AUTOS

Circuit City Stores Seeks Chrysler Franchise: The Richmond, Va.-based consumer electronics retailer wants the new car franchise for its growing CarMax chain of used car lots. The lots offer more than 500 used vehicles, haggle-free pricing and a computer system to help consumers find vehicles. Circuit City has lots in Raleigh, N.C., the Atlanta area and in suburban Henrico County, Va. A fifth lot is under construction in Charlotte, N.C. A new-car franchise would allow CarMax to purchase leased and rental cars directly from Chrysler Corp. and it would be able to buy cars at manufacturer-sponsored used-car auctions. Both sources currently are not available to CarMax. Circuit City and Chrysler have been in discussions for six weeks, Chrysler said. But Circuit City spokeswoman Ann M. Collier cautioned that the two companies are only talking.