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Archive for December, 2009
| As 2009 comes to an end, so do a few of our favorite popular vehicle models. With the economy still in the trough and many consumer segments feeling shy about purchasing new metal, quite a few models will be discontinued. Some will be gone and some will be taking a brief hiatus while new models launch.
Here is the list of the best discontinued cars of 2009… |
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When GM went through its government-organized bankruptcy, the company announced it would shut the brand down along with Hummer, Saturn and Saab. Although many Pontiac followers were excited to hear the new G8 sedan may set the brand in a direction that made sense and live on, the shoes were too big to fill for the new model and in April our fears became a reality. The entire Pontiac lineup when the way of GM’s recycling bin. While rumors continued that the G8 would return as the Chevy Caprice; that never happened. Goodbye, G8. |
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Even one of the most successful car companies has vehicle making this lineup. One we are saying goodbye to will be the Honda S2000, one of the most underrated sports cars ever sold in America. This small roadster is about half the size of a Mazda Miata but has the speed of a BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster. Honda will be left without a real sports car in 2010 until its planned CR-Z makes its debut in America. Goodbye S2000. |
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Volkswagen fans, the GLI is leaving us temporally. While most will agree the GTI garners more awards, the Jetta GLI high-performance is something some vocal owners swear by. For those owners, don’t get too upset yet. The GLI is taking a brief hiatus for 2010 and is expected to return when the new 2011 Jetta goes on sale. |
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From our German friends at Audi, next on our list is the Audi S8. This super high-performance sedan with its beastly 5.2-liter V-10 puts out 450 horsepower to all four wheels, managed by the vehicle’s six speed transmission. This vhicle is on every $100,000 sports sedan buyer’s list, normally as either number one or two. This loss will launch a new A8 sedan model for 2010. |
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At the New York Auto Show in 2009 the company announced that the Land Rover LR3 would go away in favor of a new model that looked very similar… the LR4. Other than the name and a few other small differences like its direct-injection 5.0-liter V-8 and some styling, the new model is practically the same as the LR3. So, now all your LR3 lovers can upgrade to the LR4 model in 2010. |
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A truly grand old car, the Bentley Arnage was created back when Bentley was joined at the hip with Rolls-Royce in 1998. The final Arnage models, aptly named “final series” consisted of 150 specially badged cars that rolled out of England in 2009. The Arnage is replaced by the new Mulsanne, which goes on sale next year. |
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Another Pontiac we are sad to see go. The Pontiac Vibe was never a car that set the world on fire, but the stories from owners prove that it was a much beloved little crossover. The Vibe will die with the Brand itself officially in 2010. |
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In the value minivan segment, the Hyundai Entourage is ending. The minivan market offers many alternatives for this car like the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Minivan who have a stronger hold on the market. Hyundai’s version of the van was shut down in 2009. |
| Like every New Year, we say goodbye to those things lost we loved, but look forward to what the New Year will bring us. So let’s all bid these cars a farewell, but get vamped up for the newer and better models to come in 2010. | |
Read the refuted store from Hyundai and Toyota.
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In 1986 Honda engineers set out to create a humanoid robot that would have similar qualities of a human being. The new humanoid is the first step in getting that functionality in a robot. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is the only humanoid robot that can walk up and down stairs on its own and run at speeds up to four miles per hour. This robot has advanced abilities that allow human interaction which allows it to understand and carry out more commands. Tasks include carrying trays, pushing carts, and much more.
Honda hopes that some day it will help elderly or disabled people with day to day tasks like answering the door, getting the mail, remember to take pills or even some day to walk the dog.
This is truly an amazing robot, something out of a sci-fi movie. You have to check this new humanoid out. Watch the video below and check Honda.com for updates on ASIMO.
Also check out the new Personal Mobility Device from Honda. This stuff is fun!
This just reiterates why so many people continue to buy a Honda.
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The mad men at Adweek recently voted for the Commercial of the Decade (Super Bowl commercials not included) and Honda took top honors over memorable ads from the last ten years by companies like Nike, Budweiser and Sony. That’s not a big surprise considering Honda often puts a huge amount of effort into its on-air spots. However, the Japanese automaker didn’t win for the commercial you might have expected: “Cog.” Though Honda’s famous commercial that breaks down a European Accord Tourer into a Rube Goldberg-esque machine was also a finalist, it was beaten by another Honda commercial called “Grrr” that’s narrated by Garrison Keillor of all people. You’ve probably never seen it.
Volkswagen also made the list of finalists, but the particular ad chosen out of all the comical VW ads we’ve seen was unexpected as well. Most surprising car maker with a commercial in the finals: Saturn. Who knew…
You can see all the finalists on Autoblog.com, including swear jar, the creepy-funky Philips clowns, a “rabbit panther thingy with turbines on ice,” and the most sad-but-hilarious IKEA commercial we’ve ever seen. As a bonus we included the Gears of War commercial since we think it deserves a mention, and because it’s almost the weekend and it doesn’t always have to be about cars, does it? Follow the jump for the ad-fest.
Source and Video Gallery: Autoblog
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Three Honda Models Achieve Top Value Rating:
Accord, Fit and Odyssey receive ALG’s 2010 Residual Value Awards
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. announced on December 2, 2009 that it has received three Residual Value Awards from ALG. ALG’s 11th annual Residual Value Awards, for the 2010 model year, honored the vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.
The Accord won the award in the Best Midsize Car category, the Fit was the winner in the Best Compact Car category and the Odyssey prevailed in the Best Minivan category. Since 2001, the Honda brand has earned 20 model awards and six overall brand awards from ALG.
“In a challenging economy, residual value moves up on the list of buyer considerations,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “These ALG awards once again recognize Honda’s commitment to offer high-quality products with long-term value.”
ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts.
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Clean Diesel Vehicles – Get to know the fuel-efficient, eco-conscious TDI vehicles.
Starting at just $17,605, the Clean Diesel Car of the Year Volkswagen Jetta TDI is something for VW fans to rave about. With deluxe safety standards and 30 miles per gallon fuel economy, it’s perfect for a family or an economy conscious single ready to mingle.
Love the idea but not the Jetta? No worries, there are plenty of other models in the Volkswagen family to please every personality. Luckily for you, Volkswagen has upgraded the Touareg, Jetta SportsWagen and now coming soon the Golf to the list of TDI vehicles.
Not buying it yet? Well, now when you purchase a TDI model, you may qualify for the advanced lean burn credit, worth as much as $1300 this tax season*! Performance, efficiency, and a generous tax credit is what the people want and Volkswagen is giving it.
Volkswagen’s TDI Clean Diesel technology realizes diesel’s full potential with improved performance, increased mileage and a 95% drop in sooty emissions, do you? Stop by Heritage Volkswagen in Owings Mills or Parkville to test drive one today.
*67.90 MPG is the current world record for lowest fuel consumption across the 48 contiguous United States.EPA estimates for 2009 Jetta TDI are 30 City/41 Highway mpg. Your mileage will vary. More information regarding EPA estimates for additional Volkswagen models can be found at www.vw.com. $1300 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov. 2009 Jetta TDI Clean Diesel has been awarded the 2009 Green Car of the Year® by Green Car Journal. Accessory wrap not included. Golf TDI European model shown, options are subject to change for US production.
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Hall Automotive has a new GM a Acura. We are pleased and excited to have Kathy Varricchio leading our team.
Kathy has been employed with Hall Auto for the last twelve years. She began her career with us as a finance director and then was promoted to a new car manager. She later became the GSM and now is the GM. She has been in the car business in Hampton Roads for the last 20 years. Kathy is originally from Seneca Falls, NY. Kathy has three children and three grandchildren.