AUTOS

GM Prices to Rise an Average of 2.7%: The Detroit auto maker said the pricing for its 1996 model cars and trucks is consistent with its “value pricing” strategy started in 1993. “For 1996 we have established a modest increase in prices, but we will be equipping vehicles the way our customers want them,” said Ronald Zarrella, vice president and group executive in charge of General Motors Corp.’s North American sales and marketing operations. The increase also covers the cost of additional regulatory equipment, including on-board emissions diagnostic systems required on all 1996 light vehicles. The systems monitor the performance of the vehicle’s emissions control equipment. GM’s price increases are comparable to those announced by Ford Motor Co.