AUTOS

Mazda Raises Most Prices: Mazda Motor Corp. said the increases on 1994 cars and trucks will average of 2%, or $301, and take effect today. The hike comes on top of a 4% increase for most models that was announced Sept. 3 for the 1994 model year. Irvine-based Mazda Motor of America said the latest increase does not apply to its popular 626 mid-size sedans. But it said it increased prices on its 323, Protege, 929, MPV, MX-5 Miata, MX-6 and RX-7 cars and its B-Series pickup trucks. A Mazda spokesman said the Japanese auto maker raised prices again to help cover higher costs and the effects of the strong yen. He said the increase was also in reaction to U.S. price increases by several other Japanese car companies.