Autos
– While Ford is closing plants and eliminating jobs in the U.S., the plant in Mexico that builds the midsize Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ (formerly Zephyr) has been working three shifts since February to meet demand. And that’s before all-wheel-drive versions are added this fall that are expected to boost sales even more. In 2008, production should increase as Ford offers higher mileage gas/electric versions of the three in 2 008.
Recalls
– Ford is recalling 139,573 2005 Five Hundred and Mercury Montego sedans and 2005-06 Freestyle crossovers sold or registered in cold-weather states to fix latches that could let in water, freeze and allow the door to open in traffic.
– Ford is recalling 6,164 2006 Escape hybrids with front-wheel-drive to fix a drivetrain shaft that could fracture and prevent power transmission to the wheels or allow the vehicle to move when in park.
Motorcycles
– Harley-Davidson is teaming up with ConAgra Foods to sell Harley branded beef jerky and tap into the growing meat-snack business. The product, in teriyaki, pepper and original flavor, is slated to sell in packs of 3.25 ounces for $5.99 at convenience and grocery stores, Harley dealerships and truck stops. Shipments are set to begin Jan. 8.
Rail
– Illinois is doubling its subsidy for Amtrak trains to $24 million this year. The money will support seven round-trips from Chicago to St. Louis, Carbondale and Quincy, up from three now. The new service is to begin Oct. 30.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
