AUTOS

GM Recalls Natural-Gas-Powered Trucks on Safety Defect: General Motors Corp. said it is recalling all 2,500 of its natural gas-powered pickup trucks on the road, after two of the vehicles’ fuel tanks ruptured and exploded earlier this year. GM said owners of the 1992 and 1993 full-size pickups can exchange them for comparably equipped 1994 gasoline-powered half-ton or three-quarter-ton GM pickups. If the owner chooses not to exchange the natural gas-powered truck, the company said, it will purchase the vehicle. Despite the defect, GM said it will continue with its program to develop a natural gas vehicle fuel system for both cars and trucks. About 90% of the 1992 and 1993 trucks are used by utility fleets in California and Texas.