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Archive for May, 2010
Sharpening the Focus of Future Urban Mobility
General Motors unveiled the Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility (P.U.M.A.) last year. “We were the S.U.V. company, and we accept that,” states GM’s Vice President Larry Burns. “We want to become the U.S.V. company — known for ultra-small vehicles.”
G.M. and its strategic partner, the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, have taken another step inthat direction. This year, they unveiled the EN-V, a futuristic personal mobility vehicle that uses the P.U.M.A. platform. According to G.M., by 2030 more than 60 percent of the world’s population will reside in urban environments. Public transportation will not be able to meet the demands of this growing populace, the automaker said.
“EN-V reinvents the automobile by creating a new vehicle DNA through the convergence of electrification and connectivity,” said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the G.M. China Group. “It provides an ideal solution for urban mobility that enables future driving to be free from petroleum and emissions, free from congestion and accidents, and more fun and fashionable than ever before.”
By communicating with its surroundings, G.M. said, the EN-V could react quickly to changing driving conditions and significantly reduce the number accidents. G.M. said the EN-V could slow down and stop sooner than current vehicles for pedestrians and other obstacles that happen upon its path. No speed demon, the diminutive EN-V — a sixth the size of a standard passenger car — has a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour and a 25-mile range. G.M. said the car would work well in large metro areas, where half of all trips are three miles or less and 28 percent are one mile or less. In cities, more than 85 percent of vehicles have only one occupant, the company said
Mr. Borroni-Bird said the EN-V showcased “what might be possible by 2030.” The EN-V will have its “official” debut at the S.A.I.C-G.M. pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai in May. There are three separate EN-V body designs, but with similar underpinnings. Each was designed by a different G.M, design team. Xiao, which means “laugh” in Chinese, was designed by G.M. Holden’s design team in Australia; Jiao (“pride”) was designed by G.M. Europe; and Maio (“magic”) was designed at G.M.’s Advanced Design Studio in California.
The Jiao (or “pride” in Chinese) model was designed by G.M. Europe.
Maio (“magic”) was designed by G.M.’s Advance Design Studio in California.
Xiao (“laugh”) was designed by G.M. Europe’s design team.
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The legacy of the Honda Civic Tour burns bright, and Paramore is the latest band representing the roots of the music that started it all. Since the tour began back in 2001, powerful acts like blink-182, Incubus, New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Black Eyed Peas and Fallout Boy have rocked audiences across the U.S. Some of the greatest bands of the last decade have passed the torch year to year, and history is still in the making.
A Custom built 2010 Honda Civic was built to Paramore’s specifications to celebrate the kick-off of this year’s Honda Civic Tour!
Custom Paint
The exterior of the car features a “flowing hair” theme. Paramore provided design direction, with Santini USA supplying custom painting, using 1/2 mile of masking tape to create the lines that simulate Hayley’s hair. House of Kolor paint was used to transform the factory metal body into shifting shades of burgundy, orange, gold and yellow. Custom graphics include the airbrushed Paramore logo, surrounded by butterfly wings, that graces the hood. This image streams across the driver’s fender, metamorphosing into smaller butterflies as it progresses toward the back of the vehicle. Lyrics from Paramore’s songs appear on the body panels. The Honda Civic Tour logo, meanwhile, can be found on the rear bumper amid custom bumper stickers, creating a visual effect reminiscent of Paramore singer Hayley Williams’ own car.
Custom Exterior
The exterior also boasts a Honda Factory Performance sport muffler and upgraded aero parts: a lower front spoiler, larger side skirts and a lower rear spoiler. Red LED taillights come courtesy of Anzo USA.
Interior Customization
The customized interior is also reminiscent of Hayley’s car, sporting a collection of buttons on the sun visors. Paramore’s frontwoman added additional color by wrapping the steering wheel, shifter and e-brake handles the same way she wraps her microphone stand onstage. Opening the car’s trunk reveals a complete MOTHERS(R) detailing kit to keep the interior rockin’ – and the “hair” looking shiny and smooth.
For Tour Dates and Ticket CLICK HERE
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Congratulations Dan Bruner and Rachel Strothers at Hall Acura, Virginia Beach on achieving the Acura Client Excellence Award.
The Professionals Program recognizes and rewards Acura Professionals and their Managers for tenure and training completion. In addition, several special incentive awards are offered throughout the year.
Once a dealership enrolls in the Professionals program, all qualified staff are automatically enrolled in the program. American Honda Motor Co., Inc tracks the performance of all qualified Parts and Service department staff.
Training and experience of the award winners are geared to deliver results that significantly contribute to dealership and customers. Hall Acura, Virginia Beach received the 2009 Dealership Award. Congratulations to the elite dealerships who achieved an Overall ACE (Acura Client Excellence Award) score of 93.0 or better.
Hall Automotive is extremely proud and honored to have such dedicated and exceptional employees such as Dan Bruner and Rachel Strothers at Hall Acura, Virginia Beach.
For more information on the ACE Award please visit www.gmreinvention.com
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The new Nissan LEAF – the name is not an acronym but signifies purity and greenness. In late 2010, Nissan will be the first Original Equipment Manufacturer to offer a mass-market, fully electric vehicle in the United States. The Nissan LEAF will be the world’s first affordable electric car designed for real-world needs. Along with this exciting new product comes many unique characteristics.
This all electric vehicle is a 5-door compact hatchback that seats 5 with a range of 100 miles. The top speed is about 90 mile per hour, laminated Le-ion battery, high-response synchronous AC Motor and an integrated communication system. Typical scheduled maintenance is once per year or at 15,000 miles with provided roadside assistance during the basic warranty period 36 months/36,000 miles. Owners can use their cell phones to turn on the air conditioning system and an onboard remote controlled timer can be pre-programmed to recharge the batteries. Hall Nissan Virginia Beach and Western Branch dealerships will have trained and certified technicians and essential in-dealership tools.
How will I charge it?
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), with the cooperation of the auto and electric industries, code officials, and government agencies has agreed on and identified three basic types of charging known as normal charging levels 1 and 2 and level 3 is considered fast. The majority of Level 2 charging will be done at home and in public with electric plug-in applications that can be installed in your home. Instead of spending $40.00 every time you fill-up with gasoline, spend only about $2.00 every time you plug-in at night with electricity.
Where can I get one?
Reserve yours today with only a $99 fee that will be applied to your cost once you purchase or can be refunded back to you if for some reason you do not purchase. Hall Automotive will be receiving the Nissan Leaf Summer of 2011. Make sure to reserve yours today and schedule your pick-up location at one of our two Nissan dealerships; Hall Nissan, Virginia Beach or Hall Nissan, Western Branch. You are just a few steps away from replenishing not only your wallet but also the earth!
RESERVE YOURS TODAY: http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car.
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Sarah Jessica Parker and Mercedes-Benz star in Sex and the City 2
Next week, fans will flock to theaters for the long awaited return of their four favorite New Yorkers in the soon-to-be blockbuster “Sex and the City 2″. Making its big screen debut along side Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) is the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet. Commenting on the choice to feature Mercedes in “Sex and the City”, Steve Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA, notes : ”The Mercedes-Benz brand has always attracted trendsetters and style-makers and the partnership with New Line Cinema’s ‘Sex and the City,’ which personifies these attributes, is a very natural fit.”
Sex and the City style icons Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are back and the four friends remain true to their exclusive lifestyle as they escape from the city and find themselves embarking on adventures in the ultra-luxurious Maybach and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. Back home in New York City, Mr. Big. keeps his S-Class, but moves to the new eco-friendly S400 Hybrid, and Carrie and Mr. Big embrace summer chic by heading to Connecticut behind the wheel of their all-new 2011 E-Class Cabriolet, which makes its own retail debut June 2010.
“Based on the success of the first movie and its ability to attract trendsetters and style-makers, Sex and the City 2 is a natural fit for Mercedes-Benz,” says Steve Cannon, Vice President of Marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA. “The movie provides a great stage for us; it showcases our new eco-friendly flagship S-Class, ruggedly sophisticated G-Class and ultra luxury Maybach line in their natural elements. It also perfectly positions the new E-Class Convertible just as it arrives in showrooms.”
“Sex and the City 2″ hits theaters May 27th.
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Relay For Life of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, VA starts tomorrow May 21, 2010 at 4:00PM – May 22, 2010 at 8:00AM. Taking place at the Williams Farm Park located at 5277 Learning Circle, Virginia Beach, VA23462. Don’t miss this heart felt event.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.
No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone’s life.
Relay For Life Schedule:
Friday, May 21, 2010
4:00PM – Survivor Registration Begins
6:30PM – Opening Ceremony; Survivor/Caregiver Lap
7:00PM – Survivor/Caregiver Reception
7:30-9:30PM – Hotcakes Performs
9:30PM – Luminaria Ceremony
10:30-12:30PM – Carbon Jam Performs
11:00PM – Birthday Lap
Saturday, May 22, 2010
12:30AM – Ms. Relay
1:00AM – Mardi Gras Lap
1:30AM – Road to Recovery Race
2:00-4:00AM – Bullwinkle Performs
3:00AM – Crazy Hat Lap
7:30AM – Relay Congo Line
8:00AM – Closing Ceremony/Children’s Lap (bring your school banners)
For more information please visit: http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/.
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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ
General Motors has recently announced the new hauling capacities for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups. The 2011 model trucks can now pull up to 21,700 pounds in fifth-wheel configuration. Also they now can lug around 6,635 pounds worth of payload, making them the new best-in class champions. Traditional tow rating sits at 17,000 pounds. To hit these new towing capabilities GM says that it thoroughly tested the trucks’ systems, including the engine, transmission and brakes at the new gross combined vehicle weight and found that the trucks could handle a much heftier load.
The Silverado HD and the Sierra HD both now come with tougher bed rails. GM specified a new high-strength steel that can handle more compared to last year’s pieces. The trucks are beating the closest competitor, the 2011 Ford F-350, by 1,000 pounds on the conventional towing front and a more modest 100 pounds under fifth-wheel conditions.
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Today YouTube, the world’s most popular online video community turns 5! Founded in 2005 the site allows millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. MileOne has been adding content to the site since 2008. Check out our MileOne channel!
What are some of your favorites?
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Carlin walking across Oregon
Back in 1995 the national 55 MPH speed limit was repealed. Since then however, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has refused to raise the limits on most freeways beyond 65. This makes Oregon the slowest state west of the Mississippi. Ted Carlin, 61, wants to call attention to this situation by making a 456-mile walk across the state all at a 3 MPH walking pace!
Carlin is determined that ODOT policy made the roads more dangerous. Last year he received a speeding ticket then began setting his cruise control at 55 to avoid future tickets. By doing so Carlin noticed that far from making his trip safer, it disrupted the flow of traffic around him.
A Long Walk Ahead
“I would soon have four to five cars stacked up behind me,” Carlin wrote on his blog. “The cars would then attempt to pass in dangerous areas becoming much more of a hazard than a fast-moving automobile.”
Carlin kicked off his walk by starting with his feet in the Pacific Ocean in Newport on May 3. He plans to make his final stop in Ontario, the eastern edge of the state, by June 11. Carlin has been joined by supporters and friends, encouraging him along the way. Carlin’s wife drives a Chevy Impala, carrying supplies for him and displaying a large “Say No to 55 MPH” message across the back.
According to a 2004 ODOT survey, the 85th percentile speed on rural interstate highways is 71.1 MPH statewide. The bordering states of California and Washington post 70 MPH limits in comparable areas while Idaho posts 75 MPH. The majority of public comments submitted to ODOT urged increasing the limit to 70, but an ODOT panel unanimously decided to keep the lowered limits based on “the safety and environmental benefits.” Instead, the panel recommended increasing Oregon State Police speed patrols with orders to “reduce the current 10-15 MPH tolerance for speeding.” Prior to 1974, Oregon’s maximum speed limit was 75 MPH.
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The prototype BMW
Whoops! Maybe not the best idea to leave a camouflaged prototype parked with the engine running next to Central Park in Manhattan. The untimely event occured just a week after a failed car bomb attempt in Times Square, so understanably, Manhattan is still on high alert. The faux pas by Martin Birkmann, head of product planning for BMW North America, reportedly triggered a bomb scare along Central Park West near the American Museum of Natural History. Several blocks in the area were evacuated as a precaution.
Birkmann was out evaluating a prototype 2011 BMW X3 covered in camouflage when he stopped for a quick walk through the park. He accidentaly left the engine running and a woman walking her dog rightly thought the vehicle looked suspicious – particularly understandable given that New Yorkers are not as used to seeing such prototypes out and about as much as, say, your average Detroiter.
Police responded to investigate, and after clearing the area of bystanders, found no reason for alarm. Everyone was safe, although the back window of the X3 prototype was apparently shattered in the process. So next time you are out driving a prototype model, be careful where you park it!