Also . . .

DaimlerChrysler’s U.S. unit said it will suspend production next week at a plant in Michigan to keep inventories of its small cars under control. Another plant in Illinois will be idled for at least a week for a changeover to production of the 2000 model Plymouth Neon. About 6,200 workers will be idled by the moves. DaimlerChrysler was formed earlier this month out of Daimler-Benz’s $35-billion purchase of Chrysler Corp.