AUTOS

House OKs Tenfold Hike in Minivan Tariffs: The House has voted to increase tariffs on imported minivans tenfold despite arguments that the action would raise prices of U.S.-made multipurpose vehicles. The tariff bill was approved 273 to 112 and sent to the Senate. The Bush Administration has threatened to veto it. The legislation would extend the 25% tariff now paid on imported trucks to sport-utility trucks, vans and minivans. It would boost the price of a Japanese-made minivan by up to $3,700. If Japan then chose to stop or limit exports, domestic prices could rise because of lack of competition. Foes also say the bill constitutes Japan-bashing because European models such as the British Range Rover and Germany’s Volkswagen van are exempt.