Virginia Beach Dealers

VW Pushes for Cleaner Cool Air

Volkswagen has denied the use of a new refrigerant in some of their new VW models and will be going with Carbon Dioxide as the cooling source.  This pushes against the standard set by Honeywell and Dupont.  They have opted for a safer, greener source of cool air, CO2.

With the potential risk assessed by companies such as VW and BMW with the new AC/refrigerant replacement, being what they would consider to be high, they are looking for safer methods of cooling.  They feel that CO2 would be a good source.

Volkswagen to use CO2 as future refrigerant for air conditioning systems
By Jon LeSage

Another German automaker has rejected the air conditioning refrigerant that's scheduled to be adopted by global automakers in 2017. Earlier this month, Volkswagen lined up with Daimler and BMW to support Daimler's findings from last year that the new refrigerant, called HFO-1234yf, can become flammable.

Volkswagen says it will be rolling out its own carbon-dioxide-based air conditioning systems. The European Union wants to have HFO-1234yf, which was designed by Honeywell and DuPont, replace the coolant currently in use, HFC-134a to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and its global warming potential. Daimler engineers discovered HFO-1234yf could spark a fire under the hood, with the potential to destroy the car and emit highly toxic gas while burning.

An automotive working group – the Cooperative Research Program – was formed last year to study the matter. Daimler conducted its own flammability tests and became concerned enough about vehicle safety to leave the working group, along with BMW. Volkswagen's Audi division also expressed concern and is now part of Volkswagen's decision to join ranks with its German allies and dismiss adoption of HFO-1234yf as the new refrigerant.

European Union Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani appears unwilling to accept the decision by Germany's "Big 3" automakers or a written request from German ministers asking for a temporary suspension of the new EU law. While Tajani said he would listen, he also said that he would begin infringement proceedings against any member state that did not comply with the new rules. "Since there was some information from Germany there was a problem, I am obliged to ask for information, but it's not giving them time. I am not weak," Tajani told Reuters.

There's no word yet what other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency may do about it. Honeywell and Dupont would be holding a billion-dollar monopoly starting in 2017 if HFO-1234yf goes through. They're bound to support Industry Commissioner Tajani's decision.

Source: [autoblog]

Checkered Flag VW is proud of VW for looking into alternative sources of cooling.  Looking for the safest and greenest methods of cooling their vehicles is a great pursuit.  Good job VW. 

For more information about VW and all that their vehicles have to offer contact Virginia Beach VW at (757) 687-3447.  Their push for cleaner more efficient vehicles will ensure greater sales and happier customers.  Become one o f them today by taking the drive into Checkered Flag VW, Hampton Roads premier VW dealership.

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. 

Strange car events around the world

Trust me.  Car-crazy is an actual disease.  So, what do out-there auto enthusiasts do on a nice spring day?  Well, while the rest of us are out hitting the shops or having a nice brunch, an entire sub-culture of worldwide proportions are revving up their engines and participating in some not-so-normal drive time. 

World's wackiest car events

By Kyle Kinard of MSN Autos (edited for length)

Car-crazy folks are a wacky bunch. They spend their free time tinkering with carburetors and compulsively organizing open-end wrenches. Grime under their fingernails and bloodied knuckles are the only giveaways that they walk among us. Their devotion to the car can sometimes border on mania — and these maniacs love company. Each year, enthusiasts commune at events near and far to let their automotive freak flags fly. When they gather, the results often amount to automotive insanity. Click through to see 15 of the wackiest car-culture events from across the globe.

Gatebil Festival
Rudskogen, Norway

The Rudskogen Motorsenter is Norway's oldest racing circuit, and each year more than 50,000 people — in a country of just 5 million — make a pilgrimage to celebrate all things fast and furious. Gatebil is a "run what you brung" festival of speed, where pros and amateurs can mix it up on the track during the day and party long into the night. But the real story here is the cars, which usually have obscene amounts of power stuffed into an unassuming shell. Drifting a 1,000-horsepower Volvo station wagon? Yes, please.



Goodwood Revival
Chichester, England

An invasion of tweed coats and RAF bomber flyovers may sound like a German nightmare from the 1940s, but for three days each September, the Goodwood Revival is a fantasy come true for nostalgic car and airplane nuts. During the event, the classic Goodwood racing circuit near Chichester is transformed with period-correct props and a corresponding dress code. No modern cars are let on the grounds during the event, allowing attendees to take a step back in time — only without that pesky Blitz.



The Baja 1000
Baja Peninsula, Mexico

Competitors in this legendary 1,000-mile race through the heart of the Baja Peninsula are crazy enough; punishing heat, perilous terrain and fierce competition push these bush pilots to their limits. But it's the spectators along the route that sometimes force drivers over the edge. The crowds have been known to convert unassuming mud puddles into 3-foot-deep pits, and some teams have even been held up by drug traffickers. For a couple of days in November each year, the Wild West is just south of the border.



ChumpCar/LeMons racing
Various locations, United States

Racing is typically a rich man's game, but LeMons and ChumpCar events make speed available to the masses. At racetracks across the U.S., road warriors with $500 budgets compete at high speeds in cars designed to look like sharks or covered in sticky notes. There's nothing quite like the atmosphere at a LeMons or Chump event, and nothing as thrilling as nearly being immolated inside a Ford Probe.



The Gumball 3000
Various locations worldwide

The Gumball 3000 is a simple concept, really: Wealthy miscreants in flashy supercars parade across continents at triple-digit speeds in an annual around-the-world odyssey. Oh yeah, and there's one hell of a party waiting for the participants at each stop along the way. MTV's famously rowdy "Jackass" crew took part in the rally in 2001 and was promptly worn down by the event's frenetic pace. That's some party.



Burning Man
Black Rock Desert, Nevada

The vehicles brought to Burning Man each year can best be described as one part art car, two parts acid trip. The cars are fantastical and imaginative and every bit as unique as the Burning Man festival itself. Each car must be registered with the DMV — in the case of Burning Man, that means the Department of Mutant Vehicles — before it can cruise around the festival, but that's where the similarities with your car end. That is, unless your car is a giant snake made up of thousands of LEDs or a rolling Cheshire Cat.

For more crazy automotive stories, stay tuned to the home of your wackiest Virginia Beach Volkswagen store, Checkered Flag.com.

Article and image source: [autos.msn.com]

8th Annual St. Mary's Gala and Auction-Sponsored by Checkered Flag VW

St. Mary's home for Disabled Children's 8th Annual Gala and Auction is coming soon.  This amazing event to help raise money for the children is sponsored by Checkered Flag Volkswagen.  They have a lot of pride in donating each year.  The prize for this 8th year is a 2013 VW Passat S for the auction in hopes of raising much money for the children.

Last year’s 7th Annual Dinner was a great success for the Auxiliary Board at St. Mary’s.  Checkered Flag Volkswagen sponsored that event as well, donating a 2012 Silver VW Beetle.  The lucky winner, Katherine Dutlinger, was very pleased to give to the children of St. Mary’s as well as receive her beautiful new Beetle.



This event is sure to be an amazing success on its 8th year.

For more information about the many great causes that are supported by Checkered Flag, stay logged on to checkeredflag.com. 

VW is Center Stage at Geneva

The Checkered Flag line-up of dealers are holding nothing back during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show when it comes to impressing the public.  With so much to see it makes this car lover get whiplash. 

VW is there with a truly impressive array of vehicles to choose from to fit ANY need a person might possibly have.  The introduction of some great concepts shows a line-up of sorts to give you crazy amounts of options to choose from. 

Some examples of Volkswagen Offerings in Geneva are:
Volkswagen E-Co-Motion Concept brings electric mobility to the commercial set.
Volkswagen Golf Variant Concept R-Line that puts the sport in SportWagen with some impressive lines.
Volkswagen Cross Up! aimed at rugged lifestyle folks looking for a versatile little beast.
2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is an amazing amped up version getting greater horsepower and torque.
Volkswagen Golf –that will probably come to the States as the Jetta SportWagen
Volkswagen's XL1 that was introduced yesterday showing a sports car look with hybrid technology.

With such an incredible showing at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, VW is bound to be a common name buzzing through all the car news.  They are bringing out some awesome concept vehicles as well as really showing off some new elements to old favorites.

For more info about the Volkswagen showing at the Geneva Motor Show look for more headlines on checkeredflag.com.   Give Checkered Flag VW, your Virginia Beach VW dealer, a call today at (757) 687-3447.  They can help you accomplish all your car and finance needs.

VW Caught Uncovered-Well Mostly

Volkswagen got caught without any wrap on-out taking a stroll!  Gasp and awe coming from all of us out there.  Wait, what are we talking about, the newest spy shots of the Golf Wagon are out and the car is almost completely nude without the typical covering that dons most of the prototypes during outings.  The vehicle is completely open to public eye except for the rear quarter panel lights that are apparently fakes.

Volkswagen Golf Wagon caught completely uncovered
By Seyth Miersma

Without a lot of information to go with them, our camera-toting spies have captured some new images of a Volkswagen Golf wagon variant that is almost completely undisguised. In fact, the one piece of camouflage on the tidy wagon would probably have gone unnoticed to most casual viewers. Look closely at the rear three-quarter view of the car and you'll notice that the apparent taillight clusters are actually fakes – the outline of the real units is faintly visible behind the blue bodywork and the sticker-like fake taillights.

It's a good guess then, that this Golf wagon (called a Golf Kombi by our spy photographer) is a prototype that's pretty far along in the development cycle for Volkswagen. We can't be sure what impact this will have on the company's small wagon offering here in the US, but we'd be pretty surprised if something very like this didn't end up as the next Jetta SportWagen. We might well have more information on that front, after we visit Geneva next week.

Source: [autoblog]

I get so excited whenever spy shots are taken.  It makes me feel as if I am seeing something very secret.  Well, now we are all in the know about the newest developments on the Golf Wagon or Jetta Sportwagen-whatever it will be named in the US.  Here’s just hoping that it lands on our shores! 

Checkeredflag.com will keep the Virginia Beach VW fans up to date on all the latest 2014 VW Golf and Jetta info coming out of Geneva. 

For more information about the vehicles in the Checkered Flag VW line-up, give them a call today at (757) 687-3447.

Pay Cut Requested By VW CEO

Sales of vehicles seem to be on the rise overall, but those that have a European market are fighting to continue to increase for 2013.  With the European markets at a 23 year low, VW's CEO, Martin Winterkorn has shown his support for company growth and has asked for a pay cut. 

He has asked for several $Million dollars US to be taken from his pocketbook going into 2013.

VW, Daimler CEOs take pay cuts in 2013, GM's Akerson stays the course
By Jeffrey N. Ross

Amidst slow auto sales in Europe, top executives at both Volkswagen and Daimler AG will be receiving pay cuts in 2013, which comes at the same time as conflicting reports of a possible pay increase for General Motors CEO Dan Akerson (right). According to Automotive News Europe, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn (center) and Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche (left) are set to make less this year, but while a number of reports (including Automotive News) suggested that GM has requested a pay increase for Akerson, a statement from GM provided to USA Today makes it clear a raise is not forthcoming.

Winterkorn will take a of hit of three million euros (close to $4 million) but will still finish the year making almost $20 million. ANE says that Winterkorn suggested his own pay cut earlier this month, and other board members will also see a lower salary this year. Just a couple days after a three-year contract extension was announced for Zetsche, it's being reported that his pay will drop by a half million euros leaving him with an annual income totaling 8.15 million euros (or around $10.6 million); Daimler will also be reducing the bonuses paid out to its eight board members.

As for Akerson's situation, this is where things get dicey. Yesterday, AN reported that GM would be raising its CEO's salary from $9 million up to $11.1 million, but GM was quick to deny that information, saying that the $11.1 million figure is actually the entire tally of Akerson's compensation package for 2012. Akerson's pay for 2013 will remain at $9 million (minus, we presume, any other forms of compensation), well below that of his Big Three rival CEOs, Alan Mulally and Sergio Marchionne, who both make more than double what Akerson makes.

Source: [autoblog]

With the request of such companies as VW, while facing budget cuts and a decline in Europe, it makes Checkered Flag VW proud to have leaders that value the overall well being of the company, over their individual potential gain.  The company is going to grow in strength, starting from the top.

I know it is no consolation to his bank account, but Good Job Winterkorn.

For more information about the VW brand, available VW vehicles at Checkered Flag VW (your Virginia Beach source for all things VW), or other vehicles sold by VW, give Checkered Flag VW a call today at (757) 687-3447.

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. 

Geneva Motor Show-VW Going to Show off Their 2014 Hatch Style

Manufacturers are ramping up for big reveals as we get into the work-ups of the Geneva Motor Show.  Checkered Flag fans are waiting with baited breath to see what their brands have to offer that is new and must have.  VW will undoubtedly make us wait for more details but it looks as if Geneva is going to kick off a new era in hatch history.

2014 Volkswagen GTI to start a new hot hatch era in Geneva
By Seyth Miersma

The upcoming Geneva Motor Show is going to be stocked with important new production models and sexy concept cars, but hot hatch enthusiasts will undoubtedly see it as the coming out party of the MkVII Volkswagen GTI. And while we've only got European specifications and pricing to go on for now, we can tell from the get-go that the new GTI will be a proper heir to VW's hot hatch legacy.

This seventh-generation GTI is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base form. For the first time ever, Volkswagen is also offering a performance pack for the GTI as well, which ups the horsepower to 230 (torque remains unchanged). With a slightly lower curb weight to push around – the new base car weighs 2,978 pounds versus 3,034 for the current three-door GTI – 0-62 miles per hour is now achieved in 6.5 seconds, and top speed is 153 mph. (Cars with the performance pack offer 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 155-mph top speed.) Buyers my choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG unit.

Visually, the new GTI has obviously adopted the slant-nosed looks of the MkVII Golf, though with plenty of added drama. The exterior is dominated by the 17-inch "Brooklyn" wheels wearing 225-section rubber, and the aggressive front fascia gets black honeycombed inserts in the upper and lower grille sections. At launch, Volkswagen will offer the GTI in three colors: the Pure White seen here, Tornado Red and Black. Tartan patterned seats are of course still an option for the interior, while the GTI-specific steering wheel and shift knob are standard.

The new car is set to go on sale in Europe in May of this year, with an asking price of 28,350 euros to start. North American timing and pricing are still up in the air, however.

Source: [autoblog]

Looks like Checkered Flag VW will be a hot place to be to find out the latest information about this new 2014 GTI.  There is no doubt that as information comes out both during and after the Geneva Show, checkeredflag.com will keep you in the know about all things that are new and 2014 hatch related.

For more information about this new 2014 VW as well as other current cars in the Virginia Beach VW inventory, call (757) 687-3447.  The knowledgeable agents at Checkered Flag VW would love to share with you all the information they have and help you experience why Hampton Roads premier VW dealership is Checkered Flag VW.

What is Gap Insurance? Should I purchase Gap Insurance?

When you purchase a vehicle from any of our Checkered Flag stores, a finance manager will present you with a list of additional coverage options for your new vehicle.  Now, there are many reasons you may or may not choose to purchase these options.   One thing is for sure.  You should at least have basic knowledge about some things before you sign on the line.  In my opinion, one of the most important decisions is whether or not to purchase Gap insurance. 

Gap insurance

A quick guide: What it is, how it works, and whether it's right for you
By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide

Gap insurance covers the difference between what the car is worth and what you owe on the car. It comes into play if the car is stolen or totaled (damaged to the point that repair would cost more than the car is worth) while the owner is still making payments.

How gap insurance works

Let's say you buy a new car for $20,000. You put $500 down and your payments are $350 per month. Six months after buying your car, it is involved in an accident and totaled.

Your collision insurance company determines that your six-month-old car is now worth only $16,500. They will pay you that amount (less your collision deductible if the accident is your fault). You've made six monthly payments plus your down payment, for a total of $2,600; you still owe $17,400 on the car. In a case like this, gap insurance would pay the $1,100 difference between what collision insurance covers ($16,500) and what you owe on the car ($17,400). If you did not have gap insurance, the extra $1,100 would come out of your pocket. (Note however, that if your insurance company determines that your deductible applies, that money will come out of your pocket -- gap insurance won't cover it.)

Gap insurance for lessors

In the case of a lease, even though you aren't buying the car outright, you are responsible for the cost of the car if it is stolen or totaled. Because lease payments -- and therefore the amount of money you have tied up in the car -- is significantly lower, the difference between what you have paid and the value of the car can be huge -- therefore gap insurance is much more critical for a lease. In fact, many lease contracts require it.

Gap insurance for buyers

For buyers, gap insurance only makes sense if you expect to be "upside down" on the car (you owe more than it is worth). If you made a low down payment, if you bought a car that depreciates rapidly, if you have a high interest rate or if you rolled over other costs, such as money owed on a trade-in, into your new-car payments, gap insurance makes sense. Most buyers, particularly those who made a healthy down payment, will always be right-side-up on the car, and therefore don't need gap insurance.

Who should buy gap insurance?

People who are leasing a car or who expect to owe more than the car is worth for a significant amount of time.

Who should not buy gap insurance?

Buyers who have arranged their down and monthly payments so as to ensure that they won't be "upside down" on the car for any significant period of time.

End of article.

For more information about Gap insurance, see your salesperson and finance manager at any of our Norfolk and Virginia Beach car dealerships.  Call (757)490-1111 to set up your test drive today. 

Article source: [cars.about.com]