GM recalls 200,000 sedans on risk they could catch fire

The automaker said Friday it is recalling the 1997-2003 Buick Regal GS and Grand Prix GTP models with 3.8-liter supercharged V-6 engines.

During hard braking, drops of oil can leak from the engine onto the exhaust manifold, and fires can start if the oil gets hot enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its Web site.

GM spokeswoman Carolyn Markey said the problem has caused 267 vehicle fires and six injuries, five of them minor and one moderate. It also has caused 17 fires in structures, GM said.

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NEW YORK (AP) ‘ Another stunner from Wall Street on Friday sent the dollar to record lows against major currencies as U.S. banker Bear Stearns Cos. acknowledged it was in dire financial straits.

The euro traded for an all-time high $1.5687 Friday, while the dollar ‘ which has repeatedly hit record lows this week ‘ fell below the Swiss franc for the first time ever. Meanwhile, the dollar hit its lowest point against the Japanese currency in 12 years.