AUTOS

Ford Motor Co. Loses Asbestos Ruling: A jury ordered the Detroit-based auto maker to pay more than $14 million to the widows of two mechanics who died of cancer after being exposed to asbestos-containing brake parts. The Baltimore Circuit Court jury deliberated for 3 1/2 hours over two days before awarding more than $8 million to the widow of Keith Grewe Sr. and more than $6 million to the widow of Nollie Wood. The verdict marked the first time Ford was held liable for asbestos exposure from its brake lining, said Scott Shellenberger, a spokesman for the law offices of Peter Angelos, which represented Grewe’s widow. Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Flake said Ford would appeal. Ford stopped using asbestos in regular-production vehicles in 1992, Flake said.