Business and Finance
CAR SALES SURGED 24% in late February, surprising analysts and even auto makers. Combined sales of autos and light trucks jumped 25.5%. Incentive programs apparently fueled the increase, though the results were striking because of signs of sluggishness in other consumer sectors.</br></br>Major retailers posted weak sales for February, renewing recession fears. Sears posted a 1.1% gain, but many others reported declines.</br></br>---</br></br>Mexico's debt-swap plan will reduce its foreign bank debt by $1.1 billion, a J.P. Morgan official said, far less than originally envisioned.</br></br>---