AUTOS

Chrysler Voices Commitment to Build Cash Reserves: Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Eaton, facing a call from investor Kirk Kerkorian to reward stockholders, said it is “appropriate” for the No. 3 auto maker to share some of its growing cash reserves with shareholders. But he said the company’s board will not change plans to stockpile $7.5 billion in cash to help it weather the next recession. Eaton declined to comment on what actions the board may take at today’s regular meeting, where directors are to discuss Kerkorian’s requests to raise the company’s common-stock dividend, initiate a share buyback program, announce a stock split and eliminate the company’s “poison pill” takeover defense. Chrysler’s stock was $1 higher at $48.50 in late trading on the New York Stock Exchange.