DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

General Motors Corp. (GM) is close to buying Cobasys LLC, which makes batteries for some of GM's hybrid vehicles, the Automotive News reported on its Web site Thursday. Cobasys, which is owned by Chevron Corp. (CVX) and Energy Conversion Devices Inc. (ENER), had production problems that led to a recall last year, affecting about 9,000 vehicles. A source close to the matter said GM has asked consulting firm BBK Limited to audit Cobasys' finances. Full story at http://www.autonews.com/

-Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5500

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