Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Our Favorite Instagram Photos of All-Time


Once in a while, a photo comes along that defines our brand, our goals and our automotive tenacity to the tee.  

For those not familiar with Instagram, Instagram is an online photo-sharing and social networking service that enables its users to take a picture, apply a digital filter to it, and share it on a variety of social networking services, including its own. A distinctive feature is that it confines photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid images, in contrast to the 4:3 aspect ratio typically used by mobile device cameras.

By December 2010, Instagram had 1 million registered users.[50] In June 2011 Instagram announced it had 5 million users[51] and it passed ten million in September of the same year.[52] In April 2012, it was announced that over 30 million accounts were set up on Instagram.

In today’s blog, we’re providing our choice for the TOP Instagram photos of all time:  



Monday, January 7, 2013

Leading the Nation


Audi Coral Springs Named One of the TOP Dealerships in the Nation!
 
South Florida Dealers continue to lead the Nation in several categories for SSI/CSI.  
Audi Coral Springs finishing above Area-Region and National  "Sales Performance" scores.  Audi Coral Springs took home the YTD Area 82 CSI Plaque with average "Service Performance Score" of 972 !!!  Second Consecutive Year we've taken the #1 spot aftersharing the podium with Braman in 2012!
Stay tuned for the CSI AUDI CUP in 2013!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Audi Sets New Records


Audi sets new U.S. sales record of 139,310 vehicles in 2012; December ranks as best month ever



Audi ends year with 24th consecutive month of record sales; all-time bests recorded across all regions, throughout model lineup

HERNDON, Va., January 3, 2013 – Audi today announced that 2012 was the best year, and that December 2012 was the best month, in its history of selling new vehicles in the U.S. market.

For the full year, Audi sold 139,310 new cars and SUVs to eclipse the previous sales record set a year earlier by 18.5%.  Audi sales in the U.S. have increased 68.4% just since 2009.

December 2012 marked the first time Audi monthly sales have topped 13,000 units, with strong demand throughout the month pushing deliveries to 14,841 vehicles. That’s a 17.3% increase over the previous December sales record of 12,655 units in 2011. The most recent December also stands as the 24th consecutive month of record sales for Audi in the U.S. Audi began recording U.S. sales in February 1970.

 Audi is a brand with clear momentum across our model lineup and across all sectors of our operations in the U.S. market,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “This is the result of a business model based on steady and sustainable growth plans set in motion on top of an unswerving commitment by Audi leadership to invest in new vehicles and new technologies year after year. We expect the Audi brand to continue its strong upward trajectory in the U.S. market this year.”

Last month, AUDI AG announced that despite global economic uncertainties it will invest $17 billion (13 billion euros) to develop new models, new technologies and to expand its global production capabilities through 2016.

The American market will remain a key engine of growth for Audi globally, and the strength of the brand in the U.S. was demonstrated in a wide array of measures in 2012:

  • For December 2012, The Audi A8 and Audi A7 generated the best U.S. sales since the new-generation models arrived in the market. With strong demand for the Audi A6 and Audi Q7 full-sized SUV added in, Audi saw sales of its most premium models equal 32% of all Audi sales in 2012, up from 19% in 2009.
  • The popular Audi Q5 crossover, the second-best seller for the brand in 2012, produced the best monthly sales since the model’s introduction.
  • Sales of Audi clean diesel A3 TDI and Q7 TDI models set a new record for the year. Audi announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November that it will add A8 TDI, A7 TDI, A6 TDI and Q5 TDI models in 2013.
  • The U.S. finished as one of the strongest global markets for performance oriented S-models. The Audi S8, S7 and S6 models introduced last fall finished 2012 as some of the fastest selling vehicles available to American car buyers.
  • Each of the three Audi U.S. regions – Eastern, Southern and Western – turned in record sales for the full year. For 2013, Audi is adding a Central region to maintain a steady level of service to customers and dealers as the brand grows.
  • Sales in the biggest metropolitan markets – New York, Los Angeles, South Florida – achieved record levels in 2012.
  • Last year was the second-best year ever for Audi Certified pre-owned vehicle sales, overcoming limited supplies of available pre-owned vehicles. For the full year, 36,469 Audi CPO models were delivered to customers, down 2.1% from the record levels seen in 2011. December 2012 ranks as the second-best December after December 2011.
 Other highlights:
  • Sales mix for Audi S / RS performance models finished the month at 16% for the S4; 40.2% for the S5 coupe/ RS 5 coupe; 29.2% for the S5 Cabriolet; 6.2% for the S6; 12.6% for the S7; 14.7% for the S8; 29.5% for the TTS Roadster, and 57.6% for the TTS and TT RS coupe.
  • The Audi allroad finished the month at 435 sales (in addition to two Audi A4 Avant sales), compared to 260 Audi A4 Avant sales in December 2011. For the year, allroad sales amounted to 3,115 units (in addition to 1,252 A4 Avant sales in 2012) compared to 3,505 A4 Avant sales in 2011. The Audi allroad went on sale in the summer of 2012.
  • Audi A5 sales increased 23.5% compared to December 2011; YTD sales rose 12.3% compared to 2011.
  • Sales of Audi A6 increased 1.1% compared to December 2011; 2012 sales rose 70.8% compared to 2011.
  • Sales of Audi A8 increased to 900 units, up 32.7% compared to December 2011; YTD sales rose 5.3% compared to 2011.
  • Sales of Audi Q5 increased 55.2% compared to December 2011; YTD sales rose 15.1% compared to 2011.
  • Sales of Audi Q7 increased 62.5% compared to December 2011; YTD sales rose 22.3% compared to 2011.
  • Sales mix for Audi TDI clean diesel models finished the month at 53.1% for the A3 TDI and 27.7% for Q7 TDI. Sales mix over all of 2012 for the A3 TDI stood at 53.4% and at 30.4% for the Q7 TDI.
  • For the record-setting year, three Audi models recorded year-over-year sales increases of 20% or more – the A6, A7 and Q7.


ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2011, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.


NOTES: 

- 2012 A4 includes Audi A4 Avant, A4 sedan, S4 sedan and Audi allroad models.

- 2012 A5 includes Audi A5 coupe, S5 coupe, RS 5 coupe, A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet models.
- 2012 A6 includes Audi A6 sedan and S6 sedan.
- 2012 A7 includes A7 sedan and S7 sedan.
- 2012 A8 includes Audi A8 sedan, A8L sedan and S8 sedan models.
- TT includes Audi TT, TTS, TT RS coupe’; TT and TTS roadster models.
- R8 includes Audi R8 coupe and R8 Spyder models.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Tips on Buying New & Used Cars



Cars are an investment.  We know that car buying is a huge decision, affecting financing, safety, and personal reliance. We’re here to help.  In today’s blog, we've decided to provide the advantages of buying new and used.  The decision really boils down to what you can afford and what option will give you peace of mind in the future. 

Buying New
·      Reduced Maintenance – buying a new vehicle means no worries for a while.  Only the occasional tune-up and oil change are required.

·      Warranty Coverage – the manufacturer covers new vehicles under warranty for at least 3 years, some even longer.  With manufacturer warranties, if something goes wrong it's the responsibility of the dealer and manufacturer to fix it.

·      Peace of Mind – if you do encounter problems with a new vehicle, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws (available in every state). 

·      Roadside Assistance – All mainstream new cars come with free roadside assistance while the vehicle is under warranty.  Also, you could be reimbursed for alternate transportation should something goes wrong.

Buy Used
·      Increased Choice – With used cars, you have a large choice of cars to choose from.  Someone is always selling your dream car in mint condition.

·      Improving Reliability – used vehicles don’t usually have the same warranties as new ones, however the original factory warranty is transferable to a second owner at no charge.

·      Just Like New – According to Edmunds: “Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz and has become a popular alternative for car buyers.”

In the market to buy?  Let our blog help your buying decision...

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Holiday Driving Tips



“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Right? Right?  Um…hello?  Ok, so maybe once the gifts are wrapped, the food is prepared and Santa has left an abundance of presents and cookie crumbs, then you can take a breather and enjoy the holiday cheer.  These next couple weeks will be hectic, we know.  It’s a great time of the year, but the stress that goes into it can be overwhelming.  There’s hope, however.  In today’s blog, we’re providing some quick tips for navigating your holiday season safely. 

1.)   If you’re going on a road trip, please make sure your car is serviced properly.  Come into our dealership anytime for oil, brake fluid and tire condition checks.
2.)   SLEEP WELL.  Get a good night’s sleep before you venture into the world.
3.)   Plan your route; this will help you in the long run.  Unsafe detours can be dangerous and expensive.
4.)   Bring a paper map.  GPS is the wave of the future, but a paper map can act as backup if you’re GPS malfunctions.
5.)   Buy snacks and drinks before you leave, because stocking up at gas stations can be costly.
6.)   Tell at least 1 family member where you’re headed.  So, if something happens, you have a reliable person to get the message out.
7.)   DO NOT announce on social media that you’re leaving for vacation.  Secure your home and leave at least one light on.  This will detract burglars from your home.
8.)   Leave early.  If the common rush hour time is 9:30, leave a couple hours early to compensate for time.

Do you have any tips to add?  Feel free!  Have a safe drive and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

What Exactly is the Autobahn?



When Autobahn comes to mind, I can’t help but reference Michael Jackson’s hit “Speed Demon, “ a fast-paced song about the repercussions of speeding down an infinite highway.  THAT is how I picture the Autobahn.  Millions of people have heard references to the famed speedway, but what exactly is it?  Is it a motorway system that lasts an eternity without a speed limit or a racetrack for the fastest cars in the world?  In today’s blog, we break down WHAT the Autobahn is and how you can see it for yourself.

The Autobahn, by definition, is a superhighway or expressway in Germany that stands as one of the last places on earth where you can drive as fast as you want.  The highway is in no means a free-for-all, with some sections of the autobahn having speed limits, though great stretches still remain unrestricted. 

The Autobahn national highway system stretches over 6,800 miles and is designed to connect all of Germany’s major metropolitan areas.  The presumption is that there are unlimited speeds on the entire Autobahn, but many heavily trafficked sections of the freeway have speed limits in the 50 to 75 mph range. The suggested speed for the unlimited sections is 81 mph, though various speedsters and adrenaline seekers routinely break the fold.

So, you must be wondering HOW fast someone has ventured into the record books.  Well, in 1938, driver Rudolf Caracciola set an autobahn speed record of 268.8 mph.  WOW.  

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Learn How to Tie a Christmas Tree to a Car



Happy Holidays! As the weather shifts, relatives arrive in town, and the Christmas list continues to grow, the holidays spark a certain cheer in every one of us.  Whether you’re celebrating Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza, or the neighborhood festivities, the holidays are a time of family, friends and….STRESS.  Lets be honest, the shopping season is booming, you’ve got TONS of gifts to pick up and you STILL haven’t had time to create that “pine smell” with a fresh Christmas tree in your living room.  Well, we’re here to help.  In today’s blog post, we’re going to show you HOW to tie a Christmas tree to your car.  

So, make sure you have heavy gloves, a warm jacket and plastic sheeting. First, put on your gear and shake your new tree.  This will loosen any foreign objects, as well as loose branches.  Place a sheet of plastic over the roof of your car to protect the paint and finish.  Now, lift the tree and place it on the roof.  Have a partner if your tree is larger than 6 feet.  Next, wind the rope or bungee cord all around  - over the tree, then under and back over the tree until it is secure.  Tie the rope or cord securely. Pull on the tree and make sure it’s tightly tied.  Ta da! An additional tip: bring your own rope or bungee cord when you buy your tree and always face the tree with the trunk end forward! (this will prevent wind breaking off branches while you’re driving.

Happy Holidays!!!!!!!