Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Dodge has a future Down Under, and expansion beyond the Journey is on the table.

RUMOURS of the demise of US brand Dodge in Australia appear to have been greatly exaggerated, with local parent company Fiat Chrysler confirming it has a future here.

But the company has stopped short of saying which - if any – new models are in pipeline for the local market beyond its current single model, the Journey people-mover.

However, it is believed that several right-hand-drive business cases are being examined in the US, with models such as the Ram ute, Durango large SUV and Charger rear-drive sedan all in with a shot at coming to Australia next year.

This means Dodge could be the next Fiat Chrysler Group brand in-line for expansion, with the company already confirming plans to grow the Fiat model range beyond the 500 city car to include the Punto small hatchback, Panda five-door hatchback and Freemont people-mover by year’s end.

As we have reported, Fiat Chrysler has spoken previously of its plans to withdraw the Dodge marque from most international markets and place more focus on its strong North American home territory.

Comments from senior management in April last year along those lines occurred around the same time as Dodge Caliber and Nitro stocks in Australia dried up, leaving the Journey as the last Dodge standing.

With Fiat Chrysler set to launch the Fiat Freemont – essentially a rebadged Journey, questions over the viability of the Dodge version were raised. As reported, the company will side-step this problem by positioning the Journey as a more premium offering.

Sales of the Journey are still relatively strong, with 169 units delivered in March, and 419 sales for the first quarter (up 168 per cent).

According to Fiat Chrysler director of corporate affairs Karla Leach, the company originally intended for Dodge to become a ‘premium’ American brand, but not necessarily an exclusively American one.

The apparent about-face means the future of the badge is “definitely confirmed” for Australia, and while there is no confirmation of a subsequent model expansions, several business cases are “alive and well”.

Fiat Chrysler senior manager of product planning Zac Loo, meanwhile, told GoAuto this week that the company was “open to all possibilities in future”.

Media reports emerging from the Detroit motor show earlier this year revealed that Fiat Chrysler Group Australia managing director Clyde Campbell has commissioned right-hand-drive viability studies on both the Durango and Ram.

The full-size, three-row (but petrol-only) Durango is believed to be a candidate based on its substantial cabin capacity, and the fact that it could undercut other upper-large SUVs such as the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol by tens of thousand of dollars.

The Ram, meanwhile, could become the first large American ute sold here since Ford Australia discontinued the F-Series last decade. It is known there is still a potential market for such vehicles in the heavy hauling business and potentially the mining industry.

High end versions of the Ram, called the 3500, use a 6.7-litre Cummins diesel engine producing 260kW and 1150Nm of torque.

Company executives have also told Australian media that the Charger rear-drive sedan is a strong candidate locally, with a RHD version a chance to be sold alongside the Chrysler 300 from 2014.

There is no firm word on a potential return for the hardcore Viper - now badged as SRT rather than Dodge - however the company has previously expressed enthusiasm for the car.

Call into Northstar Dodge at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstardodge.com.au  or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au .

Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge is Fiat Chrysler Groups Northern Metro Dealer Of The Year for 2012 - all the more reason to discuss your Dodge needs with us. Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782

Source: www.goauto.com.au

Posted By Bob Aldons – Northstar Volkswagen

Best of the best: The Volkswagen Golf took out the 2013 World Car of the Year award, announced at the New York show last week.

Once again, Volkswagen wins World Car of the Year award as Golf Mk7 triumphs

VOLKSWAGEN has won its fourth World Car of the Year title in five years, taking out top honours this year with its Golf Mk7.

The Golf edged out fellow finalists including the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman twins and Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S sports car triplets.

Finalists were whittled down from a top ten list that included Golf competitors the Volvo V40 and Audi A3 as well as the Peugeot 208 light-car.

Mazda’s CX-5 and Land Rover’s Range Rover were the only two SUVs to make it into the top ten while the mid-size Mazda6 range rounded out the list.

The win for the Golf marks the fourth time in five years that a Volkswagen vehicle has taken out the award after the Golf Mk6 was crowned the winner in 2009 followed by the Polo in 2010.

Nissan broke the pattern in 2011 when its electric Leaf won the award, but Volkswagen returned to the podium in 2012 with its tiny Up hatch.

Speaking after the announcement of the winners at the New York motor show last week, Volkswagen AG chairman Martin Winterkorn said he was delighted the Golf had won the award for a second time.

“To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world,” he said. “This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials.”

The sleek Jaguar F-Type convertible beat out the Mazda6 and Aston Martin Vanquish for the World Car Design of the Year Award, while the Tesla Model S electric sports saloon was the top pick for World Green Car, pipping the Renault Zoe and Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid wagon.

World Performance Car came down to the Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ, with the Bahn-storming Porsche twins winning the judges over.

This year marks the ninth year the awards have been held with previous winners including the BMW 3 Series in 2006, Lexus LS460 in 2007 and the Mazda2 in 2008.

Finalists are selected by a panel of 66 automotive journalists from 23 different countries, including two from Australia.

The Volkswagen Golf goes on sale in Australia in April.

If you want to experience Volkswagen in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

Australian car buyers are utilising online resources at all stages of their buying process, and almost three quarters (73%) of new and used car buyers use online media as part of their research, according to findings released by Nielsen.

The consumer research company's 'Australian automotive report 2012' found the use of online resources ranked second only to visiting car dealerships amongst buyers of new cars, and were the most popular resources for buyers of used cars.

The majority of online new car research now takes place on laptops and desktop computers (64% and 62% respectively), however, new car buyers are increasingly using mobile devices as part of their decision making process (29% use mobile phones), up 15 percentage points from the previous year.

Tablet usage has gone from 5% in 2011 to 26% in 2012, as tablet ownership continues its sharp increase across Australian households.

“The opportunities held by online media to build awareness, engage potential vehicle purchasers, fulfil their information needs and move car buyers through their decision making process are abundant,” says Nielsen Media's Melanie Ingrey.

“Online sources are unquestionably important in the car buying decision making process, and their influence is growing.”

The use of social media as part of the automotive decision making process is also strong, with 25% of both new and used car buyers calling on this form of media to guide and inform their car buying decisions. Among new car buyers who have engaged with organisations on social platforms, 28% have engaged with a car brand, up from 18% in 2011.

“These findings signal a real interest in peer reviews and feedback from like-minded consumers. They also highlight the continued opportunities for brands to utilise social platforms and spaces as a means of connecting with, and communicating with customers." says Ingrey.

The report also found that the use of classifieds sites by used car buyers who use online resources is close to saturation (97%), while manufacturers’ sites have far more use among new car buyers than used car buyers.  

Among used car buyers who use online resources, CarSales is by far the most popular site called upon for buying a car with three quarters using the site. It is also the second most commonly visited website among new car buyers (45%). CarsGuide is also popular among both new and used car buyers who utilise online resources (49% used; 39% new).  

Despite the increase of online and mobile sources, traditional sources of research remain popular tools. Print media as an awareness and discovery mechanism is particularly popular among new car buyers with two-thirds (65%) using print resources at the awareness stage.  

Ingrey concludes: “It is clear that consumers are looking to varied sources for information; whether it is websites, forums, Facebook pages or classified sites like CarSales - in addition to the traditional sources such as print media and visiting car dealerships. It’s clear that consumers are now seeking ever more information, and their media consumption is mirroring this trend.”

Call into Northstar Motor Group at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

Northstar continues to expand its brand portfolio. Along with the original Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands since 2003, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen since 2008, Mahindra in 2012, Northstar now has Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Fiat Professional, and Abarth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.nsmg.com.au  or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Source: http://www.autotalk.com.au

Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Volkswagen

It hasn’t even hit Aussie roads yet, but the seventh generation Volkswagen Golf has been named the 2013 World Car of the Year.

It marks the second consecutive time VW has won the prestigious award, after claiming the title in 2012 with the Up!

Voted the best new vehicle out of an initial entry list of 42 cars, the 2013 Golf edged out rival finalists the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman and the combined entry of the Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ.

A renowned judging panel of 66 journalists from 23 countries bestowed the honour on the Mk V11 Golf, claiming the new model is as close to the ‘perfect hatchback’ as any company has come yet.

 “Right sized, but spacious, practical and comfortable inside, the latest Golf has been brought up to date with a fresh if evolutionary design, a range of new engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety features. What’s more, it’s fun to drive. If ever there was a car for everyman, the Golf is it.”

If you want to experience new Volkswagen Golf in person, call into Northstar Volkswagen at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula after April 27th. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.northstarvw.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782

Source: http://motoring.ninemsn.com.au

Posted By Bob Aldons – Northstar Motor Group

Never ever will I doubt the power of social media. On Easter Sunday, sitting in my lounge at home I came across a post from a lady named Mali Hunnan and her experiences with a Hyundai dealer at Wynnum.

Now I know the dealership, the owner Doug Barton and the DP Mark Beitz quite well, from my time with Mitsubishi. Both are honourable guys with a very successful long standing, community based business.

Since last Sunday there have been over 39000 (yep 39k) visitors or comments to this post. Amazing! If you read the full post and gloss over it, you’d feel that Ms Hunnan had been poorly done by but you wouldn’t necessarily be correct. Let’s have a reality check for all those people who have been trashing the dealer.

Firstly, the service cost of about $300 was fair for a 105k service. It’s the recommendations that are under question. I’d say that at 105k that the brake fluid probably needed attention. There’s no doubt that the dealer did the right thing and commented on the tyres being low on tread and that one was un-roadworthy.  Price for a Firestone tyre from Bridgestone - $130 – fair. Wheel alignment is a little bit on the expensive side, but anywhere between $55 and $80 again is reasonable. Get an alignment done by the tyre supplier and you’ll pay a round $69. Drive belt cracking – pretty important item – no drive belt, no engine. I’d be happy with that price. Genuine belts on a Volkswagen are around $300 or more to replace.

A lot of comment when it came to the wiper inserts – there are inserts and then there are blades. Hyundai i30 needs blades and they are expensive.

Then it comes down to the item in contention. A power steering flush for $95. And this is where the dealer screwed up. Hyundai as well as other brands including Volkswagen have electronic power steering – no fluids need to be replaced.

So go figure – the dealer made an honest error- their other brands have power steering with fluids so the service controller and advisor didn’t get it right. They didn’t deserve to be trashed by so many people. 

A disgruntled Hyundai customer whose car servicing bill was inflated has received a full refund and apology from the manufacturer after venting her frustration on social media.

In a post on Hyundai Australia’s Facebook page last Friday, Mali Hannun accused the Bartons Hyundai dealership in Brisbane of “deliberate fraud” after being quoted an additional $700 for a standard $300 service.

Hannun claimed the 105,000km service quote on her Hyundai i30 included about $400 in unnecessary repairs – including $83 for windscreen wiper inserts and $95 for a fluid flush. She said she confirmed the overcharging after contacting two separate mechanics for another opinion.

Hannun’s comments have attracted a fiery response on Facebook, with more than 35,000 people interacting with her initial post.

 “I went straight back to Hyundai and told the service manager the blatant rip off that had nearly occurred ... He squirmed in his seat for the duration of my rant and all he could offer me in way of explanation was that it may have been a 'typo' on the invoice,” Hannun wrote in the post.

Hyundai has accepted full responsibility over the incident, with a company spokesman telling Fairfax Media the inflated bill was a “genuine mistake”.

“The initial report from the dealer indicates that it was a … a communication breakdown between the service advisor and the technician,” the spokesman said.

“The franchise services up to 70 cars a day, so mistakes can happen. At this stage we're still working with the dealer to investigate how it happened.

“If there has been a breakdown in procedure or a failure of some sort, we'll work closely with the dealer to ensure nothing like it happens again.”

NSW Fair Trading has also encouraged Hannun to lodge a formal complaint over the incident, amid of ongoing instances of overcharging at mechanical workshops.

Since January last year, the agency has received more than 1800 complaints relating to car servicing and repairs.

Last month, NSW Fair Trading detected eight non-compliant mechanical businesses during a raid of 16 premises in Kempsey. In three cases, fines totalling $1320 were issued to repairers due to an absence of tradesperson certificates or licences.

Hannun, who did not reply to Fairfax Media’s request for an interview, wrote in the post that she felt “completely outraged” and “extremely disappointed” over the incident.

“Overall, I am extremely disappointed with my experience and simply cannot believe this blatant attempt to deceive me,” she wrote.

“Hopefully many people will hear about this incident before their next car service and be more aware of this deliberate fraud.”

Hyundai has encouraged customers who feel they’ve been dealt an unfair bill to contact the company’s customer care line, on 1800 186 306.