SPARTANBURG, SC-BMW is cutting production at its assembly plant here, because the volcanic eruption in Iceland has disrupted delivery of key parts for two SUVs. MORE

WEST MELBOURNE, FL-Lockheed could open a new manufacturing facility here, creating 100 new jobs. This $1.6 million expansion project would produce surveillance and reconnaissance equipment for the Army. MORE

NEW YORK-A gauge of future economic activity jumped 1.4 percent in March, the fastest pace of growth in 10 months. The rise in the Conference Board’s index of leading economic indictors suggests economic growth is likely to continue for the next three to six months. MORE

WASHINGTON-Toyota has agreed to pay a record $16.4 million fine for failing to properly notify federal authorities about a dangerous accelerator pedal defect. MORE

INDEPENDENCE, OH-Metalforming companies expect business conditions to remain steady during the next three months, according to the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report. MORE

NEW YORK-The economic recovery for the U.S. industrial sector is outpacing the national economy, according to ThomasNet’s Industry Market Barometer. MORE

WASHINGTON-President Barack Obama yesterday insisted that U.S. astronauts will reach Mars by the mid-2030s. MORE

BEIJING-A report released by the National Labor Committee details appalling work conditions at an Chinese electronics assembly plant. MORE

SEOUL, South Korea-Samsung is investigating reports of potentially cancerous materials or leaks of ionizing radiation at one its chip manufacturing plants. MORE

CLEVELAND-Union workers at Freightliner have tentatively agreed to a new contract that includes pay cuts and $200-per-month payments by employees toward their insurance. MORE