7 posts tagged “mercedes-benz”

Star Wars Exhibit Entrance

Do you get excited every time you hear the phrase, “Luke, I am your father” in a deep, breathy tone? Do you know the events that caused a young boy to turn into the beast that is Darth Vader? If so, you’re undoubtedly going to enjoy the new Star Wars exhibit coming to the Franklin Institute Science Museum in Philadelphia. This traveling exhibit will be in the City of Brotherly Love until May 4, so you have plenty of time to visit it as many times as you’ve seen the six installments of the Star Wars series.

The official name of the exhibit is Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. And just like its name, the exhibit features a combination of displays that test the limits of science and imagination. Think of how exciting it would be to see Luke Skywalker’s landspeeder from the first Star Wars movie (which is actually the fourth episode in the series). Other than that, there are more than 100 other exhibits you’ll enjoy.

But wait! There’s more!

In addition to numerous displays, there are more than 20 exhibits that offer visitors the opportunity to interact. You can play the role of one of your favorite characters, whether it’s Hans Solo, C-3PO, or even Princess Leia. Sit in the driver’s seat of the Millennium Falcon and tour the galaxies while dodging comets, planets, and stars. Or see what it’s like to be in the body of a gold-plated, wise-cracking robot partnered with a smaller robot that only speaks in squeaks and beeps.

The exhibit also focuses on the possibility of making the science in Star Wars a reality today (or at least in the near future). Can you imagine your children being able to ride a hovercraft to school each day? Or learning about space exploration in school by actually going into space? With the technology used in the Star Wars movies, it could be a real possibility in your child’s lifetime.

If you want to visit the Philadelphia area so you can take part in fighting storm troopers and experience a “galaxy far, far away,” there are ten hotels in the area that are offering exclusive packages for fans. The Star Wars VIP Hotel Package includes a VIP pass, tickets to the exhibition that you can use any day of the week, and other features that only true fans will enjoy.

While you’re in the neighborhood, you can visit one of our 3 Philadelphia-area Mercedes-Benz dealerships and see the future of technology and luxury in the autos market. Our Product Specialists are ready to take you for a test drive so you can experience the smooth ride, true elegance, and special features that only a Mercedes provides. These cars may not take you through galaxies to fight cosmic invaders, but they are close to the next best thing. See what you’ve been missing and get behind the wheel today!

Parking Wars of Philadelphia

Big TV fans may have caught a few episodes of A&E’s new reality television series Parking Wars. This show follows the employees of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) on their day-to-day jobs in hopes of humanizing the workers. They're currently made out to be monsters - many of the area residents view the employees this way.

By showing the PPA process used to write tickets, the series sheds a light on the institution and highlights many times when the employees show compassion to some Philadelphians. But more importantly, the show brings awareness to the fact that drivers need to follow the rules in order to avoid consequences.
Here are some of what you should expect if you fail to comply with the parking laws throughout the city.

Tickets
This is the most common problem drivers face on Parking Wars. The PPA generally gives out tickets for a variety of offenses, including an expired meter, double parking and parking in front of a fire hydrant. Parking in a handicapped space is also a major offense and results in a $300 ticket for the offender. Other parking offenses that result in a ticket include taking up two spaces in a crowded parking lot and stealing a parking space that another person shoveled out. Fines vary, but there is a $23 increase for people who refuse to take their ticket and require the PPA to mail it to them.

Impound Lot
A large portion of the program takes place at the PPA’s impound lot. This is where the cars get towed when drivers commit more serious parking offenses. When a car is parked in a “Tow Zone,” it is susceptible to being towed away to the impound lot if a parking attendant happens across the vehicle. Cars that are towed away are typically interrupting the flow of traffic or creating a hazardous condition for other drivers. Car owners must present proper paperwork (license, registration and proof of insurance) to have their vehicles released from the lot. They must also pay all fines and penalties accumulated on the vehicle before the owners can drive their cars home home.

Boots
“The Boot” is reserved for cars that have at least three unpaid registered parking tickets. The PPA sends several notices to the owner before putting the car on “The Boot List.” Boot crews patrol different parts of the city looking for vehicles on the list. Once they put the boot on a car, it cannot be removed until the owner has paid the fines and penalties - along with a $100 boot fee.

While many Philadelphians hate the PPA, Parking Wars demonstrates that drivers need only follow the rules to avoid any tickets or penalties. The show also explains several regulations to viewers so they have a better understanding of how to avoid tickets and penalties. For new Philadelphia residents or long-time residents who don’t normally pay attention to the law, Parking Wars serves a public service by bringing awareness to increase the safety and flow of this major metropolitan city.

It doesn’t matter if you just drove your vehicle straight from the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealer or if it’s an old clunker, the PPA employees don’t show favoritism. They do what is in their power to keep the traffic safe and flowing smoothly.

North Bowl Philly

The Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia continues to provide fun and excitement for its nearby residents. A while ago, a new Foodery opened on the corner of Poplar and Second Streets. And even more recently in July 2006, the North Bowl facility opened just a few doors away.

Philadelphia residents will like the North Bowl because it includes more than 21,000 square feet of space with more than 15 bowling lanes. That means less waiting on those nights when everybody has the same idea to go bowling! But that’s not the only thing this renovated mechanic’s garage offers to avid bowlers and those just looking for a night of fun. The North Bowl facility also has two full bars where you can get your favorite adult drink.

Or you can choose to visit the upstairs lounge and enjoy the comfort of plush Italian sofas, an arcade, and even a couple of pool tables when you feel like taking a break from the noise of knocking the pins down. Visitors can even get a bit to eat or simply use the lounge as a place to enjoy the company of friends. And with the glassed-in area, you can even look over all the fun going on among the bowlers without the racket.

The bowling alley floor isn’t without its own charm, either. Bowlers enjoy the retro furnishings that take you back to the 1950s every time you throw the colored ball down the lane. Pictures from bowling movies like The Big Lebowski hang on the walls, while the bars are decorated with stained wood. You’ll also notice a friendly staff that is always willing to make your bowling experience as fun and exciting as it can be.

With all of its features and unique opportunities for fun, North Bowl is the ideal place for your next big event in the Philadelphia area. Whether you want to throw a party for all of your employees, a birthday celebration for a friend, or a graduation get-together for that special nephew, North Bowl can accommodate large groups of up to 300 people who have varied interests. The facility is open throughout the week from 5:00 PM until 2:00 AM, and on the weekends from 11:00 AM until 2:00 AM. If you visit once, you’ll want to make it a weekly tradition for sure.

On the way to the North Bowl alleys, make a stop at one of our 3 Philadelphia-area Mercedes-Benz retail centers in West Chester, PA; Wilmington, DE; or Fort Washington, PA and see the finest vehicles Philadelphia has to offer. With the exquisite technology and unmatched luxury, it’s impossible to get a “gutter ball” when you’re sitting behind the wheel of a new or certified Benz. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re bowling all strikes every time you get an admiring glance from the driver next to you at the red light. Give one a try today!

With winter driving upon us, getting stuck in the snow is a legitimate concern for drivers in the colder states. Getting stuck can ruin a person’s day! It’s also extremely frustrating. Luckily, there are several ways you prevent getting stuck. There are also things you can do to get unstuck from snow, in most instances.

Getting your car out of snow could be as simple as rocking the car back and forth. Put the car in “Drive” and push on the accelerator. Lift your foot from the accelerator and put the car in “Reverse” when the tires come to a stop. Repeat this several times quickly to rock the car back.

It also helps to turn the steering wheel slightly to give the car more traction. If you feel like the car is making progress, keep trying this method. If it feels like it’s not moving at all or digging deeper into the snow, try something else.
Getting your car out of a snow bank or an icy spot is less difficult if you have some simple items with you. A bag of salt is ideal, because it melts the snow and ice underneath your tires in a matter of minutes.

Be sure to have a shovel in your car, too. Many times, you can dig your tire out of a small pile of snow by simply shoveling away the snow that surrounds the wheels. If you don’t have salt or a shovel, anything that provides friction between your tire and the slippery snow helps. Cat litter is helpful, but dirt or a scrap piece of carpet works, too.

If these methods fail, you may need to depend on the kindness of people. A car stuck in the snow often brings out the helpful side of strangers, and they might get stop to help push your car out of the snow. Be sure everyone is behind the car while you’re in “Drive”, but don’t press on the accelerator too much. This throws snow into your heroes' faces, and it also makes the snow beneath the tires melt and turn to ice.
 
If all else fails, a tow truck is your last resort.
 
Prevent getting stuck in the snow in the first place. Four-wheel drive vehicles get stuck fewer times than two-wheel drive models. It's more difficult for front-wheel drive cars to get stuck in the snow and ice. Mercedes vehicles are available in both categories.

You can also add some extra weight to your vehicle. Put bags of salt or sand in your trunk or in the bed of your truck. This gives your vehicle more traction on snowy surfaces and reduces your chance of slipping stuck.
 
Finally, drive carefully. Look for potential problems and try to avoid them at all costs. Driving slower also helps avoid getting stuck. Wintertime driving takes caution, as getting stuck in the snow is one of the minor events that can happen on the icy roads.

Festival of Lights

The holidays are perfect for spending time with family and friends in Philadelphia. The city offers many events during the holiday season to make gatherings easier and more enjoyable. In the midst of the cold and the snow, town officials organize fabulous celebrations and displays that everybody delights in.

One of the more popular events in town is the Holiday Festival of Lights. This festival runs from November 30 to December 29 at the Camden Children’s Garden.  The spectacular outing includes more than 100,000 lights spread out over 4.5 acres along the waterfront. Most of the festival takes place outdoors, but there are several indoor exhibits and displays where visitors can get a break from the cold.

The Holiday Festival of Lights doesn’t start until early evening. Families can walk along the shore and watch the colorful holiday lights shimmer as they reflect off the water. Animated sculptures that portray the holiday feeling are lit throughout the area and provide even more festive cheer. Come see Santa and his reindeer light up as you walk by!
Another aspect of the Holiday Festival of Lights is definitely indoors. Kids and adults delight in watching live butterflies majestically flutter around in the specially-designed Philadelphia Eagles Four Season Butterfly House. The colors dazzle the eyes and bring about the thought of the spring season that is just a few short months away. Children can bring their Christmas wish lists to give to Santa Clause and his elves! The magical Wonderland is an amazing area, sparkling white snow covering the model trains and animated scenes.

The Holiday Festival of Lights is not without its educational experiences as well. The Plaza de Aibonito offers a haven from the cold weather. The Plaza provides some historical tidbits that relate to the season as well. Inside this heated exhibit, visitors learn about the tradition of Three Kings Day – a Hispanic tradition that many people may not know of. Expand cultural horizons and learn about your neighbors while celebrating the wonderful season.

Visitors also have the option of enjoying the many relaxing rides during their stay. Parents enjoy watching their kids enjoy the Commerce Carousel or the Butterfly Spring Ride as Mom and Dad ride alongside. The Arrow River Express Train Ride is also available for a trip, offering a truly unique tour through some of the more breathtaking parts of the area. Don’t forget to bring the camera because you’ll never experience the same scenery twice! The pictures provide many years of memories looking back at the time you spent together as a family during the holidays.

Philadelphia’s Holiday of Festival Lights is ideal for visitors of all ages. It's free for children under the age of three, and adults can enjoy the festival's offerings for a mere $3.50. You can’t find a better deal than that! Come to the Camden Children’s Garden during the weekends through December and experience the ultimate in holiday spirit.

From all your friends at Condor Automotive Group, your premiere Philadelphia Mercedes-Benz retailer, please enjoy the Holiday season.

Drivers that enjoy new luxury autos but not at your typical new luxury car prices are turning to the new line of Mercedes C-Class models. For the price of a 2-3 year-old BMW 3-Series or Audi 4, car shoppers are turning to their local Mercedes-Benz dealers now offering great deals on the C-Class.

Competition is fierce for cars from other manufacturers in the same class which is why Mercedes-Benz strives to beat out the rest by offering best in class at significantly lower prices. And because the German automaker does not sacrifice anything in its standard units, drivers can now enjoy the feeling of gliding down the road in a brand new sport luxury vehicle, but without the feeling of empty bank accounts.

As an added bonus, the 2008 Mercedes C-Class units have the same appearance as the more expensive models. The iconic three-pointed star prominently graces the front grille so there is no mistaking the symbol of elegance and class. The undercarriage is aerodynamically sound, providing a smooth ride over rough roads that you encounter. It’s truly an ideal luxury vehicle for car buyers on a strict budget.

Rather than taking your chances with a used luxury vehicle, put yourself behind the power and force of a 2008 C-Class today. Stop in at one of our three Philadelphia locations nearest you and drive a brand new car home without the high price!

Mercedes-Benz Concept Car

This is a new venture for me. I started doing some Internet marketing for this Benz Dealer a couple months ago and am exploring ways for sites like Vox to eventually be of good value for them. We do some cool things for Condor...

• A Monthly Newsletter which is pretty sharp
• A blog with at least 2 posts a day
• Also have them on one of our new dealer network blogs called AC Dealers
  

If you are in to cars, blogging, social networking, Mercedes, or anything of the likes then be sure to get with me. Might have some good opportunities for you to explore.