U.S., EU ask China to justify parts tariffs

The U.S. and the European Union have called on China to justify its tariffs on car parts at the World Trade Organization, saying the duties break international laws by discriminating against imports.

Chinese duties on imports of automobile parts force makers such as Volkswagen AG to source 40 percent or more, by value, of their components from China, the European Commission said in an e-mailed statement. That acts as an illegal domestic tax, said the commission, the 25-nation EU's executive.

The coordinated complaint is only the second ever filed against China since it joined the 149-government WTO in 2001.

As a first step under the Geneva-based WTO's rules, the two sides must hold consultations over 60 days in an effort to negotiate a solution. Should those talks fail, the U.S. and EU may then ask the WTO to arbitrate.

On-demand service adding more shows

PHILADELPHIA — More than a dozen popular television shows from NBC Universal's stable of network and cable programs, from "Law & Order" to "Monk," are being added to Comcast's on-demand service, the companies announced Thursday.

Comcast's digital-cable subscribers will be able to watch replays of prime-time programs whenever they want for 99 cents each, as early as midnight following their broadcast. Late-night and daytime shows will be available at no extra charge.

The shows come from NBC, USA Network, Bravo and include "The Office," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "Passions," "Monk," "Battlestar Galactica" and "Celebrity Poker Showdown."

This is the second such deal for NBC, which also offers replays of its programming over satellite broadcaster DirecTV's network. DirecTV subscribers also can pay to download some Fox Entertainment Group programs to their digital video recorders up to two days before traditional broadcasts.

ABC is making its shows available for viewing on Apple Computer's video iPod through Apple's iTunes service. NBC later joined that service as well.

LONDON — Nasdaq Stock Market dropped its $4.18 billion proposed offer for the London Stock Exchange on Thursday, becoming the fourth suitor in a year to abandon pursuit of Europe's biggest stock market.

But the second-biggest U.S. stock exchange operator left the door open to a tie-up in the future, saying it might make an offer under certain circumstances, such as if the London Stock Exchange agreed to a deal or a rival bidder emerged.

Bloomberg News, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.