Virginia Beach Dealers

Virginia Beach listed in "Worst Traffic Cities"

Checkered Flag fans will not be surprised to find their hometown at the top of a newly published list.  The Weather Channel has just released their list of the 2013 Cities with the Worst Traffic.  And, guess who is at #22. 

According to the report, the average Virginia Beach area resident spends 18 hours per year sitting in traffic.  Yikes!  To make matters worse, they added that all that waiting in gridlock can have some terrible effects on the members of our community members.

“Not only can time spent in traffic wreak havoc on your emotional health and stress levels, but also it can damage your sleep cycle, lungs, heart and brain.

The air pollution from traffic has recently been shown to increase risk for heart disease and stroke, as well as lung diseases, such as COPD and poor cognitive performance. One recent study even linked traffic noise to an increased risk of ADHD in children.

Traffic can be so harmful to kids, in fact, that living near a busy road can cause enough lung damage to trigger asthma, making traffic pollution as harmful as secondhand smoke, a study published in the European Respiratory Journal found earlier this year.”

The top three cities with the worst traffic are Los Angeles, Honolulu, and San Francisco. 

Well, if you have to sit in traffic, you may as well wait in style and comfort.  Visit any of our eleven Checkered Flag locations to find the right ride to keep your stress level at a minimum.  We carry a full selection on environmentally friendly hybrid vehicles including Toyota Prius, Honda hybrids, and even BMW hybrids. 

For more Hampton Roads traffic news, stay tuned to the home of your favorite Virginia Beach and Norfolk used car stores, Checkered Flag.com.

Info and image source: [weather.com]

Protect your vehicle from environmental forces

That mess that's all over him?  It hits your vehicle every day. 

No, I don't men mileage or worn tires.  I'm talking about the nasty stuff.  I'm talking about the poop. 

Every day our cars, SUVs, and trucks are spilled in, scratched up, and slowly eaten by salt and acid.  It's not something we think of when we see the shiny new rides perched prettily on our Checkered Flag lots.  But, these vehicles are an investment and should be taken care of as such. 

Now, we have customers who bring their vehicles in on a weekly basis for cleaning, and they usually stick to their maintenance schedules as well, but, there is another step you can take to ensure a long and happy life for your new auto. 

When you purchase your vehicle from one of our Norfolk or Virginia Beach new and used car stores, you will be offered a handful of extra options that are easy to rush over in the excitement of your final purchase process.  However, these offered vehicle protection services should be given special consideration before you drive your new baby off the lot.  Options such as Environmental Protection, Ding Shield Service Plan, Road Hazard, and LoJack could end up saving your vehicle and ultimately, your money, in the long run.  

See the following video then visit Checkered Flag's Vehicle Protection Plans page for full information.  Link to page:  Virginia Beach Car Protection Services

Understanding Cultures-Making BMW Number 1

BMW is one of a very few companies that is intersted in truly knowing people before selling them a car.  Immersing themselves into a culture helps them to best design a car to that group, helping them to love the driving experience, not just get from point A to point B.  The drivers in Germany and the US have very different needs and BMW has made sure to take note of those differences, and they are reflected in Checkered Flag BMW in the available inventory.

The same distinctions can now be made for the Chinese counterparts at BMW.  The company created a design lab in China that takes into account every aspect of Chinese life and makes a BMW that is reflective of the people’s needs.

BMW Shanghai: Driving in mega cities, designing the future and more
By Seyth Miersma

A few days before the Shanghai Motor Show kicked off, we were part of an international group of media that was invited to have a look at the BMW Designworks Shanghai Studio and ConnectedDrive Lab facility. The building that BMW found to house its Chinese think tank is in a lovely part of Shanghai known as the former French Concession. The late 1890s and early 1900s French architectural style, brick-paved streets and tree-lined spaces feel a world apart from the ultra-modern heart of Shanghai, and the BMW enclave is a suitable mix of high-tech and throwback cool.

We were visiting, in short, to understand just why BMW has found it important to have design and research capability in China. As it turns out, answering those questions also served to shed some light on the Chinese auto market as a whole – what it looks like today and where it's going over the next few years.

Of course, the basic idea of developing new facilities and human resources in a foreign market is to be able to better design and build cars for that market. In terms of design, this isn't a new concept. In terms of BMW design, and more specifically its DesignworksUSA team, the concept has been a reality for more than ten years now. In Shanghai, the process is just getting going, with the BMW team getting a late start, setting up shop just last year.

In fact, the concept of following mega-city trends will inform the work that his happening at the BMW facility, even outside of the design department. The ConnectedDrive engineers in Shanghai have a ground-level view of not only the challenges they see in China, but also are seeking a better understanding of what the Chinese people view as innovative solutions.

A great example here has to do with the crippling traffic, in and around the city. Much has been made of the Chinese inclination to be chauffer driven; an idea that makes sense when you consider the wealth of China-only long-wheelbase-model cars and the aforementioned traffic snarls in huge cities. BMW is learning that actually represents a changing and/or incomplete picture of the situation today. While it's true that heavy traffic affects the lives of all drivers, it's not the luxury of a chauffer that makes LWB cars attractive; especially for younger Chinese who prefer to drive themselves. Instead, the idea of having a car with great interior volume, especially maximized in the rear seats, has to do with making space for the driver's friends, family and business associates – people that he or she cares greatly about. It's a concept that BMW has labeled the "Inner Courtyard" and it's helping to direct research into a new generation of semi-autonomous cars.

Source: [autoblog.com] Shortened for Length

Having a true understanding of a culture can only make BMW one of the strongest companies for any culture.  The Chinese lucky enough to own a BMW will be some of the most comfortable and well served drivers in the world.

Checkered Flag BMW, Virginia Beach’s premier BMW dealer, is proud to be part of a company that cares so much about the true driving experience.

For more information about BMW and all that Virginia Beach BMW has to offer, give them a call today at (757) 687-3447.  Set up your appointment to come test drive a vehicle like no other.

MINI Sells 500,000 and Has Anniversary-What a Good Week!

 

Checkered Flag MINI, Virginia Beach’s premier MINI dealer, is proud to boast about helping the company sell 500,000 vehicle in the US.  That means that MINI is gracing the driveways of many happy Hampton Roads residents. 

This accomplishment comes on the heels of another important date for the company-the 11th US Anniversary. 

Mini sells 500,000th car in US
By Zach Bowman

Mini has officially sold 500,000 vehicles in the United States. The achievement came just a few days after the company commemorated its 11th anniversary in America. When the automaker first opened its doors to US buyers in 2002, it sold just 24,590 units. Last year, the automaker moved 66,123 vehicles thanks in part to an expanded lineup that now includes the Clubman, Countryman, Coupe, Roadster and Paceman in addition to the stalwart Hardtop and Convertible. The company plans to have some 130 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2013; there are currently 116 Mini dealers in the US.

Mini helped reignite an interest in small cars with plenty of personality when it debuted the Cooper 11 years ago.

Source: [autoblog]

Congratulations MINI on your sales success as well as the Anniversary.  The US is happy to have you, and Virginia Beach MINI is proud to celebrate the milestone with you.

For more information about you local MINI store, Checkered Flag MINI, call (757) 687-3447.  The knowledgeable sales agents will help you accomplish your dreams of MINI ownership.

KBB Gives Credit to Checkered Flag Brands

Checkered Flag fans have always known that some of the best vehicles around were waving the Checkered Flag out front.  It is so nice to be in the ranks with the Best of the Best.  I am sure you are getting spoiled by the accolades on your brands of choice, but really, who doesn’t like a bit of praise.

This year KBB awarded lots of brands as first timers in their market.  Some bloggers were surprised by the titles that were taken, but honestly, I am really not.  Who would be surprised really-if they experienced the cars at their fullest-that Checkered Flag brands could blow your hair back and outperform competitors?

KBB 2013 Brand Image Awards has some obvious and oddball winners
By Jonathon Ramsey

The sixth edition of the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards have crowned a wide range of winners – in a couple of cases the recipient of the laurels might say more about KBB users than they do about the actual winner. Compiled from the responses of more than 12,000 shoppers on KBB.com over the past year, there are 13 categories broken into non-luxury, luxury and truck segments "representing the combined wisdom of the American car-buying public."

The award categories have been revamped this year, with some dropping off, some new ones appearing and at least one other given a new term. What isn't surprising is that Honda won Most Trusted Brand for the second year running, Best Value Brand for the third year in a row and took Best Overall Brand, which wasn't on last year's list of awards.

On our own shores, in the non-luxury categories Chrysler got Most Refined Brand and Buick took Best Value Luxury Brand. Neither one of those marques won anything in last year's Brand Image Awards, while Cadillac, which won Best Interior Design Brand and Best Comfort Brand last year – those awards disappeared this year – went home without a single accolade.

Winners that made us go "Hmmm..." are Toyota for Best Overall Truck Brand and Mini for Best Performance Brand in the non-luxury segment. Last year's truck award was for the Most Rugged Truck Brand and was won by Ford; the switch to "overall" takes things in a completely different direction for KBB users, it seems. And Mini dominating non-luxury performance is something we'd like to hold some focus groups to find out more about.

Source: [autoblog]

There were definitely some obvious wins-which I can agree with.  Honda should always be associated with reliability and value.  Checkered Flag Honda has been able to boast those honors forever, and will continue to do so-with good reason. 

Some of the arguments of the article are a bit flawed to me though.  MINI and Toyota cannot be that great a surprise for anyone who has visited Virginia Beach’s favorite MINI and Toyota dealerships-Checkered Flag.  The MINI performance is amazing.  The speed and road hugging features that come standard with the amazing design of the Cooper should always be considered when performance is being assessed.  The Brits know what they are doing with this one. 

For the Truck segment, who wouldn’t compare the Tundra with some of the Ford offerings?  For the reliability and the raw muscle that comes with the Toyota Tundra, anyone in their right mind would put it leaps and bounds ahead of any competitor.  They have taken the market for Trucks all year, why would anyone challenge or be in question of the ruling by KBB.  They are obviously very smart people at that Kelley office.

For more information about the brands sold by Checkered Flag, stay logged on to Checkeredflag.com.  Come in to one of the dealerships today along Virginia Beach Blvd and see what all the hype is about.  You will not regret the decision to come in and shop where Winners Buy.

BMW Performance Power Kit now available at Checkered Flag BMW

What's better than your BMW?  How about your BMW with a Performance Power Kit?

Check out the new BMW M Performance Power Kit now available at Checkered Flag Toyota.

BMW offers M Performance Power Kit for 2012 335i sedan
By  Jonathon Ramsey

BMW has let loose a new M Performance Power Kit for its F30-generation 335i and 335i xDrive sedans. Starting at $1,100 for the kit – installation is extra – your car will be fitted with a new ECU and air intake on the functional side and an M Performance engine cover and rocker panel stickers on the decorative side. The Power Kit raises the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder's horsepower rating from 300 to 320, and on automatic models, torque gets a boost from 300 pound-feet to 332 lb-ft – manual transmission models get a smaller bump to 317 lb-ft.

According to the Bavarian automaker, you'll be able to hear the change in the overrun exhaust note, and 0-60 mile-per-hour times drop by 0.2 seconds. The package is available now at all BMW Centers in the US, and if you get it installed when you purchase the car new, it will get the same four-year, 50,000-mile warranty as the vehicle. Have it done after the fact and the kit will be warranted for two years and unlimited miles.

Information source:[autoblog.com]

Visit our Checkered Flag BMW store on Virginia Beach Blvd for your new performance power kit.  Call (757)490-1111 for more information or to set up a BMW Performance Power Kit appointment. 

AAA urges Smart Key users to be more careful about locking themselves out

One thing is for sure.  Drivers love a smart key.  But, many smart key users do not know the ins and outs of their smart key system.

When you purchase a new vehicle from Checkered Flag, your sales associate will give you a full run-through of all the buttons and functions of the vehicle then recommend you read the owner's manual.  While the smart keys available with many of our new vehicles are really cool and exciting, it is important to know the ins and outs of all of your smart key functions.  

AAA SAYS MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS STILL LOCKED OUT ON SMART CAR KEYS

Motorists' smart key learning curve results in risky and costly lesson

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., (March 07, 2013) - Even as the technology, security and convenience of automobile "smart keys" evolve, AAA finds motorists are not keeping pace and are frequently outsmarted by their "smart" keys. In 2012, AAA came to the rescue of over four million members who locked themselves out of their vehicles, a number that has dropped little in the past five years; even as use of smart keys has increased. In Hampton Roads alone, AAA Tidewater answered 27,365 lock out calls in 2012. First available in luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes and Lexus, almost all automakers now offer the smart key as standard or optional equipment within their fleet of vehicles. As a modern convenience, transponder fobs allow motorists to enter and start their vehicle key-free.

"Traditional car keys will likely become obsolete and be replaced by technologies offering even greater security and convenience," said Georjeane Blumling, spokesperson for AAA Tidewater Virginia. "Motorists will need to adapt with the technology to avoid the hassle and expense of smart key replacements."

While new smart key features provide a long list of conveniences, including remote start and stored driver profiles, motorists unfamiliar with operating keyless fobs can face risky situations and lockouts. Forgetting to turn off the car before exiting the vehicle, or not knowing how to quickly shut down the engine in an emergency, has proven to be a problem for some. For those systems with remote start capability, it is critical that motorists never start the vehicle in an enclosed space where engine exhaust gasses containing poisonous carbon monoxide can be trapped - with potentially fatal consequences.

Just as motorists adjust to smart key features, they may be surprised to learn that smartphones may soon be an option to replace their car key altogether. Electric vehicles from Chevrolet and Nissan today have special mobile apps that can be used to monitor and control many of their basic functions. Hyundai recently unveiled a more advanced concept that allows motorists to enter and start a vehicle using a specially-configured smartphone that can then interface with the vehicle to provide additional functions and services. Some of this technology could be seen in vehicles as soon as 2015.

The greater conveniences and features of modern car keys do not come cheap and require more maintenance. The purchase price of vehicles that offer modern key technology are higher, the fob battery must be changed periodically and it can cost hundreds of dollars to buy, cut and program a new or replacement key.

"The cost to replace a transponder key runs around $100, and replacement smart keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the make and model," continued Blumling. "Many newer keys must be programmed by a dealer or locksmith with special electronic equipment and accesses to highly confidential codes that are required to service the vehicle security system.

AAA recommends motorists take special care of their transponder and smart keys. Here are some steps that can help prevent danger, loss or damage of vehicle keys, and limit the replacement cost in the event a key is misplaced:

• Familiarize yourself with the full capability of your smart key and know what to do in an emergency situation
• Become comfortable with the features of the smart key in a safe environment
• To avoid keyless-entry remote or smart key failure, replace the key/fob battery every 2 years or when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer or the in-car low battery warning system.
• Don't expose your keyless-entry remote or smart key to harsh elements - especially water.
• Obtain a spare key and store it in a safe location for emergency use only.

End of AAA article.  Article source: [tidewater.aaa.com]

For a full selection of vehicles with smart key capabilities contact Checkered Flag at (757)687-3447.  Need more help with your smart key or vehicle transponder?  Contact our Checkered Flag Norfolk or Virginia Beach automotive service departments at (757)490-1111. 

Spy Shots-2016 BMW 7-Series

I love it when a spy shot gets brought out and it is of something super exciting and very anticipated.  BMW is making my stomach flip with excitement.  The All new 2016-7-Series has been spotted.  It is slimmer and stylish, just as a car should be going into the summer months.

Checkered Flag BMW fans, you know I will keep you informed of the details of this beauty as they are leaked.  We are still a bit far out to have all the goods, but from what we see-Virginia Beach BMW is looking to be a hot spot of activity come this gorgeous animal’s delivery.

2016 BMW 7 Series spied for the first time ever
By Seyth Miersma

Ladies and gentlemen, Bimmerphiles and automotive voyeurs of all stripes: here is your next-generation BMW 7 Series. Captured in photographs for the first time ever while doing a spot of cold-weather testing in Sweden, this newly slim 7er will most likely debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015 and launch in the 2016 model year.

Sources indicate that BMW is targeting a much lighter curb weight for the 7 Series, and will use learnings gained with the i3 and i8 development to add carbon fiber-reinforced plastics in the construction. In return we'd expect the new model – which uses the internal model designation "G11" – to offer improvements in handling, acceleration and fuel economy. As with the current 7 Series lineup, expect the engine range to include turbocharged inline-six engines, one or more V8s and a V12 option.

It's fair to say that, with the car's debut still years down the road, that BMW will work to launch with an impressive suite of in-car technology, too. A completely new version of iDrive shouldn't be ruled out. These shots mark the beginning of a long journey to 2015, and we expect to have loads more information to share in the coming months and years, so stay tuned.

Source: [autoblog]

2015’s Frankfurt Motor Show will be buzzing when they drive out this amazing creature.  BMW enthusiasts everywhere are anxious to get all the details, but BMW is keeping us baited.  They are showing just a bit more skin at every peak.

Checkered Flag BMW fans, a promise is made that all details will be yours when they creep out.  Stay logged on to get the newest info.

For more information about the current in stock vehicles at Virginia Beach’s premier BMW location, call (757) 687-3447. 

BMW Brings Genius to Dealerships

With the popularity of Apple products, who isn't familiar with their concept of the "Genius Bar"?  BMW is taking it to the next level with their own version of the program.  With each BMW sold, dealerships such as Checkered Flag BMW have a huge responsibility to make sure that each vehicle sold and delivered is fully understood by the recipient.  That being said, most drivers still don’t understand fully everything that their vehicle is capable of. 

Because of that issue, BMW is introducing a new program towards the end of the year that ensures that each BMW owner will know their vehicle as well as a professional. 

BMW starts Apple-like "Genius" program to explain tech
By Jonathon Ramsey

Even workaday cars are so capable now that even most auto scribes don't truly find out about a car's limits until a professional driver shows them what they are. It's the same with a vehicle's suite of features and the technology inside – there's so much of it that most people will have no idea what their cars can offer them. BMW is the latest company to make a personal effort to change that, introducing "young, tech-savvy employees" to dealerships as part of its "BMW Genius Everywhere" initiative.

Having no part in the actual sale of a vehicle, a BMW Genius is present on the showroom floor only to answer questions about the company's products and their features. If the customer decides to buy, he is transferred to a salesperson. A pilot program in the UK proved its effectiveness, it will now be rolled out across Europe and then come to the United States toward the end of this year in time for the launch of the i3. Details are still being worked out, but each BMW dealer will have at least one Genius. (I would like to think that Virginia Beach BMW has many!)

For assistance that doesn't require visiting the auto mall, BMW is also putting vehicle and feature tutorials on its US website to "make our knowledge about our brand more interesting and more accessible to the consumer." They will appear online sometime in the latter half of the year, and will also be bundled into iPhone and iPad apps.

Source: [autoblog]

Virginia Beach BMW works tirelessly to ensure that each customer is fully satisfied with both their buying experience and the technology of their vehicle after delivery.   I guess the program’s full usefulness in BMW Dealerships will be seen when it is implemented in the US.

No one can argue with the premise behind the idea and program, the usefulness of such an idea will be seen when implemented in premier BMW dealerships such as Checkered Flag BMW.  Checkeredflag.com will keep you informed on the success of the Genius program in Virginia Beach BMW.  I am sure that the change will only add to the overall excellent experience had by all guests to the location.

For more information about the Virginia Beach BMW location, call (757) 687-3447 today.

Rise in Hampton Roads gas prices

Prices are creeping back up at our local Hampton Roads gas stations. 

Any time I pass a Sam’s club, I stop and top off the tank.  You never know when that price is going to jump.  Luckily, Hampton Roads is historically lucky when it comes to gas prices.  We usually hover a few cents below the national average. 

The great news is, more than ever before, Checkered Flag stores offer loads of highly fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles.  If you’re looking for the most miles for your money, call us here at (757)687-3447 and let us find the option that works best for your commuting needs. 

Gas prices reach 4-month high during February surge

Average nationwide gas prices saw double-digit jumps twice this month.
By Clifford Atiyeh

Gas prices have reached a four-month high after surging all February in what may be a reaction to increased crude-oil prices at the end of last year, according to the latest report from the Energy Information Administration.

The average nationwide price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.75, up 21 cents from the first week of February and 45 cents from the start of 2013.

The EIA said that all states now have prices hovering above the $4 mark for the first time since October.

Prices began shooting up after Jan. 28, when the average price for regular was $3.36, and have yet to ebb, including double-digit weekly increases for two weeks in February. 

Article source: [autos.msn.com]

Checkered Flag has the most hybrid vehicles in Hampton Roads.  Visit any of our Norfolk and Virginia Beach car dealerhips for the best fuel efficient vehicles.