BUSINESS MEMO: FORD TO PROVIDE SIDE AIR BAGS

Ford Motor Co. will offer new side-impact air bags on all of its cars and light trucks within two years.

Ford is the first of Detroit's Big Three to commit to the additional safety devices designed to protect against deadly head and chest injuries.

In making its announcement, Ford officials say that although frontal collisions are more common, side impacts often result in more serious injuries.

Based on recent U.S. government accident data, the company said head injuries from side impacts account for more than 15,000 fatal or serious injuries each year.

Ford officials declined to divulge how much the new side-impact air bags will add to the price of a vehicle, but one analyst said the bags will cost $350 to $400 each.