AUTOS

Ford Boosts Incentives to Aid Taurus Sales: The sweetened financing terms were announced in an effort to protect the Taurus’ title of “Best Selling Car in America” from the Honda Accord, Ford also lowered the prices on almost all of its redesigned Escort and Mercury Tracer models, which go on sale next month. The Ford Taurus has held the top U.S. sales position for the past three years, but its sales through March of 91,828 were just 486 more than the Accord. Ford cut the financing costs for the Taurus and Mercury Sable, as well as the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, by offering loans with an interest rate of 2.9% instead of 4.8%.Ford said it was reacting to bigger incentives offered by Japanese auto makers and Chrysler Corp.