MICHIGAN

GM tests technology that could raise fuel economy 15%

DETROIT — General Motors Corp. says it is testing a new combustion process that could increase fuel economy in conventional engines by up to 15 percent.

Fuel economy has become a increasingly important issue as gasoline prices have risen. Foreign automakers have captured a bigger share of the U.S. market in part by emphasizing fuel efficiency.

The process GM is testing, called homogeneous charge compression ignition, approaches the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine without the need for advanced pollution controls, the company said. The process ignites an air-fuel mixture in the cylinders by compressing it, producing a low-temperature, flameless energy release in the combustion chamber, the company said.

It is being tested in two drivable concept vehicles, a Saturn Aura and an Opel Vectra, and was to be shown to reporters Friday at GM's proving ground in Milford.

COLORADO

Appeals court will hear Nacchio case on Dec. 18

DENVER — A federal court on Friday scheduled oral arguments for Dec. 18 in former Qwest Communications CEO Joe Nacchio's appeal of his insider-trading conviction.

Nacchio was sentenced to six years in prison after he was convicted on 19 insider trading counts stemming from the sale of $52 million worth of stock.

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled this week Nacchio could remain free on $2 million bond while it hears the appeal.

Nacchio's attorneys have until Oct. 9 to file the appeal, and the government must respond by Nov. 9. Nacchio could chose to file a response to that by Nov. 20.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

SanDisk officials reverse pay cut after market improves

WASHINGTON — SanDisk Corp. officials have reversed a pay cut for executives after just five months, saying market conditions improved dramatically for the company, which makes data storage products for cameras and other electronics.

Company founder and Chief Executive Eli Harari took a 20 percent pay cut starting March 1. However, after revoking the pay cut this month, SanDisk set Harari's new base salary at $848,000. The company paid him an $800,419 salary in 2006.

The Milpitas, Calif.-based company's decision to reverse the pay cut was noted in its quarterly report for the second quarter ended July 1, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Aug. 7.