ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, October 29, 1996              TAG: 9610290050
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 

IN BUSINESS

14 states sue Mazda over TV ads

MINNEAPOLIS - Mazda Motors of America Inc. was accused by 14 states Monday of running misleading advertisements that promised customers no-money-down leases.

In separate lawsuits, the states allege Mazda's ad campaign is deceptive because consumers must pay up to $900 in up-front fees on the leases advertised as ``zero down'' or ``penny down.'' The fees include a $450 acquisition fee, a security deposit and the first month's lease payment.

A Mazda spokesman said the company is negotiating with the attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Reserve Board, and Mazda "had every reason to believe we would reach an amicable agreement.''

-Associated Press

Briefly

* U.S. coal production fell 2 percent in the week ended Oct. 19, to 21.2 million tons from 21.7 million, the U.S. Department of Energy said Monday. Production was 21 million tons in the same week last year. Virginia mines produced 656,000 tons that week, down from 683,000 tons the previous week and 692,000 tons a year ago. Coal production so far this year is 4 percent ahead of last year's.

* Central Fidelity National Bank said Monday it will introduce in early 1997 a personal computer home banking program that will let customers obtain account information, pay bills and transfer funds between accounts.

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