Ford Motor Co. is recalling more than 692,000 vehicles

Ford is recalling more than 692,000 Escape small SUVs and C-Max gas-electric hybrids in North America to fix two safety problems.

The recalls cover vehicles from the 2013 and 2014 model years.

The first case covers 692,500 Escape and C-Max vehicles. A software glitch can stop the side curtain air bags from inflating in certain types of rollover crashes. Dealers will reprogram the air bag control computer for free.

The second case covers about 692,700 Escapes. Exterior door handles can bind and stop the door from latching properly. This could allow doors to open while the SUVs are in motion. Dealers will inspect the handles and reposition them if needed.

Chrysler recalling minivans for window switch problem

Chrysler Group is recalling 780,000 minivans to replace window switches that can short-circuit and overheat if exposed to moisture.

The company said Friday that it knows of 36 incidents related to the faulty switches, but is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

The recall involves certain 2010 through 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

U.S. wholesale stockpiles rise 1.1 percent in March

U.S. wholesale businesses increased their stockpiles in March by the largest amount in five months while sales increased at the fastest clip in 10 months.

Wholesale stockpiles rose 1.1 percent in March after a 0.7 percent gain in February, the Commerce Department reported Friday. It was the ninth consecutive monthly gain and the largest increase since a 1.2 percent rise in October.

Sales at the wholesale level were up 1.4 percent, the best showing since a 1.9 percent rise in May 2013. The gain in sales should encourage businesses to keep restocking their shelves to meet rising demand.

– From news service reports