seeking access to capital. “It’s a common sense response to the realities on the ground,” he said.

Democrat Barack Obama previously outlined support for the loans, and a 10-year, $150 billion program for green manufacturing. Obama’s campaign said Friday they would support the $50 billion loan program.

Auto industry officials have argued that the loan program would not represent a bailout, but would be similar to aid lawmakers have given to Wall Street investment banks and struggling mortgage firms. They also note that auto companies face tens of billions of dollars in costs from new fuel economy regulations.

“We don’t see it as a bailout. We see it as government assistance to help retooling tied to the production of these advanced technology vehicles,” Reuther said.