US Energy Dept to OK auto tech loans in "weeks"

WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) - U.S. Energy Secretary
Steven Chu said on Thursday that the Energy Department will
begin approving loan guarantees requested by automakers "very
shortly."

When asked for a specific timetable, Chu said they would be
approved in "weeks." Chu spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill.

General Motors GM.N, Ford Motor (F.N) and Chrysler have
each submitted applications for billions of dollars in advanced
technology loans to help them make more fuel-efficient
vehicles.
(Reporting by Tom Doggett; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)