Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Call into Northstar Jeep 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 northstarjeep.com.au or read more reviews at mycarreview.com.au. Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

Left:Jeep and Jayco on the road.Over three months of towing the GoSee Jayco Sterling 21 ft caravan in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo diesel instills confidence.

The brand has come a long way. Jeep is the quintessential American Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), with all-terrain roots dating over 70 years and including the 1940's and World War II.

Australians have a long-standing aquaintance with Jeep. For example your correspondents father bought a Jeep from a 'Yank' for two bottles of beer when he was soldiering on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea in 1944 to1945. He valued the Jeeps survival abilities, he said. My late mother and I valued his, the bloody business of Bougainville was a terrible survival test for Australian and American troops.

Now in the brave world of excellent value in the automobile market the new Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) takes Chryslers Jeep to completely new value and luxury finish levels. The good looking Jeep is a worthy contender in the premium motoring and towing segment of the market.

The latest GoSeeAustralia tow tug is a Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Laredo 3.0-litre turbo, direct-injection V6 diesel 4x4 with five-speed automatic transmission, it develops 177kW/550Nm. GoSee was attracted by the overall specifications and the $53,913 Chrysler drive-away price we paid.

Right: GSA Jayco carries the flag.There is an impressive list of useful kit comes standard and the price includes our pick from the options grab-bag.

Chrysler gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Laredo a 3500kg towing capacity with up to 350kg on the towbar. Chrysler has model, engine and towing kit conditions and requirements which should be checked with the dealer and understood before hooking up to tow. But in essence Chrysler now sets the warranty bar with its straight forward responsible approach for vehicle makers who claim towing abilities for their products.

The official warranty position with Chrysler on towing with a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is that they do not think it is necessary up to 2500kg.

The Grand Cherokee comes with Trailer Sway Control which Chrysler feels will do the safety job up to 2500kg. The Grand Cherokee also has an automatic self-levelling system which cuts in at 100kmh. But Chrysler is keen to meet the needs of caravanners and accepts the established role of popular Weight Distribution Hitches (WDH) and anti-sway Hayman Reese products in caravans and trailers. So regardless they will stand by their warranty.

The official Chrysler figures for the Grand Cherokee diesel are 350kg on the ball max and 3500kg trailer max. Please note that Chrysler requires a a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) for towing loads which exceed 2268-2270kg. The 2kg difference depends on which set of specs are read.

The key to towing safely is that Chrysler will stand by warranty up to the maximum axle loading weights stated in the Owners Manual.

Left: Millie and Scamp take to caravanning.This means the affect of loading the Grand Cherokee with people and luggage must be factored into the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM). The Owners Manual says up to 650kg in the Grand Cherokee.

The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of the caravan or (boat, horse, tradie) trailer should come from a weighbridge and the loaded weight on the towball should also be known and the result of a weighbridge or digital scales check.

ATM is the combined weight of the trailer and its full load when it is not coupled to a tow vehicle. All new trailers built since August 1989 must have a plate listing, amongst other things, the trailers Aggregate Trailer Mass, although some trailer plates will also show its Tare Weight (the unladen weight of the trailer) and its Gross Trailer Mass (GTM).

GTM is the weight of the fully loaded trailer that is imposed on the trailer’s axle when it is coupled to the tow vehicle.

Drivers must ensure the towing vehicle has sufficient capacity to tow the trailer when it is fully laden. Ball Load is the amount of weight the fully laden trailer imposes (vertically) on the tow bar of the tow vehicle. There is no requirement to list Ball Load on the trailer’s plate, but if the plate lists the trailer’s Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), the difference between the ATM and GTM will be its Ball Load. Ball Load, like other towing specifications, must not be exceeded.

Some manufacturers provide Axle Load specifications for their vehicles. Most commonly this becomes important where the vehicle is capable of carrying a load over the rear axle, in addition to the load imposed by the trailer (the ball load).

In cases where the total of the Ball Load and the load in the vehicle exceeds the allowable Axle Load, it will be necessary to reduce the load carried or rearrange the trailer’s load. All Jeep tow bars are heavy duty, the company says.

Right: GoSee Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel hooks up with Jayco Sterling 21ft. The vehicle’s specifications will always be the maximum the vehicle can legally tow, even if the tow bar is rated for a higher load. However if any of the tow bar specifications are lower than those given for the vehicle, the tow bar’s specification will override the vehicle’s specifications.

Chrysler does not specify reduced speed limits when towing.

The flexible options provided by Hayman Reese electronic brake controller units and towing equipment are respected by Chrysler.

The Australian Grand Cherokee comes with Middle Eastern standard cooling system which includes transmission coolers.

The previous diesel powertrain used in the Grand Cherokee was a Mercedes-Benz unit and although it had the same 3.0-litre displacement as the new CRD powerplant from Italian specialist VM Motori, it was not as powerful nor as efficient.

The new 3.0-litre CRD turbo diesel engine produces 177 kW at 4,000 rpm with 550 Nm of torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm. This is 10 percent more power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces. But rated fuel economy for the new 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is an impressive 8.3 litres/100km on the combined cycle as a stand alone unit. This is an improvement of 19 percent over the previous diesel engine.

The GoSee extended towing evaluation of the Grand Cherokee and the Jayco Sterling 21 footer is being handled by Newbie caravanners who are Old Hands around caravan parks.

Left: Bob Farmer checks GoSee campsite.Polly, Milena and Scamp, the Family Beast, are new caravanners who are recently retired caravan park operators of some 25 years experience, not Scamp he is an 11 year old Jack Russell/Maltese dog, previously responsible for park security.

This team took charge of GoSeeAustralia's 2012 Jayco Sterling 21 Caravan. They are tasked to document and comment on their experiences for the coming year or so as they transition from caravan park operators to caravanners who travel with a little dog.

"The Jeep was chosen to be our new caravanners tow tug following a recommendation to consider made by GoSee's CEO who had noted Chrysler Jeeps enduring support and sponsorship of the caravanning industry and the positive consumer comment he was hearing on the road ," Bob (Polly) Farmer said.

"I followed through and checked the credentials of the Jeep Grand Cherokee oil burner, as suggested, and found the Jeep was a technically valid option as 'tow tug' for the Jayco 21 footer, it was attractively priced and had an impressive equipment list: 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine, 5 Speed Automatic Transmission with Electronic Range Select, Quadra Trac 4WD system, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), fog lamps, rear liftgate with flipper glass, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Bi-Xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with auto-levelling and headlamp washers, Media Center 431radio, leather trimmed seats (option) with eight-way power driver's seat, leather wrapped steering wheel with manual tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, 18-inch polished cast aluminium wheels, selec-terrain vehicle management system, Rain-Sensitive Wiper System, Dual Zone Climate Control, Park view Reversing Camera.

Right: 1554 litres of cargo volume Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.
Additional features fitted are:Leather seating; Off road Adventure Group ll - Fuel tank, transfer case, underbody and front suspension skid plates, Quadra Drive ll 4WD system, rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD), 3.45 axle ratio, 230mm rear axle, 265 / 60 R18 All-season tyres, 18 x8-inch polished aluminium wheels.

Quadra lift Air Suspension - Raise the vehicle up to 104mm higher for a maximum ground clearance of 271mm or lower the vehicle 38mm for easier entry, exit and loading. The system also raises the vehicle from back to front to help keep headlights safely focused downward at the road ahead.

Polly's behind the wheel impressions as a 'Tow Tug' from a new to caravanning driver:

The Jeep has been in the care of GoSee's apprentice caravanner for about 12,000km. After a 2500km get familiar period, following delivery of the vehicle, the apprentice, in the care of GoSees CEO, (the Octopus - he likes to keep a tentacle (hand-interest) in all things GoSee  for the first two weeks and later 'all by himself', well, nearly by himself he was in the company his wife and their family beast Scamp, with Go Sees new Jayco Sterling 20 Series, 21.65-4 Caravan hitched to the Jeep.

The apprentice has toured the Jeep and Jayco caravan from Jayco's Dandenong Victoria manufacturing facility to:

a. Eldorado Caravan Park, Geelong, Vic; b. Lake Fyans Holiday Park, the Grampians, Vic; c. Calder Caravan Park, Mildura, Vic; d. Broken Hill Tourist Park Broken Hill, NSW; e. Free Bush Camp, 50 or so km past Wilcannia, NSW; f. Bourke, NSW; g. Lightning Ridge, NSW; h. St George, Qld; i. Dalby, Qld, Where the Octopus sent the apprentice off Solo; j. Coolum Beach Caravan Park, Coolum, the Sunshine Coast, Qld; k. Family, Bundaberg, Qld". (All Caravanners should have family strategically positioned throughout Australia); l. Back to Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Qld; m. Family, Brisbane, Qld; n. Blue Dolphin Holiday Park, Yamba, NSW; o. River, NSW; p. Forster, NSW; q. Shoal Bay Holiday Park, Port Stephens, NSW; r. Go See Headquarters, Canberra, ACT; q. To be continued.

Left: GoSee Sterlings ready to tour Jayco May 1 2012.
The apprentice who, while being a virgin caravanner has had experience driving rigid trucks and 4WD vehicles in a previous life, has formed a very positive view of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Lorado diesel as a tow tug for caravanning.

From the travel list previously mentioned it is evident that the Jeep has towed a medium to large Jayco Sterling caravan through a diverse range of roads, from flat straight outback highways to Great Divide undulating country roads and busy national major highways, the Jeep exceeded expectations towing the GoSee Jayco Sterling caravan with relative ease.

Travelling the flat sealed "a bit rough" highways back of Bourke, the Jeep towed the Jayco Sterling with easy efficiency. The Jayco Sterling caravan was, identifiably, held firmly in place by the Hayman Reese Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) system and the caravan felt beautifully - but maybe too firmly - in place.

The Hayman Reese anti-sway cam system was added to the towing technology mix for the Jeep / Jayco tug and tow combination at Lightning Ridgesome 10 days into the apprentice's introduction and induction to caravanning. The improvement to towing was significant:....read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition

Arriving spring 2013

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

Jeep has introduced in Los Angeles the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition which will go on sale next spring.

Based on the Rubicon model, Jeep is selling this anniversary edition as a two- or four-door Wrangler powered by a Pentastar V6 3.6-liter engine with 285 hp (212 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the part-time four-wheel-drive system via a standard 6-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission. It benefits from electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, Rock-Trac transfer case and Tru-Lok locking differentials.

Compared to the standard Rubicon this special variant has a 0.5 inches higher ride height and comes with BF Goodrich KM2 tires measuring 265/70R17 mounted on satin black 17-inch Rubicon alloys with polished faces and the Jeep Wrangler logo on the outside lip.

It comes as standard with a Premium Sunrider soft top and can be ordered with ....read more.

Reposted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Sometimes I don't like the motoring press.

Here they are talking about a recall on cars from 2002 to 2004 and they use a picture which could almost allude to the recall of a new current model vehicle. The one pictured is from 2003 but without number plates and looking as new as it does, can give owners of newer models an uneasy feeling.

So what are recalls? When a vehicle is manufactured its constructed of some 34,000 separate components. Many of these different parts are supplied by vendors contracted by the manufacturer to provide these parts to build the vehicle. On occasions a part or combination of parts fails 'in the field' during routine driving by owners.

The charter for safety around the world determines that when and if a number of failures is reported that the company will enact a recall to rectify the concern. Of course some of these concerns or failures are substantial - remember the recall of Toyota's worldwide when the carpet mat fitted to some was sliding under the accelerator pedal resulting in substantial accidents and some loss of life. Toyota in this case hid the quantity and to save face, didn't enact a recall until forced to by public opinion.

The vehicles part of this recall by Chrysler are some 8 - 10 years old, have travelled enormous kilometres but Chrysler as a responsible company are still calling them back in to be checked. And here's the rub. If the owners of these cars had been having their vehicle serviced by an authorized Jeep dealer, there's every likelihood that the matter would have been dealt with during routine servicing. Every reason to keep your Jeep all Jeep by servicing with Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

The recall issued by Jeep parent company Chrysler is due to a defect in the airbag control modules.

A recall on nearly a million Jeeps around the world may include up to 11,000 here in Australia.

The recall issued by Jeep parent company Chrysler is due to a defect in the airbag control modules that could cause the front or side curtain airbags to deploy inadvertently.

The vehicles carrying the defective module are the Jeep Liberty (sold here as the Cherokee) and Grand Cherokee SUVs built from 2002 to 2004. The 919,545 Jeeps recalled include 744,822 in the United States; 49,430 in Canada; 21,828 in Mexico, and 103,465 around the rest of the world.

More than 11,000 of those two models were sold in Australia during the period covered by the recall, but Chrysler Australia has not yet confirmed the exact number affected here.....read more

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

Handling is good and much better than the now-obsolete front and rear live axle layout suggests.

Owning a Jeep marks you as a steel-edged, fearless and go-anywhere person that only lacks the stipulation of dressing in fatigues and legitimately killing people.

It's a warhorse that has been inbred over generations to become domesticated enough to share your garage with a Hyundai. In 2012, it gets even more civilised to the point where y

our body no longer aches on the way to work. Yes, Jeep's getting soft. But consider that the advancement from a raw military short wheelbase soft-top to a compliant civilian short wheelbase soft-top has taken 71 years.

The Wrangler grips firmly to its history in more ways that it’s workable simplicity. The passenger's grab handle is embossed with 1941 - the year of the first generic Jeep - designed to fill the soul with tear-jerking memories of the heroes of war, the battles that claimed lives and the heartwrenching fears of the people left at home.

Honestly, you feel like rising in the seat to salute a flag. Any flag. But this isn't about war from an American perspective just as the VolkswagenBeetle doesn't rekindle memories of Germany's battle – this is about the war of car sales and how Jeep's parents, Fiat-Chrysler, aim to rebuild the brand by merging ideas from the US and Europe. Just like 1941.

The Wrangler short wheelbase is pretty much what it has been for decades. There is a longer wheelbase model called Ultimate, of course, but that fights in a different campaign. The shorty is very much a niche model. There's no direct rival that combines its roof-off ability with its ladder chassis and low-range gearbox, its two doors and diesel or petrol versions.

Sure, you could put it up against the Mercedes G-Wagon G350 but that's only a diesel and won't open your wallet until you reach $161,680 - almost five times the Wrangler's price. The Toyota FJ Cruiser is the only real rival but even that lacks the ability of the Jeep to be partially disassembled, creating a new toy by quickly removing the roof, the doors and folding the windscreen flat on the bonnet.

The Land Rover Defender 90 is simply hard work. You have to be a fanatical aficionado of the marque, own a farm and dedicate the 90 to chasing sheep, or have a curious and possibly indictable addiction to lethargic, alloy-clad and Lego-shaped British vehicles.

VALUE

There's an alleged cult status with Jeep and that plays on the psychology of buyers. Jeep successfully - and in fact irrefutable - claims it's a tough brand and that attracts people who want to be seen as tough. Even men. For $34,000 for the automatic version, it affordably meets this macho image. I think it's well priced and is very good at its job of being a remarkable weekend fun machine in the dirt. But I'd baulk at recommended it for people who just want the image because the Jeep comes with compromises.

It's not as comfortable, as well equipped or possibly - though Jeep is advancing in leaps and bounds - as well built as an Asian SUV. Also, it works better as a hardtop. The standard flappy vinyl will do your head in on the freeway and transmits cold more efficiently than a Kelvinator. So you need to spend an extra $2500 - quite reasonable, actually – for the hardtop (that also comes with the soft top) and pick up sidesteps and six-speaker audio.

DESIGN

It's 1941 but with a choice of colours. Okay, so there's a bit of softening and things are more civilised, the tyre-wheel package is imposing and inside, the dashboard is almost impressive. Despite its short wheelbase status, it will comfortably seat four adults and a little bit of luggage, though this is better suited to a single or a couple, maybe with a dog.

Hard plastic is used in the cabin but it's well designed. Switchgear is generally good but needs familiarisation - the remote audio controls on the underside of the steering wheel are brilliant - while the lack of a left-foot rest is annoying and there's still some effort to climb over the sill to get out of the car.

TECHNOLOGY

I will confirm there have been a few changes since 1941. The engine is Chrysler's latest 3.6-litre V6 petrol (a turbo-diesel is optional) and it's damn good. It pumps 209kW/347Nm and though peak power isn't hit until 6350rpm, the V6 is no slouch in its willingness to rev. But it's thirsty. The engine drives the rear wheels through a manual select two-speed transfer case that offers 4WD High and 4WD Low.

There's no diff lock (it's optional) but the drivetrain will electronically control traction. Suspension is ultra-simple live axles front and back which sound crude but actually are very effective. The steering is recirculating ball and while not as taut as the rack and pinion design, is on par with new-age electric-assist systems.

SAFETY

This isn't brilliant but that's the territory of open-top 4WDs. There's two airbags, electronic stability and traction control, and things like a full-size spare wheel and heated side mirrors. Other features are aimed at enhancing its off-road ability, such as rollover

control, hill-start assist and hill descent control. Crash rating? No, it's not tested.

DRIVING

It's better than you think. The hardtop is mandatory for anything but warm weather for aside from retaining cabin warmth, it's reasonably quiet. The engine purrs at idle, responds quickly and gets noisy only towards the fun area in the tacho. It's punchier than the old 3.8-litre and claims to be more economical. Jeep says 11.6 L/100km and I scored 12.8 L/100km.

The auto box is smoother than I remember previous Jeeps. Don't even think of the manual unless you also considered buying a Defender 90. The driver's footwell is cramped (even on the auto) and the lack of a rest for the left foot makes the driver feel untethered - an impression magnified by the seats that are flat and provide little lateral support.

Ride is generally good but the short wheelbase hits road and track undulations and creates unpleasant pitching. That said, handling - once you get used to the tall steering ratio - is good and much better than the now-obsolete front and rear live axle layout suggests. In the dirt it's almost unstoppable, though sand work needs tyres deflated. Hardcore owners would pay about $10,000 for the Rubicon pack that has a disconnect feature for the rollbars and diff locks.

VERDICT

City-based commuters and pretenders are kidding themselves if they think this is a dual-purpose vehicle. But as a weekend warrior, it's almost untouchable. Best as a second car, though.

Source: www.carsguide.com.au

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Iconic US off-road brand aims to counter softening Euro demand by cashing on the high-volume Chinese market

The strength of the Asian market has prompted Jeep’s Fiat masters to consider returning Jeep production to China, helping offset weakening demand in a struggling European market.

It wouldn’t be the first time a Jeep would be manufactured in China as, during the DaimlerChrysler alliance, Beijing Benz Automotive Co produced the Grand Cherokee and various locally developed products under the Beijing Jeep badge.

Chrysler, of course, exited its alliance with Daimler in 2007, but the company’s Fiat parents now plan to pursue a joint venture in China with Guangzhou Automobile Co.

A Bloomberg report quoted Jeep chief operating officer Mike Manley as saying Fiat is in “very detailed conversations” with Guangzhou Automobile Co about making Jeeps in the world’s largest auto market.

The motivation behind the initiative is to offset weakness in the European car market by cashing in on burgeoning demand in China. The aim is to achieve 500,000 Jeep sales outside North America by 2014, which is more than triple the number it exported in 2009.

Under the current set-up all Jeeps are built in the US, and Manley stressed the proposed Chinese production would supplement US manufacturing, rather than replacing it.

International demand for Jeeps has been strong in recent times, with three of the four Chrysler sales posted outside North America accounted for by the off-road brand. Year-on-year until September, Jeep export sales surged 54 per cent this year to a total of 117,189 vehicles. What’s more, strong demand for the Grand Cherokee and Compass has enabled Jeep to more than double its sales in China through September to 33,463 units.

According to the Bloomberg report, Fiat/Guangzhou’s plant in central China will eventually be capable of assembling 500,000 vehicles per year. The two car-making groups plan to add production of an additional model to the factory roughly every 12 months. For further reading...click here

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Wait and see - Jeep Wrangler is due for side curtain air bags shortly and on the back of that, Head Office will probably run another Wrangler into the old concrete wall  to get the 5 star ANCAP rating.

For those of us who don't generally drive around looking for concrete walls to run into, the 4 star rating seems to be adequate, but the optional side and curtain air bags, coupled with the other active safety features would seem to get the job done.

Another Jeep, this time the Wrangler, falls short of five-star ANCAP rating

ANOTHER Jeep model has fallen short of the maximum ANCAP safety rating, with the hardcore Wrangler joining its Compass and Grand Cherokee siblings in achieving a four-star result.

It is the third time in less than a year that a Jeep model has scored four-stars in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, failing to meet the increasingly common five-star rating.

The current-generation Wrangler was launched here in 2007, but received a substantial facelift in March this year. The model tested by ANCAP is the two-door version powered by the new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine.

The result was attributed to the lack of standard head-protecting side airbags, which are available as an optional extra but need to be standard-fit for a car to achieve the maximum result under ANCAP regulations. Wrangler comes standard with dual-front airbags only.

GoAuto understands Chrysler Jeep Australia will make side airbags standard on the Wrangler range from next year, but that this is unlikely to change the four-star result.

Pedestrian protection, meanwhile, was rated as ‘Poor’.

ANCAP chairman Lauchlan McIntosh encouraged buyers to choose a five-star car for their next purchase.

“There are now many SUVs which have been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating,” he said....read more

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP or 1300 263 533.

Presented by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

Call into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula , to view the recently arrived Grand Cherokee SRT8.  Even if you onyl want to look and touch, it's well worth the experience.

The photo below really doesn't do it any justice at all. This truck is stonking hot. This article from Go Auto outlines the features making it unrivalled amongst performance SUV's in our country

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.northstarjeep.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 BNE JEEP that's - 1300 263 533.

JEEP'S fastest and most powerful model – the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 – has finally touched down in Australia, priced from a lower-than-expected $76,000 (plus on-road costs).

This pricing makes the SRT performance flagship only $6000 dearer than previous top-of-the-tree Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland in either petrol or diesel, and nearly $10,000 less than the previous-generation SRT model in 2006.

All this will be music to the ears of the more than 250 local buyers who have already laid down deposits of up to $20,000 to get their hands on first examples.

The Detroit-built SRT8 arrives months later than expected, having been originally slated for local launch in May this year but twice delayed due to heavy demand in its US home market.

Hitting the Australian market with no apparent price-point rivals, the thundering SRT8 is lower and more lairy than the rest of the regular – and record-selling – Grand Cherokee range, and is powered by a mammoth 6.4-litre Hemi V8 producing 344kW of power and 624Nm of torque.

This engine, matched to the Chrysler 300 SRT's five-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission, is enough...read more

 

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

And you're expecting me to say that we've missed out again.

That our brothers from across the Pacific won't share. Well this time at least we're getting the Trailhawk, probably in the first quarter of 2013. This comes on the back of the hugely successful Jet Edition which sold out in days. Hopefully we'll get the Wrangler Moab as well - Wrangler has been in short supply of late as Jeep sales have skyrocketed

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 894 655.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept 27.3.2012

Designed to tackle the toughest terrain

Jeep has announced plans to offer two new special editions.

First up, the Wrangler Moab is named after the popular off-roading destination in Utah. It is based on the Sahara and features a power dome hood, heavy-duty bumpers and special badging. There's also a Trak-Lok rear differential and 17-inch alloy wheels with Goodyear Silent Armor tires....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 894 655.

JEEP’S Hemi V8-powered Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been delayed for the second time and now has an official Australian media launch date of October 3, almost two months later than the previous estimate.

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 will now rumble into showrooms four months later than the originally anticipated June arrival, which was subsequently pushed back to August, with local executives blaming global supply problems.

In the meantime, the new Chrysler 300 large sedan that was launched last month is sold out until around November – and the hot SRT8 variant of that vehicle is among the worst affected.

Fiat-Chrysler Group Australia managing director Clyde Campbell recently told journalists he will only have enough stock of the Grand Cherokee SRT8 to initially supply dealers with around two examples each.

Attributing the lack of supply to “component supplier issues”, Mr Campbell said it is necessary to build up sufficient stock of the rumbling muscle-SUV, which is expected to sell well in this country.

“While people will wait for it, you don’t want to keep them waiting 12 or 18 months,” he said.

Australia will receive an allocation of around 1000 Grand Cherokee SRT8s, accounting for 25 per cent of global production, and dealers around the country already hold hundreds of pre-orders....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

Even before we've received our first supplies of new Grand Cherokee SRT8, the yanks are announcing a face lifted version. Presumably running the same 6.4 litre engine, the 2014 model will likely get a fresher grill and some interior changes as you'd expect in a MY14 vehicle.

Fingers crossed that we'll have the MY13 launch model in October. Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 spy photo 20.8.2012 / Automedia

Revised styling, upgraded interior

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 has been spied undergoing testing.

Modestly disguised, the prototype is wearing a standard facelifted body. It features a new front fascia with a revised grille and restyled headlights.

The cabin has a new instrument cluster, revised switch gear and an updated infotainment system with a larger display. We can also see a new gear knob and additional metallic accents....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

Fear not the comments by this journalist, Jeep Cherokee certainly isn't dead - "The rumours of my demise are greatly exaggerated". It's really the only way that most journalists can get you to read their waffle - create a sensational headline.

The reality is way different from the headline. Expect to see the Cherokee/Liberty replacement at the Detroit Motor Show in early 2013 and production commence in the USA shortly after that. The replacement will be available in 4WD and 2WD versions but the good news for off road enthusiasts is that there will be a 'get it dirty' Trail Rated Version. And yes, it will probably be based on a softer platform and will feature the world's first 9 speed auto transmission in an off road vehicle, but there will certainly be a petrol and diesel engine offered.

If you're interested, Northstar Jeep will have good supplies of the current model through to the end of the year and into the first half of 2013. Jeep Australia reduced the prices recently on the long lead run out and frankly the Jeep Cherokee is a bargain.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655.

The Jeep Cherokee has finished - but Australian supplies will last through to next year.

Chrysler, the parent company of Jeep and owned by Fiat Group, this week finished production of the 11-year-old Cherokee in the US and in June 2013, starts making its replacement.

The next Cherokee will be a “softer” vehicle based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform - a layout that is also used to create the Dodge Dart hatchback - and will be made both as a front-wheel drive and a 4WD.

It will come with the option of a world-first nine-speed automatic transmission and a new V6 engine. Until then, enthusiasts have a chance to buy the last of Jeep's hardcore mid-size 4WD.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep Brisbane

Don't even think about it. The image below was a concept Jeep vehicle from 1998. It was probably way ahead of its time then, but would be sensational if it was for sale today.

Whilst Mike Manley was in Australia for a round of meetings and dealer visits, he not only discussed the Jeep Cherokee replacement, but also provided some top level 'secret' reveals on the B Class SUV as a new model in the range. And in all the various vehicles available, Manley committed to producing a Trail Rated version of every one.

Trail Rated is our heritage said the Jeep CEO - it's what makes Jeep well Jeep. And that's really great news for all the Jeep fans in Australia.

For more info on all things Jeep, call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655.

Jeep promises to produce ‘Trail Rated’ version of Fiat-based sub-Patriot SUV

JEEP’S promised baby SUV will be fit for the Australian Outback – if not the Rubicon Trail – when it arrives in 2015, despite sharing its underpinnings with an Italian commuter car.

The sub-Patriot B-segment Jeep will count among its rivals the Skoda Yeti, Subaru XV and Holden’s upcoming Trax, but the American SUV specialist is promising a rugged variant with class-leading off-road ability.

At a recent Fiat-Chrysler Australia media event, global Jeep brand president and CEO Mike Manley told journalists there would be at least one variant that would meet Jeep’s traditional ‘Trail Rated’ standard.

“The Jeep brand in terms of its equity around the world is too precious for us to weaken it with a product that is not a Jeep,” he said.

“There has to be one version that is Trail Rated, absolutely.

“If we can’t make it a Jeep, we won’t make it – that is the rule.”

Jeep’s Trail Rated certification system is based on a vehicle’s traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, wheel articulation and water-fording abilities. ...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

The recently released Jet Edition of the Grand Cherokee has proved to be a popular addition to the WK Grand Cherokee range. Priced comfortably at $1500 above the grand Cherokee Laredo, Jet gets 20" Black Alloy Wheels and a black grille insert. Customizers would pay well above that just for the wheels alone.

The Jet edition is one way of adding value to a model that's been out a while - over a year in the case of WK - without distressing it's price. Typically marketers start dropping prices on cars over 12 months in the market, but Fiat Chrysler have stayed true to its confidence in the model, providing improved resale values when the Grand Cherokee eventually starts to come back to the market as a trade in.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarjeep.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 894 655

In the USA  Jeep has announced plans to offer two new Grand Cherokee SRT8 special editions - a model that hasn't even been released in Australia as yet.

Dubbed the Alpine and Vapor, the models feature unique paint (bright white or brilliant black), gloss black accents and 20-inch alloy wheels with a black vapor chrome finish.

Both models are powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 470 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. It enables the Grand Cherokee to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 160 mph (257 km/h)...read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

I was recently invited to a meeting of selected dealers and senior head office managers in Melbourne to spend an hour or so with Jeep head honcho, Mike Manley. Amongst topics such as projected volumes for Australian Chrysler Jeep and Dodge sales were discussions and images of forthcoming Jeep vehicles for the next few years.

I'd like to tell you that my I Phone video was going flat out, but the truth is that the design images are so confidential, that I'd probably end up as the owner of a Jeep dealership in Antarctica AND be shackled and gagged as well  - in Winter. So let me say then that I left that meeting thinking about how to expand our showroom. Can't tell - Can't talk.

The start of this Jeep thing for us recently is the Grand Cherokee and the freshen up of the Jeep Wrangler. The review following tells the story - ugly duckling turns into a beautiful, but tough Swan.

Retro styling at its best Jeep Wrangler makes a statement about its heritage.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655.

Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of the original WW2 US Army Jeep and enjoys an iconic status with those who venture off-road.

TECHNOLOGY

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is fitted with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that produces more power and torque than the previous 3.8-litre power plant, while also reducing fuel consumption. In addition, Jeep has finally booted out the old four-speed auto in favour of a new five-speed. The new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 offers 209 kW of power (up by a whopping 63 kW) and 347 Nm of torque, up from 315 Nm in the old 3.8-litre.

DESIGN

Wrangler's interior is a mix of retro design, in keeping with the Jeep philosophy, and modern technology. We like the driving position and the overall comfort of the front pews. There are some things that take some getting used to such as some important switches – traction control, hill descent control, emergency flashing lights and outside mirror – buried at the bottom of the centre stack.

The power window switches are mid way down the dash centre stacker. The reason for this is simple: the doors are removable. Getting in and out of the back seat is an ordeal. With all four seats in use the Wrangler's luggage area is about large enough for two aircraft flight bags. But the rear seat does fold and tumble giving a fair swag of room for camping gear. Wrangler two-door tows 1000 kg by the way....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

I was recently invited to a meeting of selected dealers and senior head office managers in Melbourne to spend an hour or so with Jeep head honcho, Mike Manley. Amongst topics such as projected volumes for Australian Chrysler Jeep and Dodge sales were discussions and images of forthcoming Jeep vehicles for the next few years.

I'd like to tell you that my I Phone video was going flat out, but the truth is that the design images are so confidential, that I'd probably end up as the owner of a Jeep dealership in Antarctica AND be shackled and gagged as well  - in Winter. So let me say then that I left that meeting thinking about how to expand our showroom. Can't tell - Can't talk.

The start of this Jeep thing for us recently is the Grand Cherokee and the freshen up of the Jeep Wrangler. The review following tells the story - ugly duckling turns into a beautiful, but tough Swan.

Retro styling at its best Jeep Wrangler makes a statement about its heritage.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655

Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of the original WW2 US Army Jeep and enjoys an iconic status with those who venture off-road.

TECHNOLOGY

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is fitted with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that produces more power and torque than the previous 3.8-litre power plant, while also reducing fuel consumption. In addition, Jeep has finally booted out the old four-speed auto in favour of a new five-speed. The new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 offers 209 kW of power (up by a whopping 63 kW) and 347 Nm of torque, up from 315 Nm in the old 3.8-litre.

DESIGN

Wrangler's interior is a mix of retro design, in keeping with the Jeep philosophy, and modern technology. We like the driving position and the overall comfort of the front pews. There are some things that take some getting used to such as some important switches – traction control, hill descent control, emergency flashing lights and outside mirror – buried at the bottom of the centre stack.

The power window switches are mid way down the dash centre stacker. The reason for this is simple: the doors are removable. Getting in and out of the back seat is an ordeal. With all four seats in use the Wrangler's luggage area is about large enough for two aircraft flight bags. But the rear seat does fold and tumble giving a fair swag of room for camping gear. Wrangler two-door tows 1000 kg by the way....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

I was recently invited to a meeting of selected dealers and senior head office managers in Melbourne to spend an hour or so with Jeep head honcho, Mike Manley. Amongst topics such as projected volumes for Australian Chrysler Jeep and Dodge sales were discussions and images of forthcoming Jeep vehicles for the next few years.

I'd like to tell you that my I Phone video was going flat out, but the truth is that the design images are so confidential, that I'd probably end up as the owner of a Jeep dealership in Antarctica AND be shackled and gagged as well  - in Winter. So let me say then that I left that meeting thinking about how to expand our showroom. Can't tell - Can't talk.

The start of this Jeep thing for us recently is the Grand Cherokee and the freshen up of the Jeep Wrangler. The review following tells the story - ugly duckling turns into a beautiful, but tough Swan.

Retro styling at its best Jeep Wrangler makes a statement about its heritage.

Call into Northstar Jeep 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655

Jeep Wrangler is the direct descendant of the original WW2 US Army Jeep and enjoys an iconic status with those who venture off-road.

TECHNOLOGY

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is fitted with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that produces more power and torque than the previous 3.8-litre power plant, while also reducing fuel consumption. In addition, Jeep has finally booted out the old four-speed auto in favour of a new five-speed. The new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 offers 209 kW of power (up by a whopping 63 kW) and 347 Nm of torque, up from 315 Nm in the old 3.8-litre.

DESIGN

Wrangler's interior is a mix of retro design, in keeping with the Jeep philosophy, and modern technology. We like the driving position and the overall comfort of the front pews. There are some things that take some getting used to such as some important switches – traction control, hill descent control, emergency flashing lights and outside mirror – buried at the bottom of the centre stack.

The power window switches are mid way down the dash centre stacker. The reason for this is simple: the doors are removable. Getting in and out of the back seat is an ordeal. With all four seats in use the Wrangler's luggage area is about large enough for two aircraft flight bags. But the rear seat does fold and tumble giving a fair swag of room for camping gear. Wrangler two-door tows 1000 kg by the way....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

It's been interesting reading the reviews by various automotive journalists so far since they were exposed to the 300 at Phillip Island last week.

There's the "I drive a small car and this is an environmental vandal" type journo's and then there's the "At last someone's given me a car to drive that suits my personality" type. I think Ewan Kennedy falls into the latter. His review is based on someone who likes to drive a larger car - fast.

I'll let Ewan tell you all about the 300 in this review. If you want to experience 300 in the flesh, call into Northstar Chrysler 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.northstarchrysler.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 894 655.

New 300 - enough said.

A raft of safety features has already earned the Chrysler 300 the top rating from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the new 2012 Chrysler 300 with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

A new home and a new family waiting to move in – that’s what’s on the agenda for the Fiat Chrysler Group in Australia right now with the new, almost-finished HQ at Port Melbourne being the scene recently for the launch of the company’s latest 300 range of large sedans.

VALUE

Along with the new 300s come the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a large car costing less than $70,000, a choice of V6 petrol or diesel power, or V8 petrol, a dynamic suspension, more than 60 advanced safety and security features, carbon fibre and wood grain finishes and Napa leather upholstery.

Kicking off the Chryslers is the 300 Limited, then comes the 300C, the 300C Luxury and the range-topping SRT8. Prices start at $43,000 for the petrol Limited, the diesel adds $5000, and top out at $66,000 for the Hemi V8 SRT8.

VERDICT

Saad Chehab, Head, Chrysler Brand - Chrysler Group LLC, says: “The 2012 Chrysler 300 is built on the idea that luxury feels better earned - that those who worked hard to achieve their place in the world should demand as much as is demanded of them.” That just about sums it up....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

In 2005, the release of the then 300C heralded a joyous time for everyone at Northstar Chrysler Jeep. We'd only been a Chrysler dealer for 2 years and here was the epitome of Detroit - big bold, powerful and angry - a gangster car - a car that didn't just shout, it screamed at the top of its lungs - LOOK AT ME.

And the drive impression of the car was fantastic - muscular, loud and so nice. Even the Rappers bought these - I think it was Snoop Dog who was the first celebrity to own a 300C and then they were featured in television shows - NCIS comes to mind. We've been without the 300 range for about a year now. When the build finished in Austria in 2009, we had a bunch of cars for sale, running out at the end of 2010 to early 2011.

And now it's back - but in a singularly different style - more luxury than gangster, more refinement than muscle, but lurking in the background is a stonking 6.4 litre engine fitted to the SRT8 version. And Chrysler haven't forgotten their 'dark past' planning to sponsor the Dark Knight Rises www.thedarkknightrises.com due in cinemas shortly.  The film features a stunning Chrysler 300 S with the number plates - DK 300S, which Northstar Chrysler has acquired for our  demonstrator fleet.

If you're keen to be one of the first to see new 300 range, call into Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa- Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. You can call 1300 894 655 to arrange a time to be the first to see 300 on July 20th when Northstar will hold a special VIP night to welcome the car. Alternatively click through www.northstarchrysler.com.au to register your interest or to read more about 300 from an international perspective, check out all the stories at www.mycarreview.com.au . Northstar Motor Group is located only a 15-20 minute drive from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive from Nambour, Caloundra, Noosa and Bribie Island. You folks in Kingaroy and Kilcoy will also be serviced and looked after by Northstar as we welcome you into our market area.

Photo credit: Handout | 2012 Chrysler 300C, front view.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

Don't buy a Jeep Wrangler!  Let me explain. Don't buy a Jeep Wrangler if you want to use as your mid-week commuter, for going shopping, taking the pets to the vet and the kids to school.

Don't buy a Jeep if you think it will do this easily. The fact is you buy a Jeep Wrangler to take it off road. To the beach, the bush, the outback and everywhere in between. Other than your kids being the envy of all others when you do drop them off to school, a Jeep Wrangler isn't the sort of vehicle that does mid-week easily or comfortably.

However as this journo from Carsguide says : "Within 100m of entering a rocky and sandy trail, it was immediately obvious the Wrangler relaxed and opened up.  The steep rocky inclines, soft dunes and sandy beaches were devoured with ease and in fantastic comfort.  What a turnaround, the Wrangler suddenly came alive".

Jeep Wrangler isn't waterproof, it has electrical concerns from time to time, (especially after being 3 feet underwater) it's noisy and lumpy. But ask any Wrangler owner what they'd prefer to take through sand, mud, water and dusty rough roads and they'll pick a Wrangler over anything else on the market - Jeep Wrangler - tradition and toughness overcomes everything.

If you're looking for such a vehicle, call 1300 894 655 or 07 34808600 and chat to the Northstar Jeep team. Northstar is located at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula just a short drive from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely stroll down from Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Bribie Island. We're also looking after the folks from Kilcoy, Wamuran and Kingaroy now.

If you can't make it to us, shop online at www.northstarjeep.com.au or find out more information about all things Jeep at www.mycarreview.com.au .

Andre Edmunds' full report is available here:

"Think off-road, think Jeep Wrangler. The Jeep Wrangler is steeped in history and has been synonymous with off-roading since 1941.  The original prototype was designed in 1940 and hand built in just 49 days for the US Army.

During World War II, more than 700,000 were built, making them instantly recognisable by soldiers and civilians alike.  It has since become a legend in its own right with a massive global following. And with good reason, for those who want to venture off sealed surfaces.....read more

Don't hold back - Northstar Jeep for Jeep Wrangler!

The Wrangler is unique on the road, barely changed in 70 years, and with a bright yellow Dozer paint job it stands out in traffic even more.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Since I became a Chrysler dealer in 2003, we've had 3 owners - Daimler, then a investment company (purely in it for the cash?) and now Fiat.

At least with Fiat and Sergio Marchionne at the helm, we're owned by car people with passion who don't necessarily think that the US way is the only way. Already we've seen quality control on new models improved markedly, new engines, new transmissions and designs that will take us well into the future.

The global influence of Fiat will see no vehicle line left as it is - unless of course it's meeting targets and profitable. Jeep Wrangler is probably the only model that could be considered safe from the Italian's knife. But the Fiat people still bring a passion to performance - Viper SRT is one very good example.

As Automobile Magazine outlines, the future looks bright.  A new Chrysler 200 replacing the Dodge Avenger, a new people mover, a Grand Cherokee Wagoneer (7 seater) to replace the Dodge Durango and an entry level Chrysler 100 (Fiat based) in 2016.

2011 Dodge Durango R/T 09.02.2011

Dodge Avenger and Durango could be dropped

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has already revealed plans to drop several models and new details are starting to emerge about what vehicles will get the axe.

According to Automobile Magazine, Chrysler will launch a redesigned 200 in 2013. It will reportedly be about the same size as the Audi A4 and be offered as a sedan, coupe and convertible. A variety of four- and six-cylinder engines are expected and all-wheel drive could be optional. More importantly, the Dodge Avenger will be dropped ensuring the 200 is Chrysler's only mid-size sedan.

Later in 2015, a new Chrysler Town & Country will be launched. It will be a crossover in the same vein as the Mercedes R-Class, leaving the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan as the company's only minivan.

In 2016, a redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee will be unveiled. When this happens, the Dodge Durango will be dropped and effectively replaced by the Jeep Grand Wagoneer which is slated to go on sale in 2014.

A full list of the changes can be found at the source, but other highlights include a new Dodge Journey (and SRT variant) in 2013, a redesigned Dodge / SRT Challenger in 2014 and an entry-level Chrysler 100 in 2016. There's also word of a Fiat 500 Zagato in 2013 and an Alfa Romeo crossover in 2014.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Sensationalism in press, or electronic media annoys me no end. I've just finished watching the riveting interview between Tracey Grimshaw on A Current Affair with Lindy Chamberlain which talk directly to trial by media and now Haitham Razagui takes my brands to task - with headlines which scream - Jeep Compass, Chrysler Voyager to be dropped.

If Haitham had done some more research and even god forbid, asked some questions of  the PR Department from Fiat Chrysler Group, the journalist would have determined that the vehicles weren't being dropped, but simply that the model line was finishing in favour of some very clever and brand new models in the next 2 years.

Chrysler did something similar with 300C a couple of years ago. "300C finished" was the most popular headline back in 2010 - the last of the then current model 300C had finished production in Austria and dealers had to wait almost 2 years to receive the new generation 300 series due to launch in late July.

All I'd ask Haitham to do is to do more research, chat to people who do know what's planned and cease the sensational headlines. I think the motoring press causes more damage to brand, models and re-sale value by shooting from the hip (or should that be lip) than they realize.

Anyway, jumping down off my soapbox, if you're in the market for any of our brands - Chrysler Jeep Dodge vehicles and Mopar Performance parts and accessories, give the team at Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge a call on 07 34808600. Alternatively visit our website at Northstarjeep.com.au and submit any queries  on price or product there.

if you're doing some research on Chrysler Jeep or Dodge vehicles, check out our sister site at mycarreview.com.au. And if all else fails, you'll find Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Mopar at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula just 15 minutes or so from the Brisbane Airport precinct and a short drive down the highway from Maroochydore and Bribie Island - Don't Hold back.

Off the Compass: The recently-face lifted Jeep Compass is one of the Fiat-Chrysler products targeted for termination in a bid to streamline the product line-up.

Sergio Marchionne outlines plan to reduce overlapping Fiat-Chrysler models by 2014

FIAT-CHRYSLER CEO Sergio Marchionne has outlined plans to reduce the number of overlapping models in the company’s line-up by 2014, naming the Jeep Compass SUV and Chrysler Voyager people-mover among those in the firing line.

Speaking at a recent US media event at Chrysler’s Belvedere assembly plant in Illinois, and in a recent interview with Automobile magazine, Mr Marchionne also confirmed a high-performance SRT variant of the Dodge Dart sedan is under development and an electric Fiat 500 will be introduced to North America later this year.

He told employees at Belvedere there are “a number of candidates” to replace the Compass, although it is not clear whether this was in reference to a replacement product or simply that another vehicle will take its place on the production line.

A smaller, upmarket crossover – rumoured to resemble the Mercedes-Benz R-Class – will supersede the Voyager (known in North America as the Town and Country), while the next-generation Dodge Grand Caravan will continue as Fiat-Chrysler’s people-mover entrant.

Removing the Voyager could again reduce the number of Chrysler products sold in Australia to one – it is the brand’s sole product here until the new 300C arrives in July – although Lancia-based premium light and small cars in the shape of the Ypsilon and Delta could arrive to bolster the line-up by 2014.

While the number of re-badged and duplicated models will be reduced across all brands under the Fiat-Chrysler umbrella in order to boost each brand’s identity, the company is also aiming to cut costs by sharing platforms.

For example, an SUV based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta-derived Compact US Wide (CUSW) platform that underpins the Holden Cruze-sized Dart will replace the Jeep Cherokee (known as Liberty in markets outside Australia).

From top: Jeep Compass; Dodge Dart; Chrysler Voyager.

Dodge’s Caliber crossover (based on twins-under-the-skin Jeep Compass and Patriot) and Nitro SUV (based on the Jeep Cherokee) have already ceased production, but Mr Marchionne has not indicated how the Patriot fits into the equation.

The Compass and Patriot will continue to be built alongside the new Dart in Belvidere until August 2014.

Mr Marchionne suggested the SRT Dart is in the advanced stages of development, saying “the only thing we’re fighting over now is to determine how big an engine we stick in it”.

A prime candidate would be the Alfa Romeo-developed 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine announced in 2011, which the brand claims has a power output of 224kW and is set to enter production next year.

This would make the Dart the first four-cylinder SRT model since the Caliber SRT4, which debuted in 2006 with a 223kW/353Nm turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine and was discontinued in 2009.

But Australia is unlikely to see the SRT Dart as the Dodge brand is set to disappear when stocks of the Caliber and Nitro run out, with the Journey coming back as the Fiat Freemont – although there is a chance for the Dart-based, Chinese-built Fiat Viaggio to be imported.

Regarding the electric version of the Fiat 500, Mr Marchionne said the company will “lose money on every car we make” and admitted it is only being built to comply with requirements in some US states for electrified vehicles, and to familiarise engineers with electric drive trains.

However, by 2017 the company plans to introduce alternative drive trains such as hybrids and compressed natural gas combustion engines, the first of which will emerge later this year in the form of a CNG-powered Ram truck.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Get Finance Now

Matt Darby outline's the role of the finance department in a modern car dealership.

The finance and Insurance department in a car dealership is more than just a profit centre, it's where customers who want to purchase a particular vehicle will determine the affordability of that vehicle.

From talking to our customers, we find that their bank and credit union aren't all that interested in funding the vehicle - lack of interest, higher rates and charges and then the approval and documentation process can take weeks. A dealer finance manager can generally have an approval on the spot for most customers or overnight at the worst.

Why does this happen? Finance in dealerships is an important aspect of the business and rather than a side line, it comes down to right person, right place, right time. I've had personal experience with the delays that banks make and prefer to deal directly with my own finance guys.

If you're in the market for any personal or business items, whether they're motorcycles, boats, office equipment, caravans, motor homes or for any worthwhile purpose, give our finance team an opportunity. Call 07 34808600 or visit our web site getfinancenow.com.au  A simple online application will have you on the road to a quick approval

The nature of vehicle dealerships is that often each department has its own budget that they must work to.  This often means that each department in the dealership is working in isolation from the others.  

As a generalisation, the competitiveness of the used vehicle market often means the used vehicle department is the most willing to invest in new technology and services to market their vehicles online.

Everyone knows the value of finance and insurance to a dealership - for many it is the most profitable aspect of their business.  This being the case is there not an opportunity for the used vehicle and F&I departments to work together to benefit both?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes!  Used vehicles and F&I are closely linked in "real life" so why is this not seen more often in the digital space?  This may be due to lack of communication, political or budgetary reasons or simply not knowing how F&I can be involved in online marketing.  

Whatever the reasons, there are a number of tactics that can be used to more closely integrate F&I with online marketing of used vehicles.

Finance application forms

The most obvious place to start is by ensuring that the dealership website includes a finance application form.  This is, obviously, included on the finance page of your website but should also be integrated with your used vehicle pages.  

After all, where is the logic in a browser finding a vehicle they like, then having to leave the page to find out whether they can afford it.  Dealerships can use a stripped back finance enquiry form or a fully fledged finance application form depending on how well you know your customers.

Displaying finance rates

Finance rates often make a vehicle seem more appealing than the listed price.  The logic behind this is that seeing a weekly or monthly finance rate helps put prices into perspectives that customers can understand.  $69,990 may seem unreachable to most, but when broken down into a monthly repayment, potential customers are able to rationalise their decision.  

Displaying these rate on the stock page can be a straightforward process that is simply a case of including a fixed finance rate in your used vehicle listings - i.e. Finance from $XXX per month.

Finance calculators

Finance calculators take the next step from finance application forms and displaying finance rates.  A finance calculator allows customers to work out exactly what they can afford to pay by adjusting a number of variables such as deposit and length of term but keeping the finance rate constant.  

This helps make the process more personal for a browser and searching by finance can be a more relevant way for some browsers to search.

Finance & Insurance in email marketing  

The three tools listed above focus on the area of used vehicle presentation on a dealer’s website.  F&I can also play a part in email marketing communications.  Many dealers are effective at promoting special finance rates but few drill down to market these on individual used vehicles.  

Imagine how much more effective this could be if the email recipient receives an email with a selection of used cars all listed with a monthly finance rate that he or she can relate to.  A car they like quickly becomes a car they can afford when it is presented in this manner.

Finance can also be important in retaining customers that have previously purchased a vehicle from you.

Emailing new models with finance rates to customers that are nearing the end of their lease term, or are three years into their finance repayments, is a great way for them to see how easy it would be to upgrade for very little added expense.

All of the above tools are available to dealerships.  If it doesn't exist as an off-the-shelf product then think about getting it purpose-built for your dealership - this is certainly worth the investment if it results in more finance enquiry.  

To be truly effective, online dealership departments MUST work together - not just the F&I and used vehicle departments but also the new vehicle, parts, service and admin departments.

Article from the: Automotive News -- May 30, 2012 - 2:53 pm ET

Gilles: "We'll have no choice but to be some of the most wind-swept vehicles that you've ever seen."

Thought Leadership

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. -- Chrysler Group designers are spending more time in the wind tunnel to make more aerodynamic vehicles, aiding fuel economy, design chief Ralph Gilles said today.

Speaking at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, a gathering of Michigan political and business leaders at this resort island in northern Michigan, Gilles said aerodynamics are becoming an increasingly important design aspect at Chrysler and throughout the industry.

Gilles pointed out that vehicles such as the Audi A7 and the newly redesigned Toyota Avalon have shown that mid-sized sedans can have the aerodynamic design typically associated with sports cars.

"The wind is starting to sculpt these vehicles," Gilles said.

He contrasted those vehicles with the Chrysler 300's boxier design, but Gilles said Chrysler has realized that it will need to follow the industry trend toward sleeker cars. He said the next-generation 200 and 300 also will be sleeker.

"We'll have no choice but to be some of the most wind-swept vehicles that you've ever seen," Gilles said.

Speaking to reporters after his speech, Gilles said his design team spends between 200-300 hours in the wind tunnel (combined, as a team) analyzing a vehicle's aerodynamics during a vehicle's design process. Previously, he said, a design team would only spend around 100 hours in the tunnel.

He added that the automaker is putting more emphasis on hiring people with experience in fluid dynamics as vehicle design takes more advantage of aerodynamics to increase fuel efficiency.

"It's amazing the details, especially if you look at the back of a car," Gilles said. "There are a lot of little flicks and bends that simulate aquatic animals almost."

More collaboration between Chrysler's engineers and designers has been key to the changes, Gilles said. Although the two groups traditionally have been separated, he said that since he took over as head of design last year he has made a point of ensuring teamwork.

He said engineers now have access to the company's design studio and that meetings between the engineers and designers are held in the studio. Gilles said designers and engineers are aware of the other group's challenges and are conscious of that as they work to produce new vehicles.

"It made them much more compassionate about what the ultimate goal was," Gilles said, "and at the same time it grew friendships."

Gilles added that the level of design integration at Chrysler extends to CEO Sergio Marchionne .

Gilles, who reports directly to Marchionne, said it's easier to push for more advanced and less traditional designs when the top man is involved.

He said: "The seas get parted."

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

I'm going to start at the end of this story and not the beginning. Even I was amazed that these 2 vehicles even got so close. USA v Japan - Outdoor ruggedness v technological mastery.

Isaac Bober of The Daily Telegraph probably gets it more right than most other 'passenger vehicle' journalists I've ever read - save of course for the serious off road mags such as Jeep Action, 4x4 Australia and so on.

"Two very similar vehicles are worlds apart. The FJ Cruiser has serious off road looks and ability but is better suited to families seeking an off-road tourer. The Wrangler is more for the hardcore off-road fraternity and that's no faint praise. The numbers suggest the FJ Cruiser is superior, but it's a different equation in the real world"

And here's the bottom line. If you want a vehicle to take the kids to school, that looks cool, that will tow well and not generally leave sealed roads go and buy a Toyota Cruiser and tell the dealer that I said so. If you want a vehicle that will take you to places and through terrain that almost no other vehicle would even dip it's tyres into buy a Jeep Wrangler from Northstar Jeep.

If Ocean Road on Moreton Island, 100 mile beach on Fraser Island, the real outback, Simpson Desert, Daintree, Kakadu appeal to you, you've got to buy a Jeep. Is it smooth riding? - nope. IS it comfortable? - Nope. Will it get you out and back again - bet it will.

If you'd like to know more about the Jeep Wrangler range, call into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 20 minutes from the Brisbane Airport precinct, and a leisurely drive down the highway from Caloundra, Maroochydore, Nambour and Bribie Island. If you're out Kingaroy way, we've just been given the responsibility of looking after you good folks too.

Alternatively, check out our online site - www.northstarjeep.com.au or see more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au .

Everyone at Northstar looks forward to welcoming you to our dealership.

Verdict

Two very similar vehicles are worlds apart. The FJ Cruiser has serious rough-road looks and ability but is better suited to families seeking an off -road tourer. The Wrangler is more for the hardcore off -road fraternity and that's no faint praise. The numbers suggest the FJ Cruiser is superior but it's a different equation in the real-world.

Fiat 500 Abarth 695 Maserati Edition UK pricing announced

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Fiat Chrysler

With the takeover of the Fiat and Alfa Romeo distributorship in Australia from May 1st, Northstar has been approached by Fiat Chrysler Australia to submit an expression of interest for the Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands in Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Caboolture.

There's a major decision required - it's not just a matter of putting up a sign and expecting people to flock to the door. The investment in even a small new car franchise is significant - showroom space, signage, specials tools, staff training, let alone stocks of spare parts, and new cars.

We're all pretty keen to complete the Fiat Chrysler range - Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge will look great on the corner of Anzac Avenue and Boardman Road,  but we don't want to make the same mistake that we did with the other European brands - Citroen and Renault. I'm confident that under the stewardship of Chrysler CEO, Clyde Campbell and with the fantastic marketing team headed by Sam Tabart, they're be a great future for these 2 iconic Italian brands. Will go very well with my Ducati Diavel won't it?

For more information on the progress of our applications, feel free to chat directly to myself, or my General Manager Cameron Semark. Give us a call or just drop into Northstar at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring. you can also leave us a message at www.nsmg.com.au .

Abarth 695 Maserati Edition 17.5.2012

Fiat has decided to wait until the end of the year to launch the Abarth 695 Maserati Edition, but we can reveal to you that the pricing will start at £32,000 (on-the-road). The Fiat 500C special edition model was shown for the first time in March at the Geneva Motor Show and will be limited to a production run of 499 units.

Power comes from a 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v engine that generates 180 PS (132 kW / 178 bhp) and is mated with a manual Abarth Competizione gearbox which is electronically operated with steering wheel controls. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in under 7 seconds before reaching a top speed in excess of 225 kph (140 mph).

The exterior gets a special three-layer Pontevecchio Bordeaux livery and is well matched to the 17-inch Maserati-inspired Neptune design alloy wheels. Each model receives special Abarth 695 Maserati Edition graphics and serial number plates ranging from 1 to 499.

Often the most valuable trading lessons arise during a recession

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Peter Aitken tells of the Mike Shaw story - a dealer in the US who changed the face of his business during the GFC.

At Northstar Motor Group Redcliffe, we were fortunate to 'see' the global financial crisis actually coming some 6 months before most other auto dealers In Australia. My business partner had been meeting with some very senior people from the ANZ Bank and their finance arm Esanda and pursued a cost reduction program which saved us about $1.2 million dollars per annum.

It's a truism - you learn better practices in tough times that you do in good times. We were guilty of adding to our staff count without much consideration, we were spending on incentives, equipment that wasn't being utilized productively and advertising like there was no tomorrow.

We hadn't reviewed our supplier charges for almost 5 years and our stock levels of new and used cars, and spare parts was through the roof. the fact was that we were burning cash at a great rate. And it's not funny at all that we probably have not survived the GFC if we hadn't cut the cloth to fit the suit.

That fact is that we did, We allowed natural attrition to reduce our staff count in the main only having to retrench 1 person, everyone and I mean everyone stepped up to another level and Northstar Motor Group not only survived, but continues to prosper.

If you're in the market for a new luxury car, the all new Chrysler 300 will be with us soon. I was fortunate to see the vehicle this year in Las Vegas and just been privy to the earlier marketing concepts from Chrysler Head Office. To say it will be an exciting vehicle and an wonderful launch is an understatement. new Chrysler 300 launches to the public on July 4th 2012 - coincidentally American Independence Day and the date of the final State of Origin Match for 2012 at Suncorp Stadium.

If you'd like to find out more about 300, visit www.lovemychrysler.com.au  or call into the Northstar dealership at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.

How often have you been able to secure higher profit returns for your dealership as you are pulling out of a difficult trading cycle? Often these trading cycles occur for reasons well beyond normal trading control, just as we have seen the recent GFC (global financial crisis) adversely impact on just about every trading sector.

So what normally happens during these difficult times? Often it depends on both the severity and the duration of the economic downturn. As an owner of a retail dealership it becomes a case of trying to cut your cloth to suit the situation. The obvious early targets are the large variable and semi-fixed expenses within the dealership such as staffing level, in particular non-productive staff, inventory reductions to lower interest costs and the many arms of advertising.

I wish to share with you today an article I came across in the US Automotive News this week covering a number of actions taken by Mike Shaw, owner of Mike Shaw Automotive in Denver, Colorado.

Last year Mike Shaw’s group retailed 5406 new (increase of 45% over 2010) and 6370 used (increase of 59% over 2010). He now owns seven dealerships that sell Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Kia, Subaru and Toyota.

During 2007, with the advent of the GFC and recession starting to rumble into the US economy, Shaw made the tough decision to cancel the $1.5 million the group spent on newspaper advertising spread over their six dealerships.

At the same time they doubled their advertising spend on the internet to $360,000. By deduction, the prior spend on internet marketing of $180,000 represented just 10.7% of the combined advertising spend on newspaper and internet.

At the time of doubling the internet spend, actions were taken to increase the number of staff in the internet department and Shaw made internet sales the cornerstone of the group's marketing strategy.

By January 2009, the group had taken drastic action to either layoff or act through attrition 350 of their 650 staff. In Mike Shaw’s words: “I’ve been through tough times before so we moved fast, we cut advertising, we cut personnel.

“You name it, we cut it to survive."

On the process side, one action the group took in 2009 was to introduce the V-Auto used vehicle inventory management tool. This is a pricing and inventory tool used widely within the US to ascertain the advertised price of similar make/model/mileage/condition vehicles. Dealers are able to obtain prices for similar models within their PMA, city, state or other states. The tool then allows the dealer to set a price based on the basket of similar advertised models.

For instance, you may have a late model Honda Civic to advertise and the median advertised price of similar mileage/age Civics is say $15,000. You may seek to position your Civic at let’s say 95% of the median or $14,250 at a lower gross margin as you have made the decision to go for quick turn on the stock unit.

The other key advantage the tool offers is for the dealer to select the ideal fast turning stock for their yard. As a result ROI is increased and interest rate lowered.

Of all the changes made by Mike Shaw, he today acknowledges the internet strategy has made the biggest difference. His dealerships were working with the internet since the early 2000’s but Shaw admits at that time: “they were not very robust”.

“We started out like most people, just taking some salespeople and telling them they were now in the internet department so make it happen.”

However, by 2007, floor traffic slowed markedly and internet leads began generating more sales.

Some of the actions taken by the group in 2007 were:

•    Stopping all newspaper advertising

•    Doubling internet advertising

•    Implementing the V-Auto inventory and pricing tool

•    Listing every new vehicle as well as all used vehicles on all third party sites

•    Doubled the number of photos on each vehicle to 40

•    Increased internet sales staff in each dealership depending on size, from 3-6 people

•    Introduced written scripts to capture pertinent customer information on family size/annual miles driven/whether the customer wished to trade

•    Internet salespeople were trained to respond to emails and telephone within the hour

•    When the prospects arrived at the dealership, the internet salespersons handled them

•    Each internet salesperson was expected to handle 100-120 leads per month

Since 2007 the internet response time has been reduced to 15 minutes and each internet salesperson is expected to handle 80 leads per month.

One of the most noticeable shifts in salesperson behaviour is their pronounced preference to work within the internet department as that is where the leads are coming in, no longer is the showroom floor or used yard the favoured place to work within.

Currently, moves have been made to concentrate on three-person internet departments handling at least 150 leads a month, scheduling appointments and following up with customers. This pod does not handle in-store sales (walk-ins). Another advantage of the smaller set up is training is easier to implement.

Scott James, president of the Mike Shaw Group says: “it has now become easier to train a top-notch group of internet salespersons. Since they are not selling in-store sales, it frees their time to concentrate on follow-up, which is the key ingredient to internet success.”

Last year the group converted between 8-10% of their internet leads to sales. However, in their Corpus Christi, Texas operation - with their newer three-person internet department - they were able to achieve a closing ratio of 15%, the best in the group.

Finally, Mike Shaw says: “Leads and sales generated by the internet are no different from the way dealers have sold vehicles for years. It’s all about finding out what the customer needs and taking care of those needs.

“It’s nothing more than how we used to sell cars on the phone, with 3" by 5" cards and follow-up - the only difference is it’s all done electronically”.

I found this a very relevant article in the sense here was a dealer adapting to the change in trading circumstances, making some decisive and bold calls but importantly at a time when the trading conditions are more favourable has made the decision to further enhance their digital marketing practices.

Food for thought for our average NZ dealership?

The other day I discovered a very comprehensive text book on the subject of digital marketing: “The Ultimate Web Marketing Guide” - 584 pages, written by Michael Miller, published November 2010, worth hunting down.

Best regards

Peter Aitken

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Volkswagen

Karla Pincott from Carsguide reveals early design drawings from Apple for your car interior.

The only question I have for Apple, is that being so geek minded, what do they really know about car control systems. Having read numerous stories about the legendary Mr Jobs and his penchant for NOT using a car that often, I worry that it will be too techy and not receive the popularity of say an I Phone, Pod, or Pad.

Even car people get instrumentation, audio controls and such like incorrect in a big way - but I'm crossing my fingers and toes and hope that the technology does get into car design. If the Apple guys demonstrate their forward thinking design as they've done in recent years, it will be a huge hit. Tip - Buy Apple shares now

If you want to see the range of accessories and merchandise available in the Chrysler Jeep Dodge and VW range click through to our web site and then check out our spare parts section. Alternatively you can call into our dealership at 320-322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

The remote control patent will mainly be used to develop interfaces for portable media devices.

You’ll never have to touch that in-dash dial again, with Apple putting controls on your wheel.

Among 21 patents for Apple published yesterday by the US Patent and Trademark Office is a remote control that clips to your steering wheel.

It looks remarkably like the thumb-operated click wheel now made familiar by the former long reign of the Apple iPod – before the crown was taken by the iPhone (now looking nervously over its little shoulder at the iPad). The resemblance is probably the mark of a particular engineer who previously headed up design at legendary Frog Design in California, who have worked with Apple since the early days, according to a report on Patently Apple.

However the patent details the remote’s faceplate as being completely touch-sensitive rather than rotationally, as the click-wheel was. Patently Apple believes the remote control patent will mainly be used to develop interfaces for portable media devices, which means applications could also be developed to control future iPads – and whatever else Apple has coming down their clever line. Say bye-bye to factory-fitted audio, satnavs and possibly even telematics.

The only problem we can see with this part of Apple's grand plan is that the remote is bound to get in most people's way as they steer. From that, we believe the position on the outer part of the wheel will change before it gets to market. Stay tuned. But don't touch that dial.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

Mike Costello - tell me it's not true. I'm aghast - the most powerful SUV available here under $100k, is being delayed because those greedy yanks can't get enough of them? What a tragedy. Seems that we'll have the equally significant 300C SRT8 before the Grand Cherokee, but this may be a blessing in disguise.

There's already so much interest in the 300C that a delay of a couple of months is probably a good thing, even though jeep dealer will still be disappointed. With so much going on in Head Office at present, the information leaking out hasn't even reached the Jeep dealer body. 

It's been a great year so far for all Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealers. Sales are up, enquiry is rising and dealers are happy. The change in attitude since the takeover by Fiat is nothing short of a miracle. Sergio Marchionne has certainly something to be proud of. Whilst the Dodge nameplate seems ready to leave Australian shores again, hopefully we'll get to keep the Dodge Journey under a Fiat badge - Fiat Freemont (Not Fairmont).

If you want to keep up to date with what's happening in the Chrysler and Jeep world, pop into Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring. Cameron Semark, our general manager and his team led by Justin Ryan and Service Manager Brad Beuth will be happy to tell you all about the resurgence of their brands.

 If you can't get to us, we'll be happy to answer all your question via our web site - www.nsmg.com.au  and then click on the Jeep, Chrysler or Dodge brand drop downs. Check out the monthly specials at www.lovemyjeep.com.au , www.lovemychrysler.com.au or www.lovemydodge.com.au . We've currently got a great deal going on Dodge Nitro and the new Dodge Journey R/T is available for delivery.

If you'd like to do some research on our brands visit our sister site www.mycarreview.com.au 

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

When I first saw the new 300C in the styling dome in Detroit 2 years ago, I was a little concerned that the car had lost it's mojo.

3 years down the track and pictures and video of the 2012 Chrysler 300C emerging from the USA says that I was wrong. It's funny how time changes your opinions on updated designs and lines. The old 300C was the gangster car, the car that you wanted to be seen in (and heard) that made a statement on who you were.

The MY12 300C is more refined but still manages to encompass that 'look at me' aura that 300C officianados will be happy about, but the more refined of us (LOL) will want to drive just because it looks good. The new 300C will offer 2 engines in the 'entry' model - a 3.6 litre V6 Pentastar engine and a 3.0 litre diesel engine both with an 8 speed automatic transmission. If you want the muscle along with the looks, you'll need to specify the SRT8 which matches the 6.4 litre V8 engine with the same 8 speed transmission.

Rumour has it that the 300C will launch on national television on the evening of July 4th (US Independence day) during the 3rd State of Origin Clash (Rugby League). And even more the launch ad apparently will be very memorable indeed

In the meantime, you can pre-order 300C from Northstar Chrysler at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula or visit their web site at www.nsmg.com.au Any questions you have can be sent to them via their website If it's more information you're after, then check out www.lovemychrsyler.com.au or www.mycarreview.com.au .

300 not out: The second-generation 300C sedan will re-launch Chrysler in Australia in July.

Having almost disappeared, Chrysler will be back mid-year with new 300C

13 April 2012
By DAVID HASSALL

CHRYSLER as a brand may have almost disappeared from Australian sales charts – it sold just three vehicles nationally last month – but it will return “very strongly” in July when the next-generation 300C in launched.

With the 300C and Sebring Cabrio having been discontinued last year and the Grand Voyager slowing to a trickle – it accounted for Chrysler’s only 17 sales in the first quarter of this year – virtually no fresh Chrysler-badged product will be available for three months.

However, Chrysler Australia corporate affairs director Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto that “there could be a lot of new product” coming after the new 300C make its debut here July.

“We will be back absolutely – and very strongly – with the new 300C in July, and there are other models that we are shopping for,” said Ms Fletcher.

She said a replacement for the slow-selling Grand Voyager large people-mover was unlikely to be one of them.

Coming so long after the 300C was launched in the US late last year, the second-generation large car will be launched with a full range of variants, including a new diesel and the high-performance SRT8.

Left: Chrysler Grand Voyager; Chrysler Sebring Cabrio; Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new 6.4-litre SRT8 V8 engine, which replaces the outgoing 6.1-litre unit, was first seen in the Dodge Challenger and produces 347kW of power and 630Nm of torque, which represents increases of 30kW and 61Nm, pushing the big sedan from 0-100km/h in less than five seconds.

Base models will be powered by Chrysler’s new 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6, which produces 215kW and 350Nm of torque – 32kW and 10Nm more than the old V6 – or the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel that produces 177kW and 550Nm in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 carries over from the old model and produces 265kW and 528Nm.

In the absence of the 300C and Sebring for most of 2011, Chrysler brand sales dropped 60.4 per cent to just 580 units last year, but the Chrysler Group was saved by its Jeep and Dodge brands, which were up 44.7 per cent and 41 per cent respectively, bringing the group’s sales total close to 12,000 units.

With the Nitro having gone out of production, Dodge sales have slipped 22.9 per cent this year, but Jeep has more than compensated by more than doubling, with a 136.9 per cent increase in the first quarter to 4105 sales.

Chrysler group sales are therefore well on track for a record year, at least since the company built cars locally.

“Jeep is going gangbusters for us, and we can maintain that momentum,” said Ms Fletcher.

“The dealers are very happy because they’re very busy. We’ve just had our best quarter on record and we’ve been setting records all over the place – best January, best February, best March and best sales months for Compass, Patriot and Grand Cherokee.”

Ms Fletcher said the reasons for Jeep’s recent success included the latest “I bought a Jeep” TV commercial, which cleverly and subtly sets out to attract more women buyers to what has traditionally been a male-dominated brand.

“Jeep sales have always been male-dominated, but the ‘I bought a Jeep’ program really appeals to women and has resulted in a turnaround in attitude, so that’s pushing people into dealerships,” she said.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

David Hassall has the same concerns that I had when I saw that 2012 Jeep Compass had only scored 2 stars n recent European tests. In ANCAP tests the Compass achieved 4 stars placing it in the top 90% of vehicles sold in Australia.

The Euro NCAP tests are more concerned with frontal passenger injury than the rollover protection targeted in Australia. In my opinion the significant change to the Euro testing criteria doesn't paint the full picture and I wonder whether the Europeans may even be slanted against vehicles made in the USA?

If you're wanting more information on Jeep Compass, visit our website www.nsmg.com.au and then click on the Jeep brand dropdown. Our monthly specials can be found at www.lovemyjeep.com.au or for more reviews and road tests, visit www.mycarreview.com.au

If you're still one of those people who want to see, touch and drive what you want to buy, call into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.

Left: Number crunching: Jeep’s Compass rates two stars in Europe, but four stars in Australia – after the same physical crash test.

Concern over global crash-test ratings as Jeep Compass goes from two stars to four

16 April 2012

By DAVID HASSALL

JEEP has scored its anticipated four-star crash-test rating in Australia for the recently facelifted Compass SUV – two stars better than it had achieved under the tougher new European test regime.

The Compass gained the higher rating in Australia simply because of differences in the way test results are weighted, with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) giving more emphasis to rollover protection and less to pedestrian protection than the Euro NCAP regime.

Jeep Australia corporate affairs director Lenore Fletcher told GoAuto there was a case for uniformity in crash test ratings around the world because it was currently “confusing for consumers”.

ANCAP chief executive Nicholas Clarke told us there would always be differences in ratings to other NCAP regimes, even though they use the same suite of tests.

“There will always be differences in how we rate vehicles because the environments are different between countries,” he said.

“For example, rollover is a big killer in Australia but not so much in Europe.”

From top: Mahindra Pik Up, Toyota Aurion.

ANCAP also announced today that the locally made Toyota Aurion had achieved the maximum five-star rating, as expected given that the previous model scored five stars and the Camry on which it is based also carries the top rating.

The new-generation Aurion, which will be launched in South Australia tomorrow, was crash-tested locally.

ANCAP also awarded five stars to two new light cars, the Kia Rio (sedan and three-door hatch, to match last year’s five-door hatch) and the Suzuki Swift Sport (matching the regular Swift).

However, the local independent vehicle safety advocate was less impressed after also crash-testing the Indian-built Mahindra Pik-Up, saying that “concern still remains” after awarding it only three stars – one more than it had previously.

ANCAP chair Lauchlan McIntosh said the Mahindra’s rating was well below consumer expectations for a new vehicle.

“The protection of vehicle occupants is ANCAP’s primary consideration and this is being achieved through a combination of stronger passenger compartments and the inclusion of active Safety Assist Technologies (SATs),” he said.

“Over 90 per cent of vehicles sold now have either a four or five-star safety rating, so it concerns me greatly to see the Mahindra still well below the standard consumers are demanding.”

ANCAP has been highly critical of the Mahindra Pik-Up in the past, saying after a test last year there was a high risk of life-threatening head and neck injury in the frontal offset crash test as the airbag was still deploying when the driver’s head contacted it.

Mr Clarke explained that Mahindra had “tweaked” the restraint package and also improved the vehicle structure to improve the offset crash test performance, resulting in the awarding of an extra star.

“Mahindra should be applauded for making changes on the run, but it is still a long way from par,” he said.

Mr Clarke said that most utes sold in Australia now rate four and five stars, with the notable exception of the Great Wall utes, which still carry only two-star ratings.

However, the safety organisation was more complimentary of Toyota Australia for the local engineering work on the latest V6-engined Aurion.

It noted the inclusion of SATs including automatic high beam and intelligent seatbelt reminders for all seats – saying the Aurion set an industry benchmark for the standard inclusion of such features.

“It is pleasing to see Toyota continue to provide such a high level of safety to the market, and there are exciting times ahead with further SAT innovation in the pipeline,” said Mr McIntosh.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

As outlined in previous blog posts, Jeep Wrangler would arguably be one of the most customized American built vehicles anywhere in the world.

Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge's GM Cameron Semark has the touch when it comes to customizing Jeep Wrangler four door and 2 door variations. Cameron's latest and probably his greatest dress up starts with an Orange Crush 4 door Wrangler Sport with the new Pentastar 3.6 V6 engine and 5 speed auto. Add in customized orange leather trim, front and rear chrome bars and chrome sidesteps, 25" Chrome wheels along with Mopar exhaust, cold air induction and other goodies and you have one hell of a Jeep.

If you'd like to inspect this custom creation, call into Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 320 Anzac Avenue on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula to admire Cameron's work. You can also check it out online at www.nsmg.com.au see our monthly specials at www.lovemyjeep.com.au  www.lovemydodge.com.au and www.lovemychrysler.com.au  

For other reviews and information about Northstar brands visit www.mycarreview.com.au .

Jeep Wrangler Beijing concept 06.4.2012

Celebrates the company's return to China

Chrysler has announced plans to introduce two new concepts at the Beijing Motor Show.

Designed to celebrate the company's return to China, the concepts are uniquely styled vehicles which could eventually be offered as specials editions. As such, the 300C concept has a blacked out exterior with a new front bumper, a mesh grille and unique alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler concept has a black and gold exterior with dragon decals and unique lighting units. The colour scheme carries over to interior where there's a black dashboard which is contrasted by gold accents on the steering wheel, instrument cluster and door handles.

By Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

The Carsguide Team reveal the latest technology out of Detroit and it's cutting edge stuff. How cool is this technology. The charging of portable devises such as smart phones has been a problem for a while.

Unless you had an in car charger - not a good look, you'd generally run out of juice for the thing if you were using it and your car all day.

This smart idea from Chrysler, just points the way that the company is innovating since the rescue from Chapter 11 by European auto company Fiat. Don't expect to see it soon in Australia, the trans pacific technology movement isn't all that quick but we hope that it's with us in early 2013

If you're looking for a new Chrysler Jeep or Dodge or any Mopar accessories for your car, check out our website at www.nsmg.com.au and click on the brand button of your choice.

CJD specials are changed monthly and the best way to find them is to click through to www.lovemychrysler.com.au or www.lovemyjeep.com.au or www.lovemydodge.com.au

If you want to visit and browse you'll find us at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.

Charging is available while the car is running, and is able to juice up a range of devices.

Chrysler will be the first car company to offer wireless charging on the go.

The Mopar-branded system will appear first on the Dodge Dart, and uses an integrated charging-grid bin installed at the front of the centre console, with charging activated when you place a smartphone fitted with the charging case into the bin.

Charging is available while the car is running, and is able to juice up a range of devices including iPhone, Blackberry, MP3 Players and Droid-based devices

The new technology will appear as a $200 option on the Dodge Dart as it rolls out in overseas markets from 2013, then progress to other vehicles in the Chrysler stable.

"At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers' lives easier," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go.

By Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

The age old question about when to service rather than should I service raises its head again. A reader of Carsguide posed this question to Graham Smith. Don't know that Graham rang our service department, but if he did we would have given him an appropriate answer.

My opinion is that a Timing Belt should be changed every 4 years or 100,000 kilometres. The belts, generally made of rubber deteriorate over time and most manufacturers recommend changing it at the 90k - 110k service. Those services are every 12-15k or every 12 months whichever comes first.

So on the basis that the car is 8 or 9 years old, it should have had this done about 4 years ago and would definitely need it done NOW. Skipping or missing services is a trap for customers - some think that by skipping a service it's ok. Far from the fact - cars are made of metal, rubber, glass, plastic, vinyl and rely of things like oil and rubber belts to transfer the power generated from the engine to the road.

As far as the other belts in your car, look at changing these at 2 years or 50,000 k's. Better to be safe than sorry. It's way too late to do it after your car is left as an overheated mess on the side of the road

If you're interested in discussing anything to do with the servicing of your PT Cruiser or any other vehicles in our range, visit www.nsmg.com.au and click on the service icon - leave a message and one of our service representatives will get back to you with prices, advice or anything else to do with your car.

If you're interested in one of the new cars in our range, click on the brand or specials drop downs and check out what's available from Northstar Motor Group.

Q. My daughter has a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser that has only done 80,000 km. The handbook recommends that the timing belt be changed at 140,000 km, but there is no mention of time. On this basis the car will be 14 years old before this mileage is reached. Should the belt be changed at five or six years, as it would surely perish as it gets older?

A. Belts perish and stretch over time and need to be replaced even though the mileage is low in your case. We couldn't establish a recommended time, from mechanics or Chrysler dealerships, but I would suggest it would be worth changing the belt given the car is eight years old.

Graham Smith

Comments by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

2 Tonnes of Grand Cherokee laps the Nurburgring in a tad under 9 minutes. Not the quickest time around the famous track by any stretch, but it's 6.4 litre 351kw V8 does beat a Range Rover Sport which is only really planned to get Jeremy Clarkson complaining at the lack of sophistication of the American Dinosaur.

Reality is that it goes fast, sounds unbelievably awesome and looks brilliant. And it's coming to a Northstar Jeep dealership near you REALLY soon.

For more information and arrival dates, pop into Northstar Jeep at 320 Anzac Avenue Redcliffe or visit us online at www.nsmg.com.au. There's a few reviews on this magnificent machine at www.mycarreview.com.au as well    

The Nürburgring has become the de facto place to promote high-performance vehicles, but it's still a tad surprising to see the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 on Germany's famous racetrack.

Oddness aside, the clip shows Sabine Schmitz piloting the 5,150 lb (2,336 kg) SUV around the Nordschleife in 8:49.487. That's not exactly stellar, but it beats the time posted by a supercharged Range Rover Sport.

As we have previously reported, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 has a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with 470 hp (351 kW / 477 PS) and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Source: SRT via Autoblog

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

The motor industry is a moving dynamic and evolving place - changes in ownership of dealerships pales into insignificance compared to the movement of ownership worldwide. The post GFC take- over of Chrysler by Fiat has led to a massive recovery of Chrysler as well as the incursion into the USA by the now parent company. It's done for a reason, generally not to feed inflated egos.

According to the Carsguide team and recently confirmed by Clyde Campbell from CJD head office, Chrysler Australia will wake over the management and distribution of Fiat and Alfa products for Australian and New Zealand effective May 1st 2012.

What does that mean for us in Redcliffe? How does Northstar Fiat and Northstar Alfa Romeo sound?

Rolls off the tongue pretty well, but there's a long way to go before that even becomes a thought. Existing dealers (not too many in Brisbane) should be given the opportunity to retain and expand their presence - there's only one in Brisbane for Alfa - in Fortitude Valley, but expect Chrysler to roll out a fairly aggressive dealer presence in the next year or two.

We'll be a bit wary of any small European brands - we've had experience with Citroen and Renault, both handed back to the distributor during the GFC, but with the strength of the Chrysler management team behind them, Fiat and Alfa will certainly in my opinion, be a different story.

In the meantime, if you're looking for a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge, call into Northstar at 320 Anzac Avenue Redcliffe and let us show you what great service is all about. Visit our web site at www.nsmg.com.au, check the month specials pages at www.lovemyjeep.com.au or www.lovemychrysler.com.au or www.lovemydodge.com.au .

If you want to research any of our group brands, or are looking for articles and stories you can check them out at www.mycarreview.com.au.

The move follows the Fiat Group's takeover of Chrysler.

Fiat and Alfa Romeo will revert to factory distribution in Australia.

From May, the two European makes will no longer be distributed in Australia and New Zealand by the independent Ateco Group in Sydney, headed by entrepreneur Neville Crichton. Ateco also holds the rights for Citroen, Lotus and the chinese brands Chery and Great Wall.

Sister company European Automotive Imports has the distribution rights for Ferrari and Maserati. The move follows the Fiat Group's takeover of Chrysler. The new Group is combining its distribution arms in all major markets and concentrating on those, such as Chrysler Australia, that are factory owned.

The changes to Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat commercial vehicle distribution will have no effect on the distribution of Ferrari and Maserati, which remain with European Automotive Imports. All existing Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealers will move with the brands to Chrysler, while arrangements for staff at Ateco who worked exclusively on Alfa Romeo and Fiat will be made on an individual basis.

At one time Volkswagen, Audi, Suzuki and Kia have all spent periods under the guiding hand of Ateco. "There is no doubt that without Ateco, the Fiat Group could not even consider returning Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Fiat Commercial Vehicles to factory distribution," chairman Neville Crichton said.

"Ateco has proven to them that all three brands have a long term place in the Australian and New Zealand markets, that there is consistent and growing demand for their products and that Australia and New Zealand have, once again, got a key role to play in the companys global aspirations."

Crichton is noted for rescuing and restoring a unique part of Alfa Romeo's heritage when he purchased the last remaining Alfa Romeo G1 in the world, the model that has the distinction of being the very first Alfa Romeo.

Believing that all Alfa Romeos must be a driveable, not museum pieces, Neville Crichton carried out a ground-up restoration that was so thorough the restored car won its class in the worlds leading classic car event, the Pebble Beach Concours in the USA. During Alfa Romeos Centenary Year, the G1 toured Australia successfully competing in classic car events across Australia.

"Ateco is a constantly changing and evolving company," Crichton said. "As we say good bye to Alfa Romeo and Fiat we will be welcoming into our company new brands and businesses that will benefit from the unique skills and talents we have to offer."

Managing director of the Chrysler Australia, Clyde Campbell, confirmed the takeover of the iconic Italian brands. "We are delighted to be named the official distributor of Fiat, Fiat Commercial and Alfa Romeo, and we look forward to re-energising these brands in the Australian market," Campbell said.

Under the new agreement, the current Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealer group, which numbers 17 passenger dealerships with 22 commercial vehicle outlets across the country, will report into the Melbourne-based Chrysler Australia group. Sales for the Fiat, Fiat Commercial and Alfa Romeo brands during 2011 were recorded by VFACTS at 2,635 vehicles.

by Bob Aldons - Northstar Jeep

"I WON A JEEP"

Hester Van Zijl of Caboolture didn't think any more about it when she entered the Peters Drumstick win a Jeep Wrangler competition. "You just don't win these things do you?" said Hester as she picked up her New Jeep Wrangler from Cameron Semark of Northstar Jeep last week.

Hester was one of 3 lucky people, and the only one from Queensland, to win a Jeep in the recent Peters Drumstick Win a Jeep Wrangler competition. Pictured with Cameron Semark, of Northstar Jeep, you could be excused for thinking that Hester was happy - she's almost jumping out of her new Jeep.

Whilst we won't be giving away any more Jeep Wranglers, you can check out the great  savings on the remaining 2 door Jeep Wranglers at www.lovemyjeep.com.au or ask us questions about the Pentastar Wrangler at www.nsmg.com.au .