AUTOS

U.S. Auto Labeling Plan Proposed: Consumers are in the dark when it comes to knowing if they are buying American-made cars, so the industry should identify the percentage of U.S. parts and labor used in manufacturing the vehicles, the Senate commerce, science and transportation subcommittee was told. The American automobile labeling act, sponsored by Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), would require such labels and identification of any country supplying at least a third of the original parts. Walter Huizenga, president of the American International Automobile Dealers Assn., said the bill would encourage consumers to discriminate against cars with a lower percentage of U.S. parts and labor, and could jeopardize auto exports if other countries adopt similar practices.