Ferrari from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to be Auctioned
April 29, 2010
Ferrari 250GT Spyder California
The Ferrari 250GT Spyder California replica commissioned and built for the 1986 Paramount motion picture Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is being auctioned by Bonhams, a privately owned British auction house and one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.
This convincing replica of the Ferrari 250GT Spyder California was commissioned and built for the 1986 Paramount Productions motion picture Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, starring Matthew Broderick as the eponymous high-school slacker. When Ferris decides to cut school one day, his friends go with him; the father of one of them owns a Spyder California. You know the rest… Only 100-or-so Spyder Californias were made between 1958 and 1963. Genuine examples are rare, jealously guarded and worth a veritable king’s ransom, so it is perhaps understandable why Paramount chose to use a replica a rather than the real thing.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Oprah promotes ‘No Phone Zone Day’
April 27, 2010
Oprah's No Phone Zone
Oprah Winfrey has officially partnered with the Governors Highway Safety Association as well as a handful of other agencies to help put a stop to distracted driving. The famed talk-show host will be heading up a special live show this Friday April 30, 2010, designed to highlight the dangers of driving and mobile phone use. Winfrey will be interviewing the families of victims of distracted driving collisions and government officials. She’ll also be announcing a new awareness campaign called “No Phone Zone” that urges drivers to leave their mobile devices alone when behind the wheel.
Special viewing rallies will be held in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., bringing together victims’ families, elected officials, advocacy organizations, law enforcement, and many others to discuss best practices and steps to limit distracted driving in their own communities.
All participants and viewers will be asked to pledge to make their cars a “No Phone Zone.” GHSA’s State Highway Safety Office members are participating in the viewing rallies and other community mobilization activities. GHSA is encouraging all states to spread the word through news, community events, and through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. States with distracted driving laws may use the day to draw attention to the legislation. Currently, 23 states and Washington, D.C. have texting laws. For a full list visit: http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html
Custom License Plates are on the Move!
April 26, 2010
License Plates are becoming more than just metal on your car. For artist Michael Kalish, they are the added value to his art masterpieces. For Delaware residents, a cult fascination with low digit license plates has transitioned into thousands of dollars.
An Investment That Moves – The lower the number, the higher the price!
How much would you pay for a status symbol? In Delaware, custom license plates have been the hype since they started issuing license plates over a century ago. Having a low digit license plate comes with a high price. Driving around with a $675,000 license plate in public could be risky. What type of screws are being used to hold this chunk of change in place and to make sure it does not get stolen while parked? It’s said the number on your license plate is more important than the type of car you drive. However, I do not expect to see a $675,000 license plate on a $12,000 Kia. Or would the custom low digit license plate just add to the already popular tuner community? People invest thousands of dollars to tune-up their cars with neon lights, blackouts, paint jobs, custom body kits, and racing wheels. What’s another $100,000 custom license plate addition?
While in Delaware, it’s all about protecting the value of the license plate but for artist Michael Kalish it’s all about distorting the beauty of the license plates. Kalish has seen far beyond the idea of collecting every states license plates. His signature medium, the license plate, or as Kalish refers to them as “the thumbprints of automobiles,” allows each piece to embrace Kalish’s ideals with his own sophistication, imagery and creative style. Kalish’s work has been in exhibitions varying from International museums and galleries to include The United States Embassy in Moscow, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Guggenheim Las Vegas, the windows of Barneys New York, Arvesta Museum and Riverside Art Museum in the historic Mission Inn District of Riverside, California. His passion for plates started soon after college when he started collecting. He then turned his passion into art with dimension. Allowing one piece of art to tell many stories with plates from all over the country. He definetly has an eye for creative, artistic perfection. However, there is one catch…he is color blind!! Visit www.michaelkalish.com for unbelievable license plate art work from Michael Kalish.
Make sure to send us your custom license plate photos to our Hall Automotive Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/HallAutomotive. Simply become a fan and upload your image. How creative did you get expressing yourself through your license plate (or one you’ve seen)?
Mitsubishi Outlander Top Pet Safe Vehicle
April 23, 2010
Edminds.com and the pet safety experts at Bark Buckle UP named the Mitsubishi Outlander CUV one of the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles. The collaborative effort’s list praises the Outlander for having plenty of room and pet safety features that makes driving with pets safer and more convenient.
There are 71 million pet owners in America, and 82 percent of dogs travel in cars during their lifetime. However, 98 percent of dogs travel unrestrained in moving vehicles, leaving pets and passengers vulnerable to injury in the event of a traffic accident, according to Bark Buckle UP statistics. In a 35 mile per hour collision, an unrestrained 60-pound pet becomes a 2,700-pound projectile and can do much harm to other passengers.
In announcing the Mitsubishi Outlander, Edmunds.com wrote: Side airbags, five-star crash test ratings and steering-wheel-mounted auxiliary controls are all part of the Outlander’s arsenal of available offerings. The CUV also boasts fold-flat seating and stowable third-row seats (both of which increase the amount of room available for larger pets), as well as more than a dozen storage compartments for your gear and your pet’s.
Mitsubishi has been deploying “K-9″ teams to dog parks and beaches, offering free treats and foldable travel water bowls. “Pet owners’ responses have been overwhelming,” said Frances Oda, vice president of marketing at Mitsubishi Motors North America. “Owners are appreciative of Mitsubishi’s added attention toward pet safety and comfort, while our furry friends enjoy lapping up fresh, cool water during their playtime.”
To keep your family safe while on the road with your furry family members visit http://www.hallauto.com/car-dealers.aspx#Mitsubishi for a Hall Mitsubishi near you!
So what the heck is a hybrid anyway?
April 22, 2010
For Earth Day, let’s break down what exactly makes a Hybrid vehicle. Hybrid Cars offer drivers an innovative, efficient, and a fuel-saving option for consumers.
A hybrid car features a small fuel-efficient gas engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge automatically while you drive. There are two types of gasoline-electric hybrid cars: the parallel hybrid and the series hybrid.
Parallel hybrid systems, which are most commonly produced at present, have both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor connected to a mechanical transmission. The gasoline engine and the electric motor work together to move the car forward.
Series hybrids have also been referred to as a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) in order to emphasis that they are electric vehicles with a combustion engine assist. In a series hybrid the gasoline engine either directly powers an electric motor that powers the vehicle or charges batteries that will power the motor.
Hybrid cars also gain efficiency from:
Smaller and more efficient engines.
Regenerative braking - the electric motor that drives the hybrid can also slow the car. In this mode, the electric motor acts as a generator and charges the batteries while the car is slowing down.
Periodic engine shut off - when a hybrid car is stopped in traffic, the engine is temporarily shut off. It restarts automatically when put back into gear.
Advanced aerodynamics - to reduce drag
Low-rolling resistance (LLR) tires - narrow, stiffer tires have less drag
Lightweight materials - increases the efficiency of hybrid cars.
Camaro Wins World Car Design of the Year
April 20, 2010
The Chevrolet Camaro was awarded World Car Design of the Year at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.
The all-new Chevrolet Camaro is back in dealer showrooms. It combines great looks, performance and advanced technology – all offered among three models: LS, LT and SS. The Chevrolet Camaro was awarded World Car Design of the Year by a design panel consisting of five highly respected world design experts.
“In recreating this modern sports car, we have proven that people are just as passionate about Chevy as ever,” said Tom Peters, Chevrolet Design Director, Global RWD, Performance Cars and Full-size Trucks. “We have been delighted about the strong reaction to the Camaro. Even in markets that are new to Chevy, it has been creating an emotional appeal for the brand.”
With a design that is very close to the original concept, the 2010 Camaro acknowledges its heritage from the first-generation Camaro, produced from 1967 through 1969. More than 80,000 2010 Chevy Camaros have been sold since the car’s launch in early spring 2009. Camaro outsold its closest competitor for the last ten months and retained the top position in the regular sports car segment in each of those months.
For more information on the Chevrolet Camaro visit: http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/vehicles/chevrolet/camaro/2010.brand_chevrolet.html
For more information on where to purchase this classic car visit Hall Chevy, Western Branch: http://www.hallchevroletchesapeake.com/
Hall Honda Wins Customer Service Experience Award
April 15, 2010
Congratulations Hall Honda, Virginia Beach on becoming an elite Customer Service Experience Dealership!
This achievement reflects your dedication to delivering the highest level of service in the industry. Hall Honda, Virginia Beach is glad to reassure their customer’s confidence and trust in their auto relationship.
“This award means a lot to all of us. Everyone has worked really hard to always deliver on the promises we make to our customers. I am very proud of our whole teams dedication to customer satisfaction” expresses Chris Lark, General Manager, Hall Honda, Virginia Beach.
Honda has been awarded the Honda Customer Service Experience Award, which put them into the top 20% of dealers in the USA. Honda’s service department is closely monitored on providing customers with the best experience possible.
Celebrating their official CSE Award, Honda held a big barbeque luncheon for their employees as they hung their CSE Award Winner banner. Even during their award ceremony, they were catering to all of their customers awaiting in the busy service lane.
Congratulations Hall Honda, Virginia Beach for this noteworthy achievement and continued success throughout the year – you’ve earned it! To experience our elite customer service please visit Hall Honda at 3516 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452.
Hall Ford Receives 2009 Ford President’s Award
April 14, 2010
Hall Ford Newport News Receives 2009 Ford President’s Award Bestowed by Ford Motor Company
Superior service and customer satisfaction earns Hall Ford of Newport News National Award by Ford Motor Company. Hall Ford, a Mileone Company, is among an elite group of Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships to be recognized with The 2009 President’s Award by Ford Motor Company. The prestigious award honors dealerships that have excelled in automotive retailing in 2009, by providing exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
This year, Ford honors 380 Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers across the country for delivering a superior customer experience in sales, service and overall ownership of thier Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle.
“Earning this award is a reflection of our entire staff’s commitment to delivering the best customer experience possible” says Mark Sands, General Manager, Hall Ford. “I couldn’t be more proud to receive this recognition, especially since it comes from the people we value most – our customers. They’re the reason we were able to achieve this award.”
The President’s Award was developed in 1998. Dealers become eligible through survey repsonses from customers related to their service, satisfaction and overall dealership experience.
The President’s Award signifies our gratitude for those dealers who reach beyond daily tasks and make a difference to their customers,” says Frederiek Toney, Vice President of Ford Customer Service Division. “We award our dealers for their outstanding commitment to our customers because just as Ford strives to deliver the highest quality products and technologies to customers, our dealers share that same passion in providing a world-class experience in vehicle sales and service.”
About Ford Motor Company: Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
From everyone at Hall Automotive, we would like to congratulate Hall Ford Newport News on such an excellent performance and receiving The 2009 Ford President’s Award.
Hall Ford Newport News is located at 12896 Jefferson Ave Newport News, Virginia 23608. For more information call 877-589-3613 or visit http://www.hallfordnn.com/.
Sailor of the Year
April 13, 2010
2010 Sailor of the Year
Hall Automotive will be sponsoring the 2010 Sailor of the Year Award. Each year, sixty sailors 
come to Hampton Roads from around the globe to compete to be recognized as the USFFC Sailor of the Year.
Six type commands, that’s every ship, station or command in the United States Fleet Forces 
Command, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Naval Network Warfare Command, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, Naval Air Force Atlantic, and Submarine Forces Atlantic send their top enlisted (E-4 to E-6) candidates to go through boards and evaluations.
To showcase the Mid Atlantic area Navy League of the United States, Hampton Roads along with numerous sponsors host these sailors and their spouses to various social events held throughout the cities of Hampton Roads. This is an opportunity to show our appreciation for them exemplify leadership, professionalism, dedication, and superior performance. At the completion of the process, the selectees are narrowed down 
to twelve sailors who will return April 15, 2010. The culmination is an Announcement Banquet to honor the top candidates as the “Best of the Best” Sea/Shore Sailor of the Year. Simultaneously, the Pacific Fleet and Navy Reserves are holding their competitions. In July, these sailors then go to Washington D.C. to be recognized and promoted to Chief Petty Officer at a ceremony conducted by the Chief of Naval Operations and presented the Navy Commendation Medal.
So, ultimately to be a Sailor of the Year out of 300,000 enlisted active duty personnel is phenomenal!
Gold Level & Gold Master Recognition by American Honda
April 6, 2010
Hall Honda, Virginia Beach Sales Consultant’s receive Gold Level and Gold Master Recognition By American Honda Motor Co. Inc.
Hall Honda, Virginia Beach Sales Consultant John Christian (shown to left) was recently honored by American Honda Motor Co. Inc., for achieving Gold Master status in the 2009 Council of Sales Leadership recognition program. This prestigious designation is bestowed only on Honda Sales Consultants who exemplify professionalism in all aspects of their sales performance. Christian was one of 970 out of more than 12,000 Honda Sales Consultants to achieve Gold Master membership in 2009.
Also, honored by American Honda Motor Co. Inc., for achieving Gold Level status in the 2009 Council of Sales Leadership recognition program were Hall Honda, Virginia Beach’s Don Blea, Efrem Huger, Jeffery Hutchison, and Dwight Richards (below, from left to right). These status members are one of 435 out of more than 12,000 Honda Sales Consultants recognized as a Gold Level members in 2009.
The Council of Sales Leadership program is an annual effort to promote the development of Sales Consultants throughout Honda dealerships nationwide. The program recognizes Sales Consultants who excel at enhancing the customer buying experience. Sales volume, customer satisfaction, and professional knowledge are the program measures used to judge Sales Consultants’ ability to best serve their Honda customers. The 2009 Gold Level and Gold Master members exceeded their given objectives in all three categories and serve as tested leaders at their dealerships.
Now a MileOne affiliate, Hall Automotive was founded in 1973, starting with a single location in Virginia Beach. The company includes 16 automobile franchises located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Congratulations to these Hall Honda, Virginia Beach honored gentlemen on achieving such a prestigous recognition!!!
