CONSUMER PRICES FLAT AS ENERGY PLUNGES

U.S. consumer prices were unchanged in November, the best performance since prices actually fell eight months ago. The docile inflation reading reflected a big drop in the cost of gasoline and other energy products.

The Labor Department said Wednesday the unchanged inflation reading last month followed a 0.3 percent jump in prices in October.

It was the lowest reading since consumer prices actually fell 0.1 percent in March. Core inflation, which excludes volatile energy and food prices, rose 0.2 percent in November.

Over the past 12 months, consumer prices have risen 2.2 percent, and core prices are also up 2.2 percent.

That is close to the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target for annual price gains.

Toyota recalls 70,000 vehicles to replace air bag inflators.

Toyota is recalling about 70,000 Toyota and Lexus brand vehicles in North America to replace air bag inflators that could explode and hurl shrapnel at drivers and passengers.

The recall covers the 2003 to 2005 Corolla, the 2002 to 2005 Sequoia, the 2003 to 2005 Tundra and the 2002 to 2005 Lexus SC.

Takata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion and inflate the bags. But it can deteriorate and burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister.

» Slovakia is buying 14 F-16 military jets from Lockheed Martin as it seeks to replace Soviet-era jets.

Slovak Defense Minister Peter Gajdos signed the contract Wednesday with Lockheed Martin vice president of international business development Ana Wugofski.

The F-16 Block 70/72 fighter jets are meant to replace the obsolete Soviet-made MiG-29 jets that Slovakia’s air force has used.

Interim boss at Audi named permanent head of luxury brand.

F R A N K-

URT» Volkswagen’s Audi

F division has named acting head Bram Schot as the luxury brand’s permanent boss after his predecessor was jailed.

Schot took over on an acting basis in June after Rupert Stadler was jailed while prosecutors investigate possible illegal manipulation of diesel engine emissions. Stadler has since left the company.