Checkered Flag Auto Group offers an enormous selection of Earth-friendly "green" cars.  Join us at smart center Virginia Beach on Earth Day, Friday, April 22nd from 11am to 7pm and experience all the high fuel economy cars and SUVs together in one place. Specialists will be on site to answer questions about all the hybrid, diesel, and gasoline models.



Every guest gets a FREE tree seedling to take home and plant in honor of Earth Day!

Here's the guest list:

BMW 3 Series Diesel
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda CR-Z Sport Hybrid
Honda Insight Hybrid
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Mini Cooper
smart fortwo
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Toyota Prius
VW Jetta TDI

smart center Virginia Beach is located at 5193 Virginia Beach Blvd.  All the vehicles listed on this page will be featured at the event on Earth Day (subject to availability).  If you need directions or have any questions give us a call 757-687-3447. 

 

 

Checkered Flag is pleased to announce we're bringing hundreds of new and used cars to this weekend's Navy League New and Used Auto Sale at NAS Oceana.  We are showing our support for our local military families by offering a lower processing fee $199, instead of the usual $499.  Come check out our massive pre-owned inventory from Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen as well as plenty of NEW Hyundai and Volkswagen models!

Checkered Flag's partner, Navy Federal Credit Union, will be on site for immediate financing, offering extremely low special rates, so catch a ride with a friend because you will be ready to leave in your new vehicle!

The tent sale takes place THIS SATURDAY, April 2nd from 9a.m. to 7p.m. as well as THIS SUNDAY, April 3rd from 11a.m. to 6p.m. at Main Gate Park NAS Oceana. 

We have gotten a ton of calls about this year's sale, so make sure to get there early! 

Weird news story from Examiner.com:

The British owner of the Segway company, who had purchased the company less than a year ago, in December 2009, from inventor Dean Kamen, has died in a freak accident, driving the vehicle off a cliff. Jimi Heselden was 62.

Heselden was reportedly using the Segway to inspect the grounds of his property, when he plunged off a cliff and into the River Wharfe. He was using a special ruggedized country version of the Segway.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said:
"Police were called at 11.40AM yesterday (Sunday) to reports of a man in the River Wharfe, apparently having fallen from the cliffs above. A Segway-style vehicle was recovered. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time we do not believe the death to be suspicious."

Heselden was worth around $265 million and ranked 395th on the Sunday Times Rich List. Most of his fortune came as the result of his defense company Hesco Bastion. In 1990, he invented a new concertina-style design for wire cage walls, called the Concertainer. Originally designed to help prevent land erosion. However, the designed was adapted for military use.

Although wealthy, he was also generous. An ex-miner, he always remembered his poor beginnings. Two years ago, he founded the Leeds Community Foundation in his home city with a £10million donation, which he followed with a £3million donation in 2009 and another £10million last week.

In a statement, Hesco Bastion said:
"It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that Jimi Heselden OBE has died in a tragic accident near his home in West Yorkshire. Jimi was chairman of Hesco Bastion Ltd, the world leading manufacturer of protective barriers, and owner of Segway Inc.

"Jimi is perhaps best known for his charity work with Help for Heroes and the Leeds Community Foundation. A £10m gift to the foundation earlier this month saw his lifetime charitable donations top £23m. Our thoughts go out to his family and many friends, who have asked for privacy at this time."

The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle invented by Dean Kamen. A two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicle, it was first unveiled on December 3, 2001.

Users lean forward to go forward, lean back to go backward, and turn by using a handlebar, leaning it left or right. Although once touted as revolutionary, it never achieved more than niche use, such as for postal service workers or security guards (or even police).

It did appear on the television show "Arrested Development," as the vehicle of choice for Gob Bluth. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak also owns one.  However, it was also listed as one of Time's 50 Worst Inventions.

Source:[Examiner.com]

Did you know the story of Checkered Flag began well before the car was invented?  Does anyone remember L.Snyder's Department Store in Norfolk?  Take a look:

 

Article posted today on WTKR.com, News Channel 3:

NEW ORLEANS, La. (AP) - Another oil rig exploded and caught fire Thursday off the Louisiana coast, spreading a mile-long oil sheen in the Gulf of Mexico west of the site of BP's massive spill. All 13 crew members were rescued.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Coklough said the sheen, about 100 feet wide, was spotted near the platform. Firefighting vessels were battling the flames.

The?

Check out this local story from WTKR News Channel 3:

A group of Kellam High School students are taking action to raise money for their school.  The group of marketing students is competing today for a $25,000 grand prize in California.

The group is one of six finalists in "Hurley's Walk the Walk" Competition. It's a fashion show centered around the surf and skate apparel company's products.

Kellam is expected to perform around 5:20 p.m. tonight. After all six teams perform you may cast your vote online.  Follow this link to vote:  US Open of Surfing

 
Source:[WTKR]

Enjoy this first look at the mind-blowing Porsche 911 GT3 RS, available for sale right now at Checkered Flag Porsche, your Porsche Va Beach dealer.  Please excuse the shaky camera work.  When you are thisclose to a new Porsche 911 GT3 RS, its hard to remain calm!

I bet you've noticed a change in the way people brag about their money.  The current economic climate has changed our minds about what is "cool".  Having the most expensive clothes, jewelry, house, car, etc.. just doesn't have the same appeal.  We're going out less, staying in more, coupon clipping and bargain hunting like never before.  Recession-ista has replaced fashion-ista, and NOW the coolest thing you can do is SAVE.   One of the best ways to find the best deals and lowest prices on everything from groceries to real estate is by asking.. you ask your friends, family, and co-workers and if you're like the 400 million other users, you ask your Facebook friends.

At Checkered Flag Hyundai, we realize that the coolest piece of information you have to offer your circle of friends is where to find a great deal!  It just so happens we currently have an amazingly great deal on our Hyundai Accent models.  Right now at Checkered Flag Hyundai you can buy a new 2010 Hyundai Accent Sedan for the recession-friendly price of just $10,990, or you can take home a three-door hatchback model for even less, just $9,990.  We're not talking about stripped down models with no features.  These brand new 2010 Hyundai Accent models come with automatic transmission, air conditioning, and America's Best Warranty with coverage for 10 years/ 100,000 miles!  Now that you know the great news, we're making it worth your while to pass it along.  The first 20 people to post on your personal Facebook wall that Checkered Flag has the best price in town on new Hyundai Accent models, and tag Checkered Flag Auto Group, will receive a complimentary $10 Starbucks card!

You're friends will love you for sharing the great news, and you will enjoy delicious coffee and treats for your social media savvy!   It's so easy.  Here's what you do:

STEP 1:  Login to Facebook

STEP 2:  If you are not already a fan, visit Checkered Flag Auto Group's fan page and click the "Like" button

STEP 3:  Now go to your personal Profile page and post:  "Did you know right now at Checkered Flag Hyundai you can buy a new 2010 Hyundai Accent sedan for just $10,990, or a hatchback for just $9,990?  It's the best deal in town!"   (If that's a little cheesy for you, use your own words.  Just make sure you tell everyone about the amazing low prices, and that they can find them at Checkered Flag Hyundai!)

STEP 4:  Make sure you tag us by typing "@Checkered Flag Auto Group" at the end and select our page from the drop down choices.  (If you do not see us in the list, you need to re-visit STEP 2.) If you do not tag Checkered Flag Auto Group, I won't know you did it, so no Starbucks card.

That's it!  If you are one of the first 20 people to correctly post and tag us, you will receive a $10 Starbucks Card!

Limit one card per person, regardless of how many times the comment is posted.  Only the first 20 posts, determined by time stamp on Facebook, with correct wording and tagging qualify.  Winners must collect their Starbucks Card from Checkered Flag Volkswagen within 7 business days of notification. Starbucks, the Starbucks logo and the Starbucks Card design are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Starbucks U.S. Brands, LLC.  Starbucks is not a participating partner or sponsor in this offer.  Checkered Flag employees and family members do not qualify for this promotion.

 

Now is the time to buy that new Diesel Volkswagen model you've been drooling over for so long.  Right now at Checkered Flag VW buy a brand new 2010 VW Jetta TDI Sedan, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged clean diesel engine that saves the planet with low emissions, and saves you money at the gas pump, and only pay INVOICE.  That's right, forget about paying sticker, or even a slight discount.  You can buy any new 2010 Jetta Sedan TDI model for invoice. See what its like to get 30 miles per gallon without sacrificing performance! 

In addition, there's still time to take advantage of the $625 government tax credit on ANY new Volkswagen Diesel model.  Visit your VW Va Beach dealer today and pick out your new eco-friendly and wallet-friendly VW Diesel today before these amazing incentives expire!

Invoice pricing applies to new 2010 VW Jetta Sedan Models.  Price plus tax, title, license, $750 freight, and $499 processing fees.  Expires 7/31/2010.  Federal tax credit applies to all new VW Diesel models.  See your Volkswagen Brand Specialist for full details.

At Checkered Flag Toyota we understand that every Toyota has a story.  A Toyota is about more than just transportation, it's part of your everyday life.  Americans spend an average of two hours per day in their car.  I remember when I bought my first car, a 1996 red Toyota Camry, you would have thought I won the lottery.  It was all mine!  No one could tell me what to do in my Camry.   Now, I drive a red 2010 Rav4 (named Ginger) and I still feel the same way.  Bad day?  I can always hop in my Toyota, turn on my tunes, and drive off into the sunset.  

You laugh, cry, sing, shout, play, and live life in your car, right?   So when it's time to buy one, it's about more than price, features, and specials.  There is an indefinable emotional element associated with America's love of cars, and especially Toyota.  You want to buy the best car for the money, and you want the best features to suit your lifestyle, but you also want to buy from a dealership with integrity, values, and old-fashioned customer service practices.  At Checkered Flag Toyota, your 100% satisfaction is our number one goal.  I can talk about how great Checkered Flag is all day long, but you know who says it best? You!
 
So I think it's time we hear from you, loyal Toyota owners, we want to know your Toyota story- Get out your video camera and film a video testimonial answering these two questions:  Why do you love your Toyota, and why do you love Checkered Flag Toyota?   Keep it between thirty seconds and two minutes long, be creative, and show us what you've got!  We'll watch all the videos and award prizes for the best three submissions. 

First Place:  $300
Second Place:  $200
Third Place: $100

Send all video submissions to video@checkeredflag.com using www.YouSendIt.com or www.MailBigFile.com both are free services which allow the easy transfer of video via emaill.  If you do not use one of these services, I may not receive your entry.  All qualified entries will be posted on Checkered Flag's YouTube channel.    

All submissions must be received before September 1st, 2010 for consideration, and must address the two questions posed, 1) Why do you love your Toyota, 2) Why do you love Checkered Flag Toyota.  Videos should be at least 30 seconds long for consideration.  Videos will be evaluated based on creativity, content, best interpretation of theme, and overall appeal.  Winner will be announced after all videos have been reviewed, and prizes will be awarded within 30 days of announcement.  Acceptable video formats include:  Windows Media (wmv), Quicktime (.mov), and MP4. No purchase required. All videos submitted become property of Checkered Flag. Toyota Motor Corporation is not a participating partner or sponsor in this offer.