Also . . .

General Motors Corp. dealers said they filed suit against the world’s largest auto maker to challenge changes the company has made in the way it spends its advertising money. In a suit filed in state court in Chicago, the auto dealers contend GM’s advertising program for local and regional markets violates Illinois law by taking money from the dealers without their approval. In December, GM said it would take control of an estimated $600 million in local advertising funds to reinforce brands and leverage media-buying clout. The change is to take effect April 1.

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AlliedSignal Inc. settled a lawsuit it had filed in 1997 claiming that a unit of Germany’s Hoechst wrongly used its patented technology to make super-strong yarn for tires. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.