WASHINGTON (AP) - The president's chief of staff is criticizing U.S. car companies for relying too long and gas guzzlers and not investing enough in alternative energy vehicles.

Rahm Emanuel also says the automakers have an outdated health care cost structure. He says the companies are making the kind of changes now that many people long had told them to make.

President Barack Obama's auto industry task force is trying to restructure General Motors and Chrysler by a March 31 deadline. If the Obama administration fails to approve their turnaround plans, earlier loans could be called back and the companies could be forced into bankruptcy.

GM and Chrysler have received $17.4 billion in loans, and are seeking an additional $21.6 billion in aid.

Emanuel spoke on CBS' "Face the Nation."

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