WASHINGTON -- Even before U.S.-President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated in January, this week's election could help automakers that seek federal aid survive the recession.

Obama has said he wants to meet before his inauguration with the Detroit 3's CEOs. This year, the Illinois senator voted for $25 billion in low-interest federal loans intended to help automakers build more fuel-efficient vehicles. He also has said he supports an additional $25 billion in federal aid to the industry.

General Motors seeks federal help to complete a merger with Chrysler. That aid could come in several forms: an acceleration of the already-approved $25 billion in industry loans, participation by GM and its finance company in the $700 billion federal bailout of the financial industry or an economic stimulus package.

In a statement this morning, GM said it welcomes Obama's "pledge to support our nation's domestic auto industry in its ongoing efforts to transform its business and develop new technologies."

"This support comes at an especially critical time as our industry confronts one of the most difficult economic periods in our nation's history, caused by the global financial crisis," the GM statement said. "And this support will enable a competitive U.S. industry to contribute significantly to our nation's economic revival, in employment, technology, energy security and other important areas."

More intervention

In the longer term, Obama's election could test traditional views of industry executives who favor smaller government.

Obama has said he wants more federal intervention in business through regulation, a fee on greenhouse gas emissions to fund clean energy programs and a rethinking of free-trade policies that have held sway during both Republican and Democratic administrations of the recent past.

The new president will be backed by Democrats who increased their hold on both houses of Congress, although they fell short of a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

The National Association of Manufacturers, which includes some automakers and suppliers, extended early congratulations and appeared ready for a more activist government.

Manufacturing's role

"President-elect Obama understands the importance of manufacturing and what's good for jobs and the economy overall," said association President John Engler, a former Republican governor of Michigan.

Engler said Obama "has opposed unfair trade policies that have disadvantaged U.S. manufacturers and expressed support for key issues that are important for jobs creation, including trade, energy and work force training."

Import brand auto dealers -- among the biggest proponents of free trade -- will need to educate the new administration and Congress about the importance of trade in helping fix the global economy, said Cody Lusk, president of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

Lusk said today: "Business is tough for everyone."