AUTOS

GM Downsizes Production Goals Again: The auto maker slashed 27,000 vehicles from its worldwide production schedule for the fourth quarter, blaming slow introductions of new models, parts shortages and time lost to a strike earlier this year. It was the second time in two months GM cut its fourth-quarter output schedule. The company said it hopes to build 2,116,000 vehicles worldwide in the quarter, down from an October projection of 2,143,000. For plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico, GM lowered its sights by 16,000 vehicles to 1,491,000 vehicles. The figures include joint-venture plants in Canada and California.