Audi knows a thing or two about thumbing their nose at the world. The question is if people generally take it in stride or take offense.

Their latest advertising escapade (shown above) is probably one of the more unabashed examples of their cocksure style. A Chicago area Audi dealership sold an R8 GT and decided that moving a single unit was justification to rent a billboard warning other motorists of the possible predator in their rear view mirrors.

Car ads in general have a tendency to play up stereotypes and pander to particular crowds, but what does it say about Audi customers if that rule holds true? Consider this: Volkswagen, their parent company, recently had to pull a TV ad in Canada for their Passat because of complaints that the spot portrayed women in a bad light. Decide for yourself, but realize at the same time that the company, and in some senses the message may be similar.

Truth is, nobody gets hurt when a smug billboard goes up, and Audi does this a lot. Another R8 billboard sported the slogan “stay in school.” Another, perhaps more clever example was an Audi A4 ad in California that read “your move, BMW.” To the right of the Audi poster, BMW ran a response, saying “checkmate.”

One way or another, we’re happy to sit back and watch car companies one-up each other like kids playing chicken at recess.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Nissan has announced it will launch the all-electric Nissan Leaf ahead of schedule in the city of Chicago, citing popular demand as well as preparedness by the city.

Last February, Gov. Pat Quinn announced that $1 million would be invested to install state-of-the-art charging infrastructure for electric cars throughout the Chicago area. The City of Chicago matched the investment with an additional $1 million for the project to implement 280 EV charging stations.

“Illinois is laying the groundwork for electric vehicles, and our efforts are paying off,” Gov. Quinn said. “By investing in electric vehicle technology, both the State of Illinois and Nissan are making transportation in our state more efficient, sustainable and affordable.”

The City of Chicago has also spearheaded an aggressive infrastructure plan to add 73 DC quick charging stations and 207 Level 2 stations by the end of 2011. So far, 40 stations have been installed, but when complete, the system will provide the Chicagoland area with the most extensive infrastructure for electric vehicles in the U.S.

This 22-year old kid thought he could get away with grand theft auto, but little did he learn that crime doesn’t pay!

Apologies to the esteemed Sheriff John Bunnell, but he would have had a field day with Justin William Durbin, who went on a stealing spree with Mercedes and Bentley cars that spanned four states and across the country.

Durbin started his illustrious career by taking a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL550 on a test drive from an Illinois dealership. When he didn’t return, the manhunt began: Durbin went to Missouri, taking a GLK from a dealership with the same tactic. His most recent caper saw him escaping Florida with a 2007 Bentley and high-tailing it to Louisiana, crashing it and forcing police to embark on a six-hour manhunt.

Rather fittingly, the license plate on the Bentley said, “CALL 911.”

The “Bentley Bandit” is now being held on traffic violations, aggravated flight, possession of a stolen license plate, and held without bond as a fugitive. He is wanted in wanted in six other states on charges including probation violation, grand theft auto, larceny, burglary, fraud, and tying fair maidens to train tracks while twirling a mustache.

[Sources: Chicago Tribune]

Wanna make some extra dough on the side? Illinois is deciding whether to allow advertising space on its state license plates. If approved, this would allow corporate sponsors to put their business logos on the plates, which would be offered to drives at a lower price. A vote last month decided that the secretary of state should look at the pros and cons of corporate plates. Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago believes corporate plates will be a great way to bring in money without raising taxes.

Corporate plates have already been approved in Texas, and produced by a firm called My Plates. Companies advertising through these plates include Re/Max real estate and Mighty Fine Burgers. 489 plates have been sold in Texas since Nov 2009 and $51,805 has already been raised for the state’s general revenue fund, according to a My Plates spokeswoman.

The corporate plates may not be approved in Illinois, because there are already 70 specialty plates available ranging from promoting veterans and colleges to nonprofit organizations.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

With so many people falling on hard times in this economy, some folks will do anything to earn a buck. That includes faking a car accident to make ends meet.

According to a recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), questionable claims (QC) resulting from staged accidents have increased 46 percent from 2007 through 2009. On a somewhat positive note, legitimate insurance claims have shrunken a bit, but this is only because there are fewer cars on the road, a by-product of fewer jobs.

What makes this type of crime so popular is that unless someone becomes suspicious, many of these staged accidents go undetected. Along with the fact that it’s a criminal offence and they defraud insurance companies out of millions of dollars (which in turn raises the premiums for the rest of us), staged accidents often involve innocent victims who are obeying the law, and can result in serious injury and death.

Florida takes the lead in all states with 3,006 QCs in 2009, with New York following in second with 1,680. Rounding out the top five are California (1,619), Texas (792) and Illinois (433). Out of the top offending cities, New York City leads the way, but Florida comes in strong with three offending cities (Tampa, 562; Miami, 511; and Orlando, 422). Houston closes out the list with 376 QCs.

The NICB has created a series of videos that get the message across by demonstrating some of the most common types of staged accidents. You can watch them at www.nicb.org.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

DES PLAINES, Ill., May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows that staged accident questionable claims (QC) increased 46 percent from 2007 through 2009. Additionally, the ratio of staged accident QCs to overall bodily injury (BI) and personal injury protection (PIP) claims has increased over this period while the total number of BI and PIP claims has declined. 

The top five states that generated the most staged accident QCs were: (1) Florida, 3,006; (2) New York, 1,680; (3) California, 1,619; (4) Texas, 792; and (5) Illinois, 433. 

The five cities that generated the most staged accident QCs were: (1) New York City, 1,304; (2) Tampa, 562; (3) Miami, 511; (4) Orlando, 422; and (5) Houston, 376.

Staged accidents are dangerous criminal events that target innocent drivers with increasingly bold schemes aimed at defrauding insurance companies out of millions of dollars. Unless someone becomes suspicious, many of these staged accidents go undetected. NICB has created a series of videos demonstrating some of the most common types of staged accidents. They can be viewed here: https://www.nicb.org/multimedia/staged-videos/staged-accident-videos.

Consumers should visit https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/brochures to review our library of valuable theft and fraud awareness information where they can find a specific brochure describing staged accident fraud. It’s free and it just might help prevent you from falling victim to fraud scams. 

The complete staged accident questionable claims report is also available at www.nicb.org.

Chicago-area Audi dealers have formed a partnership with the Autobahn Country Club, that will give the race track the use of an Audi S5 and TTS Coupe for its high-performance driving school.

The Audi dealers are now the official sponsors of ‘The Autobahn Experience’, a high-performance program for those interested in improving their driving skills. Autobahn’s professional instructors will give lessons both on the autocross and on the race track in the 265hp TTS Coupe and the 354hp S5, both of which feature AWD and are capable of hitting 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

“When looking for an exclusive partner in Chicagoland to provide hands-on customer excitement, Autobahn Country Club was the clear choice,” said Scott Zuercher, Area General Manager for Chicago, Audi of America. “The proximity to Chicago, high-quality facilities, and staff expertise all contributed to making the project become a reality. This is a great opportunity for customers to test drive the latest Audi performance models. Our dealer partners in Chicagoland all benefit from the investment of customer enjoyment and familiarization with the Audi brand.”

Along with “The Autobahn Experience,” the Autobahn race track, Located in Joliet, Ill., also features one, two and half-day driving schools, a teen defensive education program and training for Chicagoland police departments.

For more information visit the Autobahn Country Club website here:

http://www.autobahncountryclub.net/

Official release after the jump:

Press Release

Chicagoland Audi enthusiasts gain a new way to push performance limits

- Chicagoland Audi dealers form new partnership with Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill.
- Audi Chicagoland dealers are sponsoring Audi TTS and S5 for ‘The Autobahn Experience’
- Program allows track time on private raceway with professional driving instructors
HERNDON, Va., Aug 10, 2009  -  Audi Chicagoland dealers formed a regional partnership with the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Ill. to provide a new opportunity for Audi owners and enthusiasts to experience high-performance test drives.

The new program within the club’s ‘The Autobahn Experience’ will feature two performance-oriented Audi models, the Audi TTS Coupe and the Audi S5 Coupe.  The Audi TTS Coupe features quattro® all-wheel drive, magnetic ride control suspension, aluminum ASF® construction, 265 hp, and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds.  The Audi S5 features rear-biased quattro all-wheel drive, Audi drive select to customize handling and feel, 354 hp with a V8 engine, and a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds.

The program consists of track time designed for performance-oriented customers interested in sharpening their skills on a challenging private raceway.  Professional driving instructors provide a hands-on approach to the learning experience, combining autocross and track training.

“When looking for an exclusive partner in Chicagoland to provide hands-on customer excitement, Autobahn Country Club was the clear choice,” said Scott Zuercher, Area General Manager for Chicago, Audi of America. “The proximity to Chicago, high-quality facilities, and staff expertise all contributed to making the project become a reality.  This is a great opportunity for customers to test drive the latest Audi performance models.  Our dealer partners in Chicagoland all benefit from the investment of customer enjoyment and familiarization with the Audi brand.”

“The typical Audi customer is a perfect match for Autobahn Country Club,” said Mark Basso, President and Founder, Autobahn Country Club.  “In addition to the highest levels of performance and efficiency, the high safety rankings found with most Audi models fit the precautions that are carried out by our instructors.”

The Autobahn Country Club also provides various programs, including 1, 2, and half-day driving schools, teen defensive education program, and Kart Instruction.  Autobahn Country Club also provides police training to many departments in and around Chicagoland.

Several weeks ago we reported that Subaru of America was looking to set a Guinness World Record for the longest parade of Subarus and over the weekend they achieved that goal. Organized by Subaru of America’s Great Lakes Region and the Village of Itasca, Illinois, the chain of Subys stretched a total of 339 cars.

Yup, that’s a lot of turbocharged boxer engines and a total of 1,356 all-wheel drive wheels.

For achieving their goal, as promised, Subaru’s Great Lakes Region made a donation of $3,500 each to PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc.

See the official Guinness posting below:

http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_The-largest-parade-of-Subaru-cars/blog/432363/7691.html

[Photo Credit: Drive Magazine]

Official release after the jump:

LARGEST PARADE OF SUBARU CARS’ IN THE WORLD -

PRNewswire
ITASCA, Ill.

ITASCA, Ill., July 14 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc.’s Great Lakes Region, with the Village of Itasca, achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ record for the “Longest Parade of Subaru Cars.” The attempt took place on July 11, 2009.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )

The official GUINNESS announcement can be found at:http://community.guinnessworldrecords.com/_The-largest-parade-of-Subaru-cars/blog/432363/7691.html.

In celebration of this exciting event, Subaru’s Great Lakes Region made a donation of $7,000 that was split equally between PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc. For more information on these organizations please visit their respective websites at www.pawschicago.org/ andwww.saluteinc.org/.

The official GUINNESS certificate reads as follows: “The record for the longest parade of Subaru cars was achieved by Subaru of America, Inc. Great Lakes Region in partnership with the Village of Itasca at 500 Park Boulevard in Itasca, Illinois, USA on 11 July 2009.”

Subaru of America is looking to set a Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Subys… er, Subies… um, Barus? And its reaching out to fanatical, AWD, boxer engine owners to help.

Subaru and the Subaru Great Lakes Region is asking owners from all over the country to meet on July 11 at 500 Park Boulevard in Itasca, Illinois.

The parade coincides with Itasca Fest, an annual fun for the whole family event that includes live entertainment, carnival rides and kids games.

Participants will receive a gift bag (one per car) and Subaru’s Great Lakes Region will donate $15 per car (to a maximum of $7,000) to PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc. And knowing how fanatical Subaru owners are, they should probably just write the $7,000 check now.

Any Subaru owners interested in participating are asked to register here:

Subaru Parade

[Photo Credit: PicassaWeb]

Official release after the jump:

Subaru of America, Inc.’s Great Lakes Region, in Partnership with the Village of Itasca, Attempts to Set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) Record

- Plans ‘Largest Parade of Subaru Cars’ in the World –

ITASCA, Ill., June 19 /PRNewswire/ — Subaru of America, Inc.’s Great Lakes Region, in partnership with the Village of Itasca, announced today that it will attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) record for the “Largest Parade of Subaru Cars.” The attempt will take place on July 11, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. The parade will start at 500 Park Boulevard in Itasca, Illinois.

Starting June 22 through July 8, interested participants can register their Subaru in the parade by visiting www.subaru.com/parade.

In celebration of this exciting event, Subaru’s Great Lakes Region will make a donation of $15 per participating Subaru vehicle up to a total donation amount of $7,000. This donation will be shared equally between PAWS Chicago and Salute, Inc. For more information on these organizations please visit their respective websites at www.pawschicago.org/ and www.saluteinc.org/.

An official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS(TM) adjudicator will be on site to observe and confirm this record attempt.

In addition to going for the record and helping raise funds for two great organizations, parade participants:

 -- Will receive a special gift bag (one per car).

 -- Are invited to attend Itasca Fest following the GUINNESS WORLD
   RECORDS(TM) attempt. This fest is great for the entire family and
   features: live entertainment, carnival rides, food, bingo, kids'
   entertainment, a three-on-three basketball tournament, and NASA's
   "Journey to Tomorrow" exhibit. For more information visit
   www.itasca.com.

 -- Are eligible for a special event room rate of $89 per night* at The
   Westin Chicago Northwest hotel. For your convenience, this four-star,
   four-diamond hotel is located within walking distance from the start
   of the parade. To make a reservation, simply visit
   www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=0906159812&key=A9AB8.
   The event rate is good for parade participants only and based on
   availability.
 * Rate does not include tax.