Business digest

REGION

Salem area chamber plans legislative-affairs event

SALEM — The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce will have its legislative-affairs breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday at the Salem Community Center.

The cost is $6 for chamber members and $10 for nonmembers.

Linda Woggon, vice president of governmental affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, will speak on “How Will the Election Affect Your Business?”

Reservations are required by Monday and can by made by calling the chamber at (330) 337-3473.

NATION

GM granted right to buy stock in parts supplier

NEW YORK — Auto-parts supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. says it has granted General Motors Co. the right to buy up to 7 percent of its stock after accepting millions of dollars in aid from the automaker.

American Axle will also issue additional warrants for GM to buy an additional 12.5 percent of the parts maker.

Airlines add surcharge for travel around holidays

MINNEAPOLIS — Several big airlines this week have added $10 surcharges for most of their tickets for travel on three busy days around the Thanksgiving and New Year’s holidays.

American and United airlines added the charge for most of their fares for travel Nov. 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, as well as Jan. 2 and 3. On Friday, US Airways Group Inc. matched the surcharge, and FareCompare.com said Delta Air Lines Inc. added it, too.

GM could extend money-back guarantee

NEW YORK — General Motors may extend its money-back guarantee program after the promotion wraps up in November.

GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told CNBC on Friday he expects fewer than 1 percent of buyers will return their GM vehicles under the program.

GM launched the 60-day money-back guarantee program last week in a bid to draw new buyers who wouldn’t have otherwise considered a GM vehicle. The program allows consumers to return their vehicle for a refund between day 31 and day 60 of ownership.

From Vindicator staff and wire reports