DETROIT (AP):The amicable relationship Ford Motor Co has shared for decades with the United Autos Workers union may be on the verge of cracking, as the automaker seeks to cut its labour costs at time when it is in a far stronger position than its US competitors.

Dearborn-based Ford and members of the UAW's bargaining committee for Ford are meeting this week. On the table: additional concessions on work rules, strike provisions and wages for new hires.

The talks will be challenging. Ford's union workers agreed to amend their 2007 contract in March with concessions to help the automaker cut costs and avoid taking government aid. Some local union officials say workers have no interest in accepting further cuts.

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Chrysler sues Daimler

NEW YORK (AP):

Chrysler Group LLC has sued Daimler AG, accusing the German automaker of failing to abide by contracts requiring it to supply crucial parts and putting the production of key 2010 Chrysler vehicles in jeopardy.

The Auburn Hills, Michigan-based company said that without Daimler-supplied steering columns and torque converters it will be unable to produce several 2010 model-year vehicles, including the Chrysler 300 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV.

The parts are still being delivered to Chrysler and there has been no stoppage of shipments as of yet, Chrysler said. But if the deliveries do stop, production would be affected at the automaker's assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, and its Jefferson North plant in Detroit, a Chrysler spokesman said.