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Electric car world record on single charge – but it’s pointless

The Japanese Electric Vehicle Club did 632 miles in this Electric Daihatsu Mira Van When car endurance records are set they feel relevant only if they are real-world records. Records set by a car you can buy doing something you could do. A bit like Tom Ford’s run to Munich and back in a BMW 320d ED last week when he managed over 1,000 miles on a single standard tank of fuel.

California considers pay-as-you-go auto insurance

There are pay-as-you-go cell phones and all-you-can-eat buffets, and somewhere in between slots a new auto insurance concept under consideration in California. The proposed regulations would allow insurance companies to offer coverage plans paid for by the mile, in addition to traditional plans. The idea is to allow consumers to pay for what they use--and potentially save money.

Volvo S60 sedan shown at the Detroit auto show

Showing a new direction inspired by Scandinavian design, Volvo displayed a concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show that previews the new S60 sedan, due in 18 months. The car has a new face--with angled headlamps, a coupe roofline and no B-pillar--and an interior with the "environment of a modern Scandinavian living room," said Steve Mattin, Volvo senior vice president of design. The car's more emotional look is part of a longer-term strategy to give Volvo a more exciting image in the United States through changes in product design and marketing, said Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corp.