AUTOS

U.S. Government Studies Safety of Hyundai Excels: The U.S. government has begun an investigation into the safety of 500,000 Hyundai Excels made between 1986 and 1989. The study comes after complaints that the drive wheels on the cars suddenly lock up, resulting in a skid and an abrupt, uncontrolled stop on the road. Ten accidents have been reported, resulting in seven injuries but no deaths. Most of the problems have occurred while the vehicle was traveling between 10 m.p.h. and 15 m.p.h., but there were several reports involving speeds of up to 60 m.p.h. as well, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The agency said it was opening the investigation because Hyundai refused the agency’s request for a voluntary recall. A spokesman for Hyundai said the auto maker was cooperating with the government’s investigation. The spokesman also said the company is conducting its own tests.