02 Jeep Liberty Wiper Arm on 2040-parts.com

Collector electrifies a 1955 LaSalle Roadster

Just months after Joe Bortz's unveiling of the restored 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne, the auto archeologist and collector is moving into the second phase of restoration with another General Motors Motorama concept car: the 1955 LaSalle Roadster. But here's the key difference--the LaSalle is going electric. As the LaSalle's motor was never completed, the roadster is considered a “push mobile.” To prepare the car so that it can be driven--rather than pushed--on the road, Bortz has teamed up with Pioneer Conversions, an Illinois business focusing in the electric conversion of various vehicles.

Volkswagen Group takes over BlackBerry's European R&D center

The Volkswagen Group has taken over BlackBerry's European research and development center in Bochum, Germany. The center employs around 200 people who will transfer to the newly founded VW Group subsidiary, Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH. BlackBerry is in the midst of a global restructure, as it bids to move away from making smartphones and switch its business to software development.

New Lexus IS UK debut

The 2013 Lexus IS – revealed at the Detroit Motor Show – gets its UK public debut at the Ideal Home Show at Earls Court. The Ideal Home Show may not seem the obvious place for Lexus to show the new IS, but Lexus are the headline motor sponsors for the event and you can’t argue with the footfall; footfall that is probably predominantly bang on the Lexus target demographic. And the target demographic for Lexus may be a bit surprised that the new IS is a chunk more dynamic looking than its predecessor, with statement looks – taking cues from the LF-CC Concept – that make the new IS a far more appealing prospect.