Where is the auto stimulus money going?

The energy department has begun to dole out $25 billion in loans designated for the development of fuel-efficient vehicles. The program is designed to grease the wheels for technological innovation that will drive the auto industry of tomorrow to occur here in the United States.

After decades of job cuts in the US auto industry, the federal government is hoping that innovation can revitalize the sector and create employment.

The first $8 billion was handed out back in July, with Fisker being announced as a loan recipient just this week. GM and Chrysler have been excluded from this program to date, since they do not meet the economic viability standard for loan recipients.

The Big

Ford – $5.9 billion

Ford’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan, will receive the funds to produce 13 fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford says that this will include advances to the traditional internal combustion engine as well as electrified vehicles.

Ford’s EcoBoost technology will improve the fuel-efficiency of its current gas-powered line-up, models which sell over 2 million cars a year. Ford is also looking to convert 50% of its fleet to into so called flex-fuel vehicles that are compatible with E85, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

Nissan — $1.6 billion

Nissan will renovate its plant in Smyrna, Tennessee to produce electric vehicles (EVs) and the batteries that power these EVs. The plant is expected to employ 1,300 workers and produce 150,000 cars a year. Compared to other Japanese Nissan light on hybrids … leapfrogging Toyota and Honda?

The Small

Fisker — $528.7 million

Tesla — $465 million

Back in July Tesla CEO Elon Musk said “Tesla will use the loan precisely the way congress intended — as the capital needed to build sustainable transport.” This means $365 million is going towards putting out the follow-up to Tesla’s Roadster sports car, the Model S sedan, while $100 million goes towards a 650 employee power-train plant in California.

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