DaimlerChrysler Says Healthcare Deal Stalled

DaimlerChrysler said it was unable to reach an agreement with the United Auto Workers union on reducing the company’s U.S. healthcare costs.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said the union had ruled out granting Chrysler the rollback concessions won by General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.

DaimlerChrysler said it would spend $2.3 billion on healthcare this year, making that the company’s largest single fixed cost.