National Business Digest

NATION

More Americans express interest in hybrid vehicles

DETROIT — Inspired by spiking gas prices and growing concern for the environment, U.S. consumers are showing more interest in hybrid vehicles despite their higher price tag, according to a survey released Tuesday.

Seventy-two percent of recent car buyers said they’re definitely or probably interested in getting a hybrid for their next vehicle, up from 58 percent of consumers in 2005, the survey by marketing and consulting firm J.D. Power and Associates showed.

But once the average $5,000 price differential for a hybrid was revealed, just 46 percent said they still were interested.

Delta, Northwest pilot unions reach agreement

ATLANTA — Delta and Northwest pilot negotiators say they have a tentative agreement with Delta management on a joint contract to cover both pilot groups when the companies combine later this year.

Delta’s pilots union said in a statement Tuesday that the agreement is between the two pilot groups and Delta management. Terms were not disclosed.

Next, the two pilot groups will try to reach an agreement on a merged seniority list.

The joint contract agreement, which covers roughly 12,000 pilots from both airlines, still needs rank-and-file approval and to be reviewed by the governing bodies of the two unions.

Associated Press