BRIEFS - Chrysler recall

• Chrysler recall

DETROIT (AP):

Chrysler is recalling more than 367,000 Dodge and Chrysler minivans because the air bags can go off unexpectedly.  It's the second recall of the 2008 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for a similar problem.

Those vans were recalled in January because water from the air conditioner could leak onto the computer chips that control the air bags, and that could make them inflate. Dealers replaced an air-conditioner part to fix the leak.

• GM profit doubles

DETROIT (AP):

After years of big discounts, GM is charging customers more for its cars and trucks, and it's helping the bottomline.

General Motors Co said Thursday its second-quarter profit nearly doubled to US$2.5 billion. Higher pricing - mostly in North America - added US$1 billion to its results. Revenue rose 19 per cent.

Despite the good news, GM's stock faltered as the market saw its worst drop in three years. Investors fretted about the economic outlook and GM's admission that the second half won't be as strong as the first. GM shares fell four per cent to US$25.99, their lowest closing price since the company's November public-stock offering.

• Ford's US sales up

DETROIT (AP):

Ford Motor Co has said its US sales rose six per cent in July, boosted by small cars and SUVs.

Sales of the new Ford Explorer more than doubled from July of last year, while sales of the Escape compact SUV jumped 66 per cent. The Ford Fiesta subcompact was also a strong performer.

But truck sales were flat from a year ago.

July was a weak month for the industry, as consumers worried about the economy. Continuing shor-tages of some Japanese models also discouraged potential buyers.

Recently, Ford downgraded its forecast for total US sales this year, saying it would likely be around 13 million instead of 13.5 million.