Business digest

NATION

Six automakers pay fines after missing mark on fuel

WASHINGTON — Six automakers paid fines totaling $6.4 million in 2009 because they failed to comply with federal fuel-efficiency standards.

The government says Porsche Cars North America paid $3.7 million in fines for violations dealing with imported passenger cars and light trucks. Maserati Automobiles of America paid a fine of $1.3 million for imported cars.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also collected fines from Mercedes-Benz’s U.S. division, Ferrari North America, Chrysler Group LLC and Fiat Group SpA.

Verizon explains increase in smart-phone charges

SAN FRANCISCO — Verizon Wireless says it started charging customers more to break service contracts for smart phones because those devices cost much more.

Verizon says the difference between what it pays manufacturers for phones and what it charges contract customers is more than twice as large for smart phones as it is for standard cell phones.

The explanation Friday comes in response to an inquiry from the Federal Communications Commission on why the carrier doubled the fees it charges customers to break service contracts on smart phones.

Wall Street slide ends

NEW YORK — The stock market broke a three-day slide Friday as stronger results at two big technology companies bolstered confidence about a comeback in the economy.

Tech stocks pulled the market higher in choppy trading that brought record volume to the New York Stock Exchange. Software company Oracle Corp. and BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. each posted earnings that topped expectations.

The Dow Jones industrial average added 21 points but fell for the week.

Associated Press