Business

A gauge of Chicago manufacturing activity fell in April, the National Association of Purchasing Management said Monday.

Dongfeng Automobile Co. said its profit increased for a third straight quarter, rising 24% as China's surging economy boosted demand for trucks and other commercial vehicles, Bloomberg reported.

Consumer personal spending rose 0.3% in March, the Commerce Department said Monday.

Auto and truck parts supplier Commercial Vehicle Group said its first-quarter profit fell by 78% to $3 million or 14 cents a share, from $13.4 million or 62 cents last year.

Truck and engine makers said they were pleased with new guidelines on selective catalytic reduction technology issued by the U.S. EPA, despite some concerns.

Shipper-owned fleets are growing in size and importance where companies see value in controlling transportation capacity and service levels.

A coalition of groups filed a federal lawsuit last week aimed at stopping the Bush administration’s plan to open the U.S. border to Mexican trucks.

The national average price of retail diesel slipped 2.6 cents to $2.851 a gallon last week, its first decline after three straight increases.