Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Motor Group

Doing the rounds of my Northstar sites last week, I came to lights at the corner of Duffield Road and Anzac Avenue Clontarf.

I was “lucky” enough to just miss the lights and very quickly I was surrounded by another 15 or so cars, utes and trucks. Now these lights have a reputation of being slow, so it gave me time to ponder how much fuel this group of vehicles would use whilst they waited for the lights to change.

After what seemed an hour, which was really only 6 minutes, the lights changed and off we all went. So the question when I returned to work was:

Question: How much fuel will they typically use if those 15 cars did the same trip 5 days a week, 48 weeks of the year (4 weeks holidays)

Answer: Depends on the traffic light synchronisation

For this particular intersection the calculation runs like this:

5 minutes x 5 days x 48 weeks = 1200 minutes per year. A car typically uses .9 of 1 litre idling per hour, therefore each car uses $26.10 waiting at these lights every year. 15 Cars will use 18 litres of fuel each or $405 per annum - FOR EVERY TIME THIS LIGHT TURNS RED.

Makes you wonder whether the Department of Transport should spend a little bit more time, working on the traffic light synchronization on all traffic lights in Queensland.

Call into Northstar Motor Group at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula,  739 Deception Bay Road Rothwell, or at 266 Morayfield Road Morayfield (Opposite Bunnings Warehouse)
 We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

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

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

Posted by Bob Aldons – Managing Director, Northstar Motor Group

EOFY is getting closer and closer, June 30th will be on us before we know where we are. It’s high time to look at maximizing all available tax deductions on items that you may be contemplating over the next six months and as importantly, Julia Gillard still has the accelerated deprecation offer on the table for eligible businesses for purchases prior to June 30th.

Tax minimization is legal and in fact is encouraged by the vast majority of accountants. Don’t leave for the Tax Man what you can legally deduct. Remember the old proverb – The Tax Man Giveth and the Tax Man Taketh away. Reduce what he takes and keep what you can.

As a small businessman myself, I encourage you to look at every conceivable way to reduce your taxable income.  Have a close look at any equipment. If it’s at the end of its life or old technology is costing too much to repair, the impending financial year closewould be the ideal time to upgrade.

When you finance your equipment replacement, the payments will be classified as business operating expenses and deductions can be claimed on them immediately. If you choose to use Goods Mortgage as your preferred method of finance, you can claim the interest content of that payment and depreciate the item as well. And a bonus till June 30th is that you can claim the accelerated depreciation on this item up to $5000. Be warned though – you can’t claim the depreciation if you lease it. It must be done through a hire purchase style arrangement - and besides equipment, Northstar Financial Services can also help you with your vehicle replacement. The same rule applies for the accelerated depreciation – Hire Purchase is the way to go here too.

Our car dealerships currently have some amazing end of financial year offers on the table – Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, Mahindra and of course Isuzu Ute.

Northstar Financial Services can work with you to arrange your finance before EOFY arrives – competitive rates and terms, a great understanding of what your business requires and also competitive insurance products as well.

Contact one of my Finance and Insurance Professionals directly. You’ll find their wealth of experience and attention to detail refreshing.

• Car Loans
• Truck Loans
• Horse Float Loans
• Equipment Loans
• Bike Loans

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

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

Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Isuzu Ute

The Isuzu D-MAX was today announced winner of the 2013 Australian 4WD Action Magazine’s Ute of the Year, along with two international awards.

Widely respected as this country’s toughest 4x4 ute test, the D-MAX triumphed over the full-gamut of Australia’s one-tonne ute segment; the Toyota HiLux, Mazda BT-50, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado and Volkswagen Amorok.

“Judging criteria for the 4WDer’s Ute of the Year was simple – we wanted to test the vehicles in a way that mimics how they’d be used in real life,” said Australian 4WD Action’s editor, Brendan Seymour.

“This meant loading them almost to their GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), and then putting them through their paces in every off-road terrain imaginable, from mud, to steep hills, sand and long stretches at higher speeds ... finally, we enlisted the help of seven real 4WDers to test the vehicles like only a true 4WDer can – and the D-MAX came out on top,” he added.

Not only did the Isuzu D-MAX pick up the overall award, but it also proved the most fuel efficient of the seven utes tested.

Giving further insight to the comprehensive assessment regime, tester Steven Collins explained; “We broke the off-road performance portion of the judging down into five categories and scored each ute based on how they performed off-road. We then compared and scored fuel economy (as tested), purchase price, running costs per year (comprehensive insurance and servicing) and payload to determine the final outcome.”

Today’s accolade comes hot on the heels of two recent international gongs for the Euro-spec Isuzu D-MAX – the prestigious “4x4 Vehicle of the Year” by readers of the influential Auto Bild Magazine in Germany and the “2013 Vans A2Z Pick-Up of the Year Award” in the UK.

The Auto Bild Allrad, is Europe’s version of our “Car of the Year” awards and is organized by the continent’s most widely read magazine - Auto Bild. Based on a poll from over 100,000 readers, the new Isuzu D-MAX took the honours in the imported pick-up category.

Across the Channel, the Isuzu D-MAX again proved it can take on the best and win - scoring the 2013 Vans A2Z “Pick-up of the Year” award in London. The Vans A2Z team noted, “Unlike the latest generation pick-ups from Ford and Volkswagen it retains the external dimensions of the traditional one-tonne truck and is all the better for it … it feels more nimble and less bulky to drive, while retaining an impressive work ethic.”

These recent awards again demonstrate that the Isuzu D-MAX is universally revered as one of the world’s best utes and further enhances the D-MAX’s solid reputation for reliability, economy and durability.

If you want to experience D-Max for yourself, call into Northstar Isuzu Ute at either 739 Deception Bay Road Rothwell or 266 Morayfield Road Morayfield (Opposite Bunnings).  We're only 20 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.lovemyisuzu.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Source: www.iua.net.au

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Alfa Romeo

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

Northstar continues to expand its brand portfolio. Along with the original Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands since 2003, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen since 2008, Mahindra in 2012 and Northstar now has Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Fiat Professional, and Abarth, the company is hopeful of securing Chinese brand Foton before the end of the year.

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Isuzu Ute

Global demand for Isuzu’s Australian-developed and made official D-Max accessories.

If you want to experience D-Max for yourself, call into Northstar Isuzu Ute 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.lovemyisuzu.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

FACTORY-approved add-ons such as bull-bars, tow bars and air inlet snorkels that are designed and made in Australia for the Isuzu D-Max one-tonner are in demand around the world.

Australia’s reputation for high quality, well-designed off-road accessories has made it a centre of development for official upgrades to the rugged Thai-built workhorse, sales of which are booming globally.

Isuzu Ute Australia (IUA) deputy managing director Takeshi ‘Kasa’ Kasahara told GoAuto the company “receives many phone calls from countries like the UK, Germany and South Africa about our accessories”.

“We develop many accessories in Australia and all over the world people appreciate Aussie quality and design,” he said.

Mr Kasahara said IUA worked with respected 4x4 accessory specialists including ARB, TJM and Hayman Reese to develop its official accessories.

TJM provides a snorkel kit for the D-Max, Hayman Reese is responsible for the official tow bar and ARB supplies body protection such as bull bars.

He added that ARB is also developing a suspension upgrade to increase the ute’s gross vehicle mass rating beyond its current class-leading ability to carry a tonne in the tray while towing a three-tonne trailer.

Cosmetic items like sports bars and tonneau covers are also sourced from Australian suppliers.

Mr Kasahara said official differential lock upgrades are not planned due to the majority of global D-Max sales being in Thailand, where most customers go for the less expensive 4x2 variants and few venture off-road.

Demand for factory-backed products like Isuzu’s can only be good news for the Australian automotive aftermarket industry, which like all manufacturing, faces the challenge of a high Aussie dollar and global economic uncertainty.

Australia’s automotive aftermarket industry supports 30,000 jobs, turns over $11 billion a year and produces exports worth $800 million.

In terms of Aussie-made official products, Nissan produces official accessories at its casting plant in Dandenong, Victoria, Mazda developed an airbag-compatible bull-bar for its BT-50 in Australia and Volkswagen helped design an Australian-made tray for its Amarok cab-chassis.

Fiat-Chrysler accessory, parts and servicing brand Mopar is also open to adding Aussie products to its catalogue.....read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Isuzu Ute

Busy 2013 planned as Isuzu Ute Australia celebrates record D-Max sales in November

If you want to experience D-Max for yourself, call into Northstar Isuzu Ute 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.lovemyisuzu.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

ISUZU Ute Australia is preparing to build on this year’s successful launch of its new-generation D-Max one-tonner with plans to strengthen marketing and raise the brand’s profile through sponsorships and off-road drive days.

The company is also considering the introduction of capped-price servicing, is pushing to expand the dealer network with more service centres for remote areas, and working to address the vehicle’s disappointing four-star ANCAP safety rating.

IUA is celebrating a record month, reporting 800 sales of the D-Max in November to beat its previous best of 741 units in August, pushing year-to-date sales up by a quarter on the same period in 2011.

A monthly sales rate of 800 units would put the company on track to hit its target of between 9000 and 10,000 units next year.

As reported in October, the anticipated arrival next year of the MU-7 – a seven-seat SUV based on the D-Max – will double Isuzu’s product offering in Australia and potentially offset any downturn in the fleet-driven ute market.

IUA deputy managing director Takeshi ‘Kasa’ Kasahara told GoAuto the increased number of D-Max variants – including the popular ‘suicide-door’ space cab – and the wider availability of a better, more fuel-efficient automatic transmission in the new model have helped increase its appeal.

“It depends on the whole economy, especially mining and natural resources, so between 9000 and 10,000 units next year is not an impossible target,” he said.

From top: IUA deputy managing director Takeshi Kasahara; Isuzu D-Max ENCAP crash testing; Isuzu 4x4 training facility in Pattaya, Thailand.

IUA aims to eventually take a 15-20 per cent share of the Australian one-tonner market, which would mean up to 20,000 annual sales – close to the level of the Nissan Navara and a significant increase from its current 6.8 per cent share of the 4x4 ute market.

However, Mr Kasahara admitted supply from the stretched Thai production facility (see separate story) could become a factor.

“In Thailand they have a 90,000-unit back order so (while) we are aiming at 10,000 units next year, maybe capacity will be our headache,” he said.

Supply of some D-Max variants has already come under pressure in Australia with the unexpected popularity of certain variants and increased interest among younger buyers.

IUA senior public relations manager Dave Harding said the company is “making deliberate inroads to that younger demographic through some of our marketing activities”.

“It is a better-looking car than the previous model, more attractive to that demographic,” said Mr Harding.

“While some of (the younger potential buyers) might not be able to afford a D-Max now, we are trying to garner that aspiration for a couple of years’ time when they can afford it”.

Mr Harding said advertising campaigns that more strongly convey a tough image for the D-Max are part of the plan, along with a bigger sponsorship push. Existing sponsorships include the Showtime FMX motorcycle stunt team and the Movember men’s charity.

Off-road drive days are also under consideration, with the Beaudesert 4x4 facility near IUA’s Brisbane base mooted as a potential location....read more

Posted by Bob Aldons - Northstar Isuzu Ute

If you want to experience D-Max for yourself, call into Northstar Isuzu Ute 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.lovemyisuzu.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Isuzu D-max for 2013 Dakar Rally

Based on the D-Max 4x4 double-cab

Isuzu has prepared a Dakar Rally version of the D-Max that will compete in January at the 35th edition.

It is based on a production D-Max 4x4 double-cab and comes with a 3.0-liter engine turbodiesel engine that produces 242 hp (180 kW) at 4,800 rpm and 589 Nm (434 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine is connected to a sequential 5-speed Hollinger gearbox and Xtreme rally clutch.

The pickup truck features a four-wheel drive system and can do the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint in 7 seconds (on dirt) before reaching a maximum speed of 190 km/h ....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Isuzu Ute

We've had Isuzu D-Max since 2009 and in this last 3 years the vehicle has proven to be our most reliable 4WD. Prior to July 2012, the combatants were Mitsubishi with Triton and new comer Volkswagen with Amarok.

One thing of note is the lack of warranty work we've had to perform on D-Max. The other brands have both had their problems - a few niggling things with Amarok, medium to major issues with Mitsubishi. Over the same timeframe, Isuzu D-Max has been a treasure. I've driven one for the last 3 years and have always enjoyed what D-Max does and how it does it.

I'm not driving a Isuzu currently, but only due to lack of supply rather than anything else. Over the last 3 years, the opposition has stepped up their game and whilst once upon a time Toyota ruled the roost with Hilux, the same can't be said in 2012. Nissan, Mazda, Ford, Volkswagen, Holden have a formidable army up against D-Max, but as this article concludes, "If I was looking for a purposeful off-roader, it'd be hard to go past the D-Max" Enough said.

If you want to experience D-Max for yourself, call into Northstar Isuzu Ute 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.lovemyisuzu.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.

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the Isuzu D-Max with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

When you've only got one vehicle on sale, it better be a good one. If off-road ability rates ahead of cabin ambience, the Isuzu D-Max has just that. In terms of solidity and reliability it has the credentials to make life tough for the established four-wheel drive utes.

Its four-cylinder engine gives away torque to its rivals but makes up for it with a ruggedness that is hard to argue with.

VALUE

At $50,700 the Isuzu LS-T is relying on reputation and build quality rather than discount pricing to win sales. The top-spec BT-50 is $51,140 and the XLT Ranger is $53,390. Both have a more car-like interior and more torque.

Closer to home, the Holden Colorado shares the Isuzu's platform and interior styling and its 2.8-litre donk brings a 3.5-tonne tow rating against 3.0-tonnes for the Isuzu's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four. It doesn't have the features or off-road cred of the Isuzu, though. The LS-T's advantages include leather seats, a reversing camera and sat nav on the 6.5-inch touch screen, comfier rear seats and hill ascent/descent control.....read more.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Isuzu Ute

Good community things are just that - good for the community. Northstar Motor Group has been involved with a myriad of community groups over the last 12 years ranging from Meals on Wheels, Peninsula Animal Aid, business groups, sports stars, Redcliffe Junior Rugby League Club, to our recent sponsorships with the Redcliffe Rugby Union Club, Chrysler Owners Club of Queensland and more.

However, every now and then a really worthwhile charitable involvement comes along and this is what Isuzu Ute Australia has done with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. The public at large are still mesmerized and the toughness and tenacity of the Morcombe's - how they've dealt with the cruel death of their son Daniel and still contributed so much to the community amazes me.

Congratulations to Isuzu Ute for their involvement and hats off to the Morcombe's for what they're doing to reduce childhood abductions

If you're in the market for a tough trade ute, look no further than Isuzu D Max. And look no further than Northstar Isuzu Ute for your Isuzu D MAx. Check out www.northstarisuzuute.com.au and for monthly specials look for www.lovemyisuzu.com.au. You'll find us at 320 Anzac Avenue Redcliffe on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.

Daniel Morcombe Foundation implements ‘Harm Prevention’ initiatives to families across Australia.

Isuzu Ute Australia have announced a partnership to help the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.

Isuzu is supplying a Isuzu D-MAX LS 4x4 Dual Cab to help Bruce and Denise Morcombe to continue their outstanding work. Their foundation aims to raise awareness of risks to children, and the work includes meeting with communities throughout Queensland and Australia - which was becoming more difficult with their old vehicle.

 “We are rapt that Isuzu Ute have come to help us,” Bruce Morcombe said in a statement. “The old vehicle has been a real trooper but it is way past its use-by date and really struggles with the demands of covering the huge mileage that we do.

“Plus towing a trailer that is now jam packed with a heap of merchandise and educational resources has really taken its toll.” “This is a big investment by Isuzu Ute and a real endorsement in the work that we do … we are very thankful that they have seen this and are prepared to back us,” added Denise Morcombe.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation implements ‘Harm Prevention’ initiatives to families across Australia and is committed to teaching Personal Safety to the young and vulnerable in our community by providing important skills and resources - free of charge.“

Our Maroochydore Isuzu Ute Dealer brought it to our attention that Bruce and Denise were in need of a new Ute, as their old one was falling apart,” said Isuzu UTE Senior Public Relations Manager Dave Harding.

“Bruce, Denise - and the Foundation - work tirelessly and do an incredible job for our community so to be able to help make their life a bit easier is the least we could do,” he added.

Karla from Carsguide seems to be a little behind the game when it comes to the D-Max LS Dual cab. With a new model only months away, Isuzu Ute Australia and it's dealers are anticipating a mega launch with the all new model. D-Max has been in Australia for only a few years now, but has gained popularity with the Mining Industry, Queensland Government and Queensland Police Force. At Northstar Isuzu Ute, the majority of business has been with small companies and retirees. The towing capacity of D-Max has proved popular with those customers looking to tow a large caravan, horse float or boat.

With D-Max on long lead run out, there's never been a better time to check out the possibility of a change over.

Isuzu D-Max LS dual-cab ute: review
By Karla Pincott

The D-Max is a solid workmate and good value against the competition

Some utes don't bother pretending to be show ponies. They're for packing up and working, much like the Aussie stock-horse - it might not be as fast and elegant as a thoroughbred, but it's not going to shy at the sight of a loaded toolbox either.

And that's the frankly honest charm of the Isuzu D-Max range. If the face is familiar, it's probably because it's long been a Holden Colorado (formerly the Rodeo) under another name.

The current ute was co-developed with GM, but later this year we'll see a new D-Max generation completely developed by Isuzu.

VALUE

The rear-wheel drive D-Max LS dual-cab auto turbodiesel starts from $38,600 with all the basic equipment: airconditioning, cruise control, CD audio and alloy wheels, with a leather-trimmed steering wheel the only bid for luxe touch.

Most people looking at this level will be pricing it against others with a similar 3000kg tow capacity and close to a tonne payload, and the first obvious contender is the clone Holden Colorado, which is pretty much identical but asks $12,000 more to sport the lion logo on the grille, and like the D-Max is only three-star crash rated.

Oddly, despite being overpriced by comparison, the Holden outsells the Isuzu - suggesting that buyers don't realise it's the same vehicle, or don't see past the badge. Sending in the other leading clones - Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 - will get you 3350kg tow capacity from the shared 3.2-litre turbodiesel and six-speed automatic.

But the Mazda is about $4000 more than the Isuzu, and the Ford another $500 on top of that. However it's worth considering that the extra spend brings you two more crash safety stars and a better equipment list.

DESIGN

The D-Max is not going to win any catwalk contests, but it's got an honest no-nonsense appeal. It's built on a tough ladder-frame chassis, with a basic four-door cabin that has a hard-wearing hose-out feel, but offers fairly practical space for legs and heads.

The seats are firm and flat, hard plastics are everywhere, and there's little in the way of high-end gizmos. But with the practical packaging and thought given to storage spaces -including a fold-down rear seat that lets you stash some items out of sight -- it's a case of function being more important than frills.

TECHNOLOGY

It carries a 3.2-litre direct-injected turbodiesel that develops 120kW of power at 3600rpm and a handy 333Nm of torque between 1600-3200rpm - not the segment leader for grunt, but more than capable for most worksite towing and payloads.

Our rear-wheel drive test use had the archaic four-speed automatic that is looking easily outclassed by the more modern five and six-speeds appearing in newer utes - some with a 'manumatic' sequential mode.

SAFETY

It gets only a three-star crash rating, with two front airbags and anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution to compensate for uneven loading. Don't look for brake assist, stability or traction controls. Or for airbags in the second row. Hopefully the new Isuzu will put a stronger focus on worker safety.

DRIVING

You'll have no doubt there's a diesel under the bonnet right from the start. First there's the signature clatter, but then there's also the confidence from stacks of low-down torque - as long as you're willing to go at things steadily.

The transmission is basic and both the changes and the accelerator response will call on your patience if you're trying to dodge through city traffic gaps or overtake on the highway.

But for everyday load-lugging, the D-Max is a simple and uncomplicated workhorse. And the suspension is clearly happier with a load on board, with a tendency to bounce if it doesn't have a job to do but surprisingly compliant with enough gear in the tray.

The steering is vague, and combines with the vehicle's workhorse design and dynamics to make any attempt at speedy cornering a futile joust with the laws of physics. But nobody is going to buy the D-Max to take to track days, and it would be pointless to mark it down on that.

VERDICT

The D-Max is a solid workmate and good value against the competition, but let down mainly by having three-star safety when the workforce deserves five.

Isuzu D-Max LS dual-cab

Karla from Carsguide seems to be a little behind the game when it comes to the D-Max LS Dual cab. With a new model only months away, Isuzu Ute Australia and it's dealers are anticipating a mega launch with the all new model. D-Max has been in Australia for only a few years now, but has gained popularity with the Mining Industry, Queensland Government and Queensland Police Force. At Northstar Isuzu Ute, the majority of business has been with small companies and retirees. The towing capacity of D-Max has proved popular with those customers looking to tow a large caravan, horse float or boat.

With D-Max on long lead run out, there's never been a better time to check out the possibility of a change over.

Isuzu D-Max LS dual-cab ute: review
By Karla Pincott

The D-Max is a solid workmate and good value against the competition

Some utes don't bother pretending to be show ponies. They're for packing up and working, much like the Aussie stock-horse - it might not be as fast and elegant as a thoroughbred, but it's not going to shy at the sight of a loaded toolbox either.

And that's the frankly honest charm of the Isuzu D-Max range. If the face is familiar, it's probably because it's long been a Holden Colorado (formerly the Rodeo) under another name.

The current ute was co-developed with GM, but later this year we'll see a new D-Max generation completely developed by Isuzu.

VALUE

The rear-wheel drive D-Max LS dual-cab auto turbodiesel starts from $38,600 with all the basic equipment: airconditioning, cruise control, CD audio and alloy wheels, with a leather-trimmed steering wheel the only bid for luxe touch.

Most people looking at this level will be pricing it against others with a similar 3000kg tow capacity and close to a tonne payload, and the first obvious contender is the clone Holden Colorado, which is pretty much identical but asks $12,000 more to sport the lion logo on the grille, and like the D-Max is only three-star crash rated.

Oddly, despite being overpriced by comparison, the Holden outsells the Isuzu - suggesting that buyers don't realise it's the same vehicle, or don't see past the badge. Sending in the other leading clones - Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 - will get you 3350kg tow capacity from the shared 3.2-litre turbodiesel and six-speed automatic.

But the Mazda is about $4000 more than the Isuzu, and the Ford another $500 on top of that. However it's worth considering that the extra spend brings you two more crash safety stars and a better equipment list.

DESIGN

The D-Max is not going to win any catwalk contests, but it's got an honest no-nonsense appeal. It's built on a tough ladder-frame chassis, with a basic four-door cabin that has a hard-wearing hose-out feel, but offers fairly practical space for legs and heads.

The seats are firm and flat, hard plastics are everywhere, and there's little in the way of high-end gizmos. But with the practical packaging and thought given to storage spaces -including a fold-down rear seat that lets you stash some items out of sight -- it's a case of function being more important than frills.

TECHNOLOGY

It carries a 3.2-litre direct-injected turbodiesel that develops 120kW of power at 3600rpm and a handy 333Nm of torque between 1600-3200rpm - not the segment leader for grunt, but more than capable for most worksite towing and payloads.

Our rear-wheel drive test use had the archaic four-speed automatic that is looking easily outclassed by the more modern five and six-speeds appearing in newer utes - some with a 'manumatic' sequential mode.

SAFETY

It gets only a three-star crash rating, with two front airbags and anti-skid brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution to compensate for uneven loading. Don't look for brake assist, stability or traction controls. Or for airbags in the second row. Hopefully the new Isuzu will put a stronger focus on worker safety.

DRIVING

You'll have no doubt there's a diesel under the bonnet right from the start. First there's the signature clatter, but then there's also the confidence from stacks of low-down torque - as long as you're willing to go at things steadily.

The transmission is basic and both the changes and the accelerator response will call on your patience if you're trying to dodge through city traffic gaps or overtake on the highway.

But for everyday load-lugging, the D-Max is a simple and uncomplicated workhorse. And the suspension is clearly happier with a load on board, with a tendency to bounce if it doesn't have a job to do but surprisingly compliant with enough gear in the tray.

The steering is vague, and combines with the vehicle's workhorse design and dynamics to make any attempt at speedy cornering a futile joust with the laws of physics. But nobody is going to buy the D-Max to take to track days, and it would be pointless to mark it down on that.

VERDICT

The D-Max is a solid workmate and good value against the competition, but let down mainly by having three-star safety when the workforce deserves five.

Isuzu D-Max LS dual-cab

Dr Carol Kinsey holds a Ph.D and discusses body language as it effects your relationships with customers, fellow team members, and even your nearest and dearest.

The art of reading someone's body language isn't difficult even with the most basic understanding. You've probably see the hit US television show Lie To Me, which features Tom Roth as Dr Cal Lightman. The show features terms such as Facial Action Coding Systems, microexpressions and of course body language as the core of the various plots in the series.

Whilst we won't always delve this deeply into the interrelationships with our customers, we can be aware of the signs that simple body language provides for us in a selling situation.

Dr Goman outlines 5 simple steps that you may find useful in your day to day business

Regards
Bob Aldons - The Car Professor

 Your nonverbal signals don't always convey what you intended them to. In fact, when people read your body language, you can count on them making five major mistakes.

Body language was the basis for our earliest form of communication when the split-second ability to recognize if a person or situation was benign or dangerous was often a matter of life or death.

Today, nonverbal signals play a key role in helping us form quick impressions. But, as innate as this ability may be, not all of our impressions are accurate. Although our brains are hardwired to respond instantly to certain nonverbal cues, that circuitry was put in place a long time ago – when our ancient ancestors faced threats and challenges very different from those we face in today's modern society. The problem is that the world has changed, but our body reading processes are still based on a primitive emotional reaction that hasn't changed much since humans began interacting with one another.

For example: In our prehistory, it may have been vitally important to see an approaching person's hands in order to evaluate his intent. If hands were concealed they could very well be holding a rock, a club, or other means of doing us harm. In business interactions today, with no logical reason to do so, we still instinctively mistrust someone who keeps his hands out of sight — in his pockets, below the table, or behind his back.

The following is adapted from my new book, "The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help – or Hurt – How You Lead." Here are the five mistakes people make when they read your body language:


1) They won't consider the context.
When it comes to body language, context is king. You can't really make sense of someone's nonverbal message unless you understand the circumstances behind it. Context is a weave of variables including location, relationships, time of day, past experience, and even room temperature. Depending on the context, the same nonverbal signals can take on totally different meanings.
Your team members, and colleagues won't always have access to this insight. So if you yawn in a staff meeting because you were up early for an international business call – let people know why you're tired. Without this context, you'll look like you're just bored.


2) They'll find meaning in one gesture.
People are constantly trying to evaluate your state of mind by monitoring your body language. But all too often they will assign meaning to a single (and sometimes irrelevant) nonverbal cue. And, since the human brain pays more attention to negative messages than it does to positive ones, people are mainly on the alert for any sign that indicates you're in a bad mood and not to be approached.

So – you may be more comfortable standing with your arms folded across your chest (or you may be cold), but don't be surprised when others judge that gesture as resistant and unapproachable.


3) They won't know your baseline.
One of the keys to accurately reading body language is to compare someone's current nonverbal response to their baseline, or normal behavior. But if people haven't observed you over time, they have little basis for that comparison.

Remember this when meeting people for the first time. They won't know that you habitually frown when you are concentrating. (And you may not realize it either unless you ask a friend or coach for feedback.) Others will most likely think the frown is a reaction to something they said or did.


4) They'll evaluate you through an array of personal biases.
There is a woman in my yoga class who liked me from the moment we met. I'd prefer to believe that this was a result of my charismatic personality, but I know for a fact that it's because I resemble her favorite aunt.

Sometimes biases work in your favor – an example of the so-called "halo effect." But biases can also work against you. What if, instead of someone they like, you remind people of someone they despise? You might overcome it with time, but you can bet that their initial response to you won't be a good one.

5) They'll evaluate through a filter of cultural biases.
When it comes to nonverbal communication and cultural differences, you can expect to be judged by behaviors that include how close you stand to a colleague in conversation, how much or little you touch others, the degree of emotion in your voice, the amount of eye contact you display, and the kind of hand gestures you use. And what feels so right in one culture may be seen as highly insulting in another. (So before you attend that international business meeting, do a little research to on the nonverbal business practices that you're most likely to encounter.)

These are the five mistakes you can expect people to make. Understanding them, and trying not to make the same mistakes, will help you be a more effective nonverbal communicator.

Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D. is an executive coach, keynote speaker, seminar leader, and author of "The Silent Language of Leaders: How Body Language Can Help – or Hurt – How You Lead." Visit her website at www.CKG.com or contact her directly here [email protected]">[email protected].

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8 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Trade In

Tip 3 - List of Factory Options and Dealer Fitted accessories clearly shown

When you bought your car, you probably paid for a lot of factory fitted options and dealer fitted accessories  and may have added more whilst you owned it.

Make a clear list of these items and make sure that you make the dealer aware of the list.

You should check your original contract for this information - In fact it's always a good idea to have a copy of the contract to show the dealership. That way there'll be no confusion as to what model your car is and what options and accessories it had

Factory options and dealer fitted accessories probably added thousands of dollars to the purchase price and now's the time to take advantage of that. You won't recover all the money that you spend but there's no doubt that you'll get some.

The next generation Isuzu D-Max won’t look anything like Holden’s Colorado.

Until now, the Rodeo and then Colorado one-tonners were heavily based on the Isuzu ute, and therefore looked near identical, but there will be now such familiarity this time around.

The next Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max will not only have its own unique body shells, but will also use different engines. Isuzu has its own diesel, while Holden will source its petrol and diesel powerplants from the General Motors family.

Australians can expect to see the new Holden Colorado arrive late this year, while the new Isuzu D-Max is expected in the middle of next year although a final date is not locked in. General Motors sold its Isuzu shares in a fire sale during the global financial crisis, but both companies did work together on the new one-tonne ute project.

“They put money into the same pot and split the responsibility,” explains Hitoshi Kono, who is in the final months of his role as Isuzu Ute Australia’s managing director.“They said this part can be common, but this part, this part and this part should be different.” Kono says he understands the two utes will be quite different as a result. “This is good news for both sides,” he says.

Isuzu is not ready to talk about which engine will power the new D-Max although there is a good chance the current 3.0-litre four-cylinder, known for its excellent fuel economy, will continue on in the new vehicle. It is likely to be diesel only.

Holden has already presented a concept of its Colorado at the Australian International Motor Show last July with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel but Working Wheels understands a petrol unit, possibly an Australian-made V6 petrol unit could also be offered.

Both the Holden and Izusu utes will be produced in Thailand in separate factories as is the case with the current models.