After the much awaited transition of power, changes are underway in all facets of the American community. One of the changes that we can believe in, as his campaign suggested, is in the car industry. But does Obama bring good news or otherwise?

“Everybody, from labor to management to creditors to shareholders, giving something up,” stressed Obama. He thinks that shared sacrifice among every industry including the car industry would have to be considered.

Ironic as it may sound, Obama has his own reasons. Automakers would have to wait and see what happens because this may mean that tougher conditions on federal loans will be imposed in his administration. To backtrack in Bush’s administration, he allowed automakers to get a specific loan so that they can keep up in spite of the recession. These loans had strict conditions that involved time tables as well.

(more…)

The US Senate has decided to approve $350 billion more of bailout money for the automobile industry. The budget, which is the second round of federal funds, is set to be released this year.

Sources say that the federal funds will be used to provide loan grants to automotive suppliers, auto finance companies and automakers.

The first $350 billion funds were released to fund emergency loans to automotive companies such as Chrysler LLC an General Motors.

The second round of $350 billion was released after aids to new President Barack Obama ensured that the funds will strictly be controlled, insiders say.

Obama designee National Economic Council Chairman, Larry Summers, said in a letter that the second $350 billion funds will not be allocated to industrial policies. He also said that the automobile companies will only receive the additional aid provided that they have a concrete reconstruction for long-term viability.

(more…)