First Team Auto Mall

Date: January 5, 2011

Author: Eric Schwarzer, Blogger

The Super Bowl has come on gone, but one lasting impression left for millions of Americans were the amazing car commercials we got to experience. From the funny to the inspirational, automotive advertisements really made a huge impact. 

Take a look at 3 favorites and let us know what you think.
Hint: The force is still strong.  Enjoy!

3) Hyundai (watch video)
The new Veloster looks amazing! Maybe it would have been a better idea for the guy who had the misfortune of unleashing the cheetah, to ALSO be riding in the Veloster.

2) Volkswagen (watch video)
While this technically was "leaked" before the Super Bowl, we can't help but love this amazing rendition of John William's eerily profound Imperial March. Who doesn't love the little greyhound in the end!

1) Volkswagen (watch video)
Mix dogs, Star Wars AND the brand new Beetle and you get our favorite all around commercial of the 2012 Super Bowl. No, I was NOT force-chocked into saying this.

All of these vehicles and more are available for a test drive today!

Date: January 5, 2011

Author: Eric Schwarzer, Blogger

Hyundai Elantra named 2012 North American Car of the Year

To a student, a year can last forever.
To a loved one, a year might fly by.
To a business, a year means a ton of opportunity.
But no matter how long or how short it may seem, a year is still just a year. Good thing for us Hyundai chose this year to produce the heavily favored and voted 2012 North American Car of the Year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra .

Powered by a 1.8 liter 148 horsepower engine, the 2012 Elantra handles the roads like a dream. Elantra's standard fuel economy rating of 29/40 mpg city and highway gives this Hyundai a 500 mile range of highway driving. Thanks mostly to the 186,361 Elantra units sold in the US alone in just this past year, Hyundai was able to break records with a 20% increase in sales. What an amazing year it has been for Hyundai. This is the second time Hyundai has received the top honors for North American Car of the Year. In 2009 the Hyundai Genesis  took home the award.

Visit First Team Hyundai today and take home the 2012 North American Car of the Year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra.

Date: November 22, 2011

Author: Eric Schwarzer, Blogger

Be Thankful It's Thanksgiving!

Most of us learned in grade school the meaning of Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims, Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower and the Indians are important events and people that have been etched into our memories of Thanksgiving since a very early age. But when you ask someone what does Thanksgiving really mean, that question can be answered a million different ways.

Some people say it means a day they don't have to go to work. Others get excited for the plethora of football games that are played. Most use the day as a time to be thankful in their own way. At First Team Auto Mall, we are a family first and a car dealership second. After all, what good is working hard all year round if you can't enjoy the fruits of your labor.

In good ways or bad, Thanksgiving is a time spent reflecting on what is important in our lives and how our actions have affected others in the community. But most of all, we give thanks that we have this opportunity to be thankful. For over 50 years First Team Auto Mall has been a part of the Roanoke Valley community. Our ups and downs go hand in hand with the ups and downs of all who call Roanoke their home. At a time when so many people are struggling to have a Thanksgiving dinner, we at First Team are proud to be the official drop off point for the First Team Auto Mall Food Drive. Bring us uncooked turkeys, canned corn, or Grandma's favorite baked beans, and we'll make sure it goes to a Roanoke family who might not have been able to enjoy this Thanksgiving with a proper meal.

We want to share our deepest thanks with everyone in our family and yours as we invite you to visit us this Thanksgiving weekend. Help us help another family and let's be thankful that we call Roanoke our home.

Date: November 7, 2011

Author: First Team

Weathering the Storm

While natural disasters affect millions of people each year with the destruction they cause to so many towns and cities, Japans' auto industry was strikingly affected with this year's devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami-like conditions that followed.

Many major automakers are still reeling from the damage caused and while inventory levels have seen a dramatic decrease, it seemed that most manufacturers were beginning to bounce back. Not so for the Honda Motor Company, which recently reported a sudden halt in the production capabilities of their most popular model, the Honda Civic.

A long-distant follower of the major powerhouses Toyota and Honda, Hyundai has now found itself in a very capable position. Their production of America's hottest car, the Hyundai Sonata, is soaring and consumers in America are choosing to be wait-listed rather than go elsewhere, just so they can take delivery of the Sonata as soon as it reaches our shores.

Hyundai's vehicles are smooth, fast, powerful, great looking and excellent drives. While Honda and Toyota usually top the lists of America's most sold vehicles, Hyundai is harboring the lucrative title of coolest vehicles on the market today. Hyundai, as well as Nissan and Volkswagen, have seen a recent influx in customer brand loyalty and are leading the way in creating innovative, fun and some of the most reliable vehicles today. 

Which leads us to our top 10 list of the most coveted vehicles that aren't a Toyota or a Honda:
10) VW Routan
9) Nissan LEAF
8) VW GTI
7) VW Beetle
6) Hyundai Veloster
5) Nissan Altima
4) Nissan Versa
3) VW Passat
2) Hyundai Elantra Touring
1) Hyundai Sonata


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Date: October 20, 2011

Author: Eric Schwarzer, Blogger

YOU CAN LEAD IT TO WATER, BUT YOU CAN'T MAKE IT SINK.

    Since the dawn of the automobile industry, drivers have always wanted more. More power, more features, and more versatility. Automakers worldwide listened and we have since been able to enjoy the latest and greatest technology and features in our vehicles.

As it turns out, a well-known industrial designer from Germany also listened. However, he created an accessory to the auto that not only looks great attached to your vehicle, but lets just say his idea surely floats.

    Daniel Straub's invention of the Sealander, is a camping trailer that allows cooking, cleaning, eating, even sleeping to be done while completely floating on water. Plus, as an added bonus, a small onboard motor is attached to help families navigate through the watery trails.

Click the link below for some amazing pictures, video and more information.

www.sealander.de


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