AUTOS

Rental Car Franchisee Sues GM: The largest independent operator of Dollar Rent-A-Car franchises in Southern California is suing General Motors, alleging that the auto maker caused it such financial hardship that the franchisee was forced to close most of its 18 outlets. In a suit filed in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, the franchisee--Irvine-based Wishcorp--accuses GM of breach of contract, fraud and misrepresentation for canceling an agreement allowing Wishcorp to purchase discounted cars from the auto maker, obtain financing at favorable rates and sell the cars back to GM at guaranteed prices. The suit alleges that Wishcorp was put at a severe competitive disadvantage when GM unexpectedly canceled the arrangement in October 1993. Attorneys for GM said they intend to defend the company vigorously.