German Parts Pillagers Roam the American Southwest, Sending Treasures Home For Future Car Museum

Quite a few older European cars are purchased in rust-free parts of the United States and then shipped back to the home continent, and this process tends to intensify when the Euro gets stronger versus the dollar. While that's going on, crews of European gearheads also roam the wrecking yards of the Southwest, filling shipping containers with parts to ship back home; I know of a trio of Swedes who come to Colorado every year and ship home tons of parts, but they've got nothing on this pair of Germans. These gentlemen fly to the United States four times each year, spending two or three weeks each trip, and send home cars and shipping containers packed with parts, all as part of a scheme to open up a car collection showcasing "cars from the road." They were kind enough to send me a bunch of photos of their most recent trip, so let's see what their enviable lifestyle looks like.

Bob Lutz to join EV start-up VIA Motors

Robert Lutz, the former General Motors Co. vice chairman who rejoined the automaker this month as an adviser, has taken a position with electric vehicle maker VIA Motors. Lutz's role at GM won't change because of the move, a GM spokesman said.

Audi A3 at 2012 Geneva motor show

This is the new Audi A3, revealed on the eve of the 2012 Geneva motor show at the VW Group’s traditional pre-show party. This third-generation A3 is built on the VW Group's new MQB platform, is lighter than its predecessor, will eventually be sold in hybrid guises, and boasts high-end technology that even the Audi A8 limo doesn’t have. So what should I know about the new Audi A3?