AUTOS

Ford to Sell Rangers for Electric Conversion: The auto maker is expected to announce today that it will sell Ranger pickup truck frames without engines, transmissions or fuel systems to companies that will convert them into electric-powered vehicles. The so-called gliders will be sold to any conversion company that meets quality, safety, manufacturing and warranty guidelines established by Ford Motor Co. The company expects the electric Ranger, a compact pickup, to be targeted largely for fleet use. By selling gliders, Ford can earn credits toward California’s requirement that by 1998, 2% of vehicles produced for sale in the state be zero-emission vehicles. The company is also road-testing an electric powered Ecostar van.