AUTOMOBILES

Chrysler to Boost Output: The Highland Park, Mich.-based auto maker, optimistic about strong February and early March sales, said it scheduled a 25.4% increase in its worldwide vehicle production for the second quarter. Chrysler Corp. said it plans to produce 745,300 cars and trucks at plants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Austria. Much of the increase is due to the launch last year of its 1996 minivans, now in full production, Chrysler said. It also said it scheduled output of 244,000 passenger cars in North America--a 27.5% increase over a year ago and a sign the company believes a long slump in car sales may be ending.