The movie actor Arnold Schwargenegger, who is running for governor of California

In a series of radio broadcasts, Arnold Schwargenegger, the actor-turned-candidate-for-governor, staked out some middle ground on social issues, taking positions that might alienate his conservative fellow Republicans but match the views of a majority of Califomians.

Toyota Motor, having topped Daimler-Chrysler’s American unit in sales for the first time last month, may be poised to dethrone Ford Motor as the world’s second-biggest automaker within two years. It has gained market share since the 1970s, in part by improving the quality of the vehicles it makes. That is reflected in higher customer satisfaction ratings and fewer defects.