Combined storage and docking unit for a portable electronic device

A combined storage and docking unit for a portable electronic device comprising:

• a storage box for attachment to an instrument panel of a motor vehicle;
• a lid hingedly connected to the storage box by a pair of depending arms located near a rear end of the lid;
• at least one electrical connector attached to the storage box for selectively connecting the portable electronic device to one or more electrical circuits of the motor vehicle;
• a lid opening spring connected to the lid to bias the lid towards an open position;
• and
• a user operable locking mechanism to hold the lid in a desired position against action of the lid opening spring, wherein the user operable locking mechanism is operable to allow free movement of the lid when released and prevent movement of the lid in either direction when engaged and is selectively engageable to hold the cover in a position in which the portable electronic device is clamped between the lid and the storage box in a display position in which the electronic device is visible to a user of the motor vehicle.