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Michelle Wright: AT&T is purchasing BellSouth which, some analysts fear, could cause a reduction in competition. However, as CNN's Gary Baumgarten reports, one industry observer isn't too overly concerned.
Gary Baumgarten: Yes, this would give AT&T the kind of strength it hasn't had since its breakup in the formation of the Baby Bells. But Paul Levinson, author of Cellphone: The Story of the World's Most Mobile Medium, says the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Paul Levinson: "The fact that just one company controlling more will mean there will be likely better service, more reliable service, across larger geographic area."
Gary Baumgarten: And he doesn't think the marketplace will allow for customer rates to go up. Gary Baumgarten, CNN, New York.
Michelle Wright: In the latest tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2006 Ford Fusion received poor marks for offering protection in side-impact crashes. Automobile magazine editor-in-chief Jean Jennings says Ford is now reworking the car after the tests.
Jean Jennings: "Ford is talking about bringing back this Fusion with a curtain in place and having the institute do a test, they only do one test for free. And they do it with the standard equipment. "
Michelle Wright: The 2006 BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS were considered the best overall performers in the group, receiving top ratings in both front and side testing. Meanwhile, GM is putting the brakes on part of their investment in Suzuki, reports CNN's Jeannie Yorman(ph).
Jeannie Yorman(ph): General Motors says it's selling all but 3 of its 21% stake in Suzuki Motor. GM estimates the move will help it to raise roughly 2 billion dollars in cash to beef up its balance sheet as it looks to improve its North American operations.
Michelle Wright: Suzuki officials say they plan on purchasing that portion of stock as part of a buyback program.
Michelle Wright: And according to a government report, orders at factories fell 4. 5% in January. That's slightly less than expected, but still the biggest drop since July of 2000 as orders for durable goods, machinery, computers, and aircraft all fell.
With CNN Radio Marketplace, I'm Michelle Wright.
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WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
Baby Bells：因AT&T在1984年的解体而产生的各家区域性贝尔公司，包括Verizon、SBC和BellSouth等，AT&T本身被称为Ma Bell.
balance sheet:资产负债表，
buyback：股票回购
Ford Fusion：福特富绅
SUZUKI：铃木汽车
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