Google Tests a Self-Driving Car on Roadways

Google strikes again.  The digital juggernaut that is Google, responsible for the top search engine in the world, smartphones, translation technology, and a plethora of other projects, has taken another BIG step toward the world domination summit.  This is one step that makes them pioneers.  After word traveled that Google was working on a self-driving vehicle and countless tests in 2010, the Nevada State Department of Motor Vehicles announced Monday that they have issued a license to vehicle testing on freeways and neighborhoods around Carson City and even the Las Vegas strip. 

WOW.  Picture the neon lights of a city ablaze with life and music.  A night to remember (or not) in Vegas can be navigated with ease in a self-driving vehicle, lifting the weight of driving under the influence or when you’re fatigued.  The wave of the future isn’t that far off, according to Google.  The license that the Google Self-Driving vehicle will hold has a red background and an infinity symbol on the left side.  "I felt using the infinity symbol was the best way to represent the 'car of the future,' " DMV Director Bruce Breslow said in a statement Monday.

In June of last year, Nevada wrote rules governing autonomous vehicles after the state passed pioneering legislation to authorize the cars.  L.A. Times reporter Tiffany Hsu stated: 

"A driverless car is defined by the bill as using 'artificial intelligence, sensors and global positioning system coordinates to drive itself without the active intervention of a human operator.' That includes technology such as lasers, cameras and radar."

Self-driving cars logged more than 140,000 miles in California in Google testing, thus far.  The FUTURE IS NOW.  How do you feel about self-driving vehicles?

Top Reasons Drivers Are Pulled Over

Picture driving down the interstate with your top down while the wind is hitting you at a perfect angle, throwing a soothing, cool air through your flowing hair. Then, out of the blue, you hear a clearly distinct cop car sound-off behind you, causing you to jump out of your comfort zone into an all out panic.  You’ve been here before; you sift into low gear and head for the median, realizing you were going over the speed limit.  It’s happened to ALL of us.  Yes, including us at the dealership.  In today’s blog, we're discussing the top reasons why people are pulled over by the cops.  Feel free to share your comments below.

1.    Speeding – this entry is the most predictable, and the most common.  The faster you drive, the shorter your reaction time and control.  Braking distances also increase as speed builds, and it takes about 120 feet for a vehicle to stop when it’s traveling 60 mph.  Our advice? STOP driving so fast!

2.    Illegal Phone Use – Talking and texting on the phone while you’re driving is extremely dangerous to your safety and the safety of those around you. Although just a couple of states have banned phone use in the car, more than 30 have banned texting behind the wheel.  “I’ll just send a quick text.” Is the usual response, but individuals should drive as if their life depends on it.  "The really horrific stories about texting make the news," a traffic expert says, "But we see accidents and even just fender-benders from it every day."

3.    Hazardous Driving – these practices include stop sign and stoplight violations, illegal U-turn’s improper lane changes, failures to yield and unsafe speeds.  This also includes shaving, eating and even changing clothes.  We can’t imagine trying to pull off a shirt while having one foot on the gas pedal!

4.    Equipment Violations – Individuals who have heavily tinted windows, burned-out headlights, broken windshields, expired tags and loud exhaust modifications are prone to the bait of State police officers.  Always check your equipment to make sure that it meets road standards.

5.    Following Too Closely/Improper Lane Changes – Police are on high alert for these current violations.  On the freeway especially, it’s important to keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you.  Add this to cellphone use and you’re brewing a recipe for disaster.  Driving too close equates to a slower reaction time.  So keep at least three car lengths away, that should give you more than enough time to react

An improper lane change is another phrase for “cutting someone off” by changing lanes without looking or indicating.  A failure to signal can add fuel to the fire, but it won’t initiate a traffic stop—just because the failure to signal is SO common.  However, speedily changing lanes without indication that you’re doing so can result in an accident and subsequent ticket. 

So, Fans please practice safe driving habits and feel free to Comment below!

The Top 10 Car Tips of 2012

In 2012, keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape is a breeze with our services at the dealership.  You’re taken care of in a way that’s almost uncanny to someone who’s not used to our all –star treatment.  We’ll wash your car, maintain it during routine work and take care of you every step of the way.  We love our drivers, and as consumers we make it as effortless as possible to make sure you’re getting the best service.  In today’s blog, we’re discussing some cool tips for your daily routine.  When you’re not at the dealership, we’re providing quick and effective ways to stay above the status quo.  Check them out:

Read your Owner’s Manual – This is a crucial, fan! Mark down your mile markers when you need to make checkups on your car (or check out your scheduled maintenance). 

Windshield Wipers – Simply buy them and follow the instructions to install them.  If you need help, we’re only a couple miles away J

Keep Tires Inflated – Having all four of your tires inflated properly can increase your mileage up to 3.3 % according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Changing Your Oil – Having scheduled oil changes at our automotive dealership is crucial to the health of your vehicle.  This is one type of preventative maintenance that can do wonders to extend the life of your car.  Oil changes greatly reduce the risk of engine problems down the road. 

Check Your Headlights – It’s easy to overlook a burned out headlight.  Enlist the help of a friend to walk around your vehicle to look for any light bulbs that aren’t burning brightly.

Air Filter – Replace your air filter at least twice a year.  This is preventative car maintenance keeps you running smoothly and quietly.

Battery Check - In the winter, corrosion can build up quickly in your car’s battery.  Each spring or summer, check the battery’s posts and cables so that your car will start quickly for you every time you use it.

Be sure to come into our Automotive dealership, we’ll be happy to assist you! 

Audi Coral Springs and Audi Pembroke Pines to Host Audi Quattro Cup 2012 Local Competition at Parkland Golf & Country Club

It is no coincidence that in the same year Audi of America shattered its all-time sales record by selling over 117,000 units, it also hosted 60 local Audi Quattro Cup tournaments throughout the United States which drew a record-breaking 6,400 participants.  As sales continue to accelerate, the demand for this unique brand experience is higher than ever, and Audi Coral Springs and Audi Pembroke Pines are excited to announce they will be hosting the Audi Quattro Cup 2012 local competition at Parkland Golf & Country Club on May 3^rd, 2012.

With over 79,000 competitors worldwide, 2011 proved the Audi Quattro Cup is the largest amateur golf tournament in the world for a reason: participants raved about their experience, especially those fortunate enough to advance to the U.S. Final at the legendary Whistling Straits in Kohler, WI. 

  

This year, golfers will find even more competitive inspiration as the 2012 U.S. Audi Quattro Cup finals will transpire at one of the world’s most coveted golf destinations: the unrivaled Pebble Beach Resorts.  The Pebble Beach Golf Links have hosted some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, including five U.S. Open Championships and the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.  Staged over two unforgettable days along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, the fairways of both The Links at Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach Golf Links will host the culmination of a tournament season defined by performance and the realization of countless amateur golf dreams.

“The Audi Quattro Cup immerses golfers in the absolute best of the brand,” said Lindsay Goldstein.  “Audi Coral Springs and Audi Pembroke Pines are proud to bring this unique experience to Broward County and be part of something that really was created to celebrate the excitement of amateur golfing.”

Audi Coral Springs and Audi Pembroke Pines are two of 80 dealerships hosting local competitions nationwide, a new record for the brand since the tournament was first played stateside in 1999.  Each dealership will in turn advance its winning twosome to the U.S. Final (August 23-26) to decide which two amateur teams Audi of America will send to represent the United States in the World Final at the end of the year.

Registration for the local competition ends April 26^th.  Please contact:

Lindsay Goldstein

Audi Coral Springs

5555 State Road 7

Coral Springs, FL 33073

lgoldstein@audicoralsprings.com

954.509.2409

The Best Twitter Profiles for Car Lovers: 2012 Edition

If you’re a social media fan (like we are) then you’re always looking for the coolest, most innovative individuals to “Like” on Facebook or “follow” on Twitter.  We know that because you visited our blog, that you’re also a car lover.  In today’s blog, we’re listing the most interesting and cool automotive Twitter followers we could find.  So, open up our browser (or smartphone) and get ready to jot these down.  Enjoy!

@Jalopnik – a hilarious site that creates an innovative spin on automotive news

@KelleyBlueBook – Great source for automotive commentary, news, and auto expert facts

@edmunds – they empower the automotive consumer with cars, news, pricing, research and more

@BBC_TopGear – awesome group of guys that do the craziest stuff when it comes to cars

@CarandDRIVER – a worldwide leader in providing objective results and expert vehicle reviews.

@cartalk – Just people talking about cars, that just so happen to be REALLY knowledgeable!

@Carmagazinenews – Up-to-the-minute car news and information.  They also have the scoop on new cars!

@DanicaPatrick – Racecar driver of the #7 & #10 goDaddy.com cars, you might have heard of her!

@InsideLine – Edmunds InsideLine is an online car magazine featuring the latest reviews, blogs, photos and HD videos

These are just a FEW of our favorites; do you have any that you would like to add? 

10 Social Media Facts that Will Surprise You

At our dealership, we embrace the digital revolution.  To make it easier for consumers to find us online, we have a website that’s easy to navigate, a sales team that’s prepared to take your calls, and a digital presence that makes it easy for you to get in touch with us.  Social media also plays a big part, as we’re able to answer all of your questions on a more personal level, as well as provide insight into our store and industry.  In today’s blog, we’ve provided some pretty cool facts about the state of social media and how big it has grown.  We also want to let you know that we’re here to answer all of your questions online, by phone, and through social media.  Feel free to comment!

1. Facebook has 845 million active monthly users

2. Facebook Fan pages have created over 5.3 billion fans

3. 10 tweets per second mention Starbucks.

4. Ninety-five percent of Facebook Wall posts are not answered by brands (NOT US!)

5. The longest Video ever on YouTube is 48 hours (2 days!)

6. Together, we spend 2.9 billion hours on YouTube in a month. That’s 326,294 years.

7. In one day, enough information is consumed by internet traffic to fill 168 million DVDs

8. iPhone sales outpace the human population

9. 250 million photos are uploaded every day on Facebook.

10. 79% of social media users used Google searches to comparison shop.

Do you have anything to add?

Distracted Driving: Car Safety Regulators Mount Up

The year is 2012.  In a digital world, we’re connected to our devices like an extended limb.  We keep them close by, and by the flick of a wrist can perform a plethora of activities within seconds.  From games, to phone calls, and bank statements, our gadgets can do almost anything.  Devices like the iPhone, and other smartphones can make life easier, but what happens when they move from being a helpful aid to a distracting nuisance?

The National Transportation Safety Board cited 2010 crash data that indicated 17 percent of crashes reported to police involved driver distraction, but only 3 percent of those crashes involved the use of in-car onboard devices.  We’re distracted.  That’s the bottom line.  I can’t recall how many times I’ve seen a fellow driver send a quick text or take a call while driving.  It’s extremely dangerous.

The NHTSA held hearings that will be presented to crack down on cellphone/smartphone usage.  “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and can have deadly consequences,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said Monday at the first of three hearings held last week in Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles.

In December, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended states ban all use of portable cellphones.  We have to begin to govern ourselves in our vehicles.  We enjoy servicing every consumer correctly and we want to make sure you’re safe on and off of our lot.  Drive safely!