Business Notes Autos

American Motors has not shared in the recent boom times of the auto industry. While Ford, General Motors and Chrysler in the first quarter amassed large profits, AMC lost $29 million. The last thing AMC needs is what could be the world's most expensive carmaking plant, but that is just what it shoulders in Kenosha, Wis., where it makes Alliance and Encore cars. Assemblers among the factory's 5,800 workers earn an average of $13.44 an hour, vs. $13.07 in a comparable GM facility. Last week AMC's management, which wants concessions from the United Auto Workers to make the ancient lakefront factory more productive, vowed to close the plant by 1986 unless the union agrees to several changes, including wage reductions.

AMC is in desperate need of cash. It must find some way to survive until 1987, , when a new line of midsize vehicles is scheduled to be turned out at a plant being built in Canada at Brampton, Ont. For now, the biggest thing AMC has going for it is its popular Jeep. The company in the fall will introduce a Jeep pickup truck. AMC cannot turn to its partner and part owner, French automaker Renault, for help. Renault is in even worse shape. It lost $1.4 billion last year.