Current year's deficit outpaces previous year's

WASHINGTON -- The government ran a deficit of $344.3 billion in the first eight months of the 2004 budget year, according to the latest snapshot of the nation's balance sheets. The data released by the Treasury Department on Thursday showed more red ink than the $290.9 billion shortfall for the corresponding period last year. This year, the biggest spending categories are programs from the Health and Human Services Department.

Chrysler sets pace for manufacturing efficiency

DETROIT -- DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group made the biggest gain in North American manufacturing efficiency last year, passing Ford Motor Co. for the first time in a closely watched study of automotive productivity. Chrysler, the smallest of Detroit's Big Three automakers, improved overall productivity by 7.8 percent from 2002 to 2003, the second consecutive year it made the biggest jump in the report released Thursday by Harbour Consulting.

Ford Motor Credit to pay customers in settlement

LANSING, Mich. -- Thousands of Ford Motor Credit customers could receive $100 each as part of a settlement related to the company's vehicle leasing practices. The agreement likely will cost Ford Motor Credit and dealerships more than $6 million, the company said Thursday, although Ford's estimates differed from some projections provided by the 38 states involved in the deal. Costs would include an estimated $1 million in restitution fees to customers, Ford said.

-- From wire reports