AUTOS

GM’s Exports Up 20% in First Half: General Motors Corp.’s exports rose 20% in the first half of the year, and big models such as the Buick Roadmaster, Chevrolet Caprice and Cadillacs were particularly popular in the Middle East, the auto maker said. GM exported 31,979 vehicles to the Middle East in the first half of the year, compared to 28,781 in the same period last year. Shipments to Japan were up 23% in the first half to 3,552 units. Overall, GM shipped 66,657 vehicles from January through June. Ford Motor Co. said it hasn’t compiled its export figures yet, but the Gulf region also was its best market. Chrysler Corp. said it did not have export figures available for the first six months.