Toyota studying larger Prius people-hauler

Toyota's Prius family could continue to grow, literally, as the automaker studies an additional version of the popular hybrid that carries three rows of seats. The three-row Prius would not be the same vehicle as the Prius Alpha sold in Japan, which basically crams a third row of seats into the cargo area of the five-seat Prius V to be sold in the United States starting this fall. To the contrary, this potential Prius would be large enough to hold seven people as well as their stuff, said Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager.

Nissan Leaf gets battery warranty boost

Nissan Motor Co. plans to bolster the warranty of the battery module in its electric Leaf to reassure consumers of its durability. The company intends to notify current owners and dealers early next year that it will make the warranty retroactive to cover all existing Leafs, offering to repair or replace the car’s lithium-ion battery if it loses more than 30 percent of its ability to hold a charge after five years or 60,000 miles.

Low-mile Corvette stunner one of many at Florida auction

Sometimes we have to wonder about the rationality of those who squirrel low-mileage cars away for decades. It leads us to ask, why? Why make so much of an investment in a car if its very intention is not to be driven?