Automakers Get $25 Billion

President Bush may be set to sign into law $25 billion in low-interest loans to help automakers and auto parts suppliers make fuel-efficient vehicles, but don't expect a rush of new hi-tech ultra-clean cars. Lower-tech solutions — smaller cars with more fuel-efficient engines — will be a more immediate priority, industry analysts predict. And the money will likely be used for immediate manufacturing needs rather than for deep research. According to the legislation, which is part of a massive spending bill that passed Congress, the funds must be used in the development or manufacturer of vehicles that are at least 25% more fuel efficient than an average vehicle of the same type already on the market.