Credit `opening up'

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: May 22, 2009 - 1:51 PM

Credit `opening up'

Bloomberg reports that U.S. auto sales are "starting to open up" as $7.5 billion in aid to the lending arms of General Motors and Chrysler eases a loan logjam for buyers, which helped drag the industry to its worst slump since 1981. While it's too soon to expect a robust recovery, dealers and others say, the federal support is helping stabilize the industry. GMAC approved about 62 percent of the loan requests from GM buyers in March, "much higher" than in recent months, said Mark LaNeve, the automaker's U.S. sales chief.

More Cars this weekend

Check this section tomorrow and Sunday for more features. Tomorrow, look for a profile of the 2009 Dodge Journey and an article on how domestic automakers are making advances in fuel efficiency vehicles. On Sunday, find profiles of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE and 2009 Dodge Sprinter Van. Plus, find tips on organizing and cleaning your messy car.

Back to the 50s coming soon

Mark your calendar for the annual giant car show, Back to the 50s, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota Street Rod Association's 36^th Annual Back to the 50s will occur on June 19, 20 and 21. Friday and Saturday times are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday times are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will host more than 11,000 street rods, custom classics and restored vehicles, all dating from 1964 and earlier. For more information, visit msra.com.