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 Chrysler

Mama Mia? An Italian car with an American influence. Surely not.

Well that's the way the world is going with the sharing of componentry, platforms and drive trains. It's a simple equations - if prestige manufacturers want to keep building their high end models, then they'll have to have economies fo scale further down the food chain.

There's no doubt that the Fiat influence has already been felt at Chrysler with a  Fiat owned diesel engine manufacturer (Mitori) supplying their engines for vehicles as diverse as Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300. Guys, you have to live with it. Sure there'll be screaming Italians and gnashing of teeth, but surely Maserati will exert their influence over what in reality is a very nicely powered and built car.

2011 Chrysler 300 - 12.21.2010

Quattroporte also cursed with Chrysler tech?

According to a recent report, Maserati's entry-level sedan will be based on the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Lancia Thema.

Autocar is reporting the model, which could be called the Levante, will ride on a modified version of Chrysler's rear-wheel drive architecture. It will reportedly share the same 3052mm wheelbase with the other sedans and feature attractive styling that was developed in-house...read more

If you want to experience Chrysler 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.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

This story is just a load of rubbish in my opinion. Tony Tiehaus from Autohub could be accused of having a vested interest in it and given there was originally a link to his business (since removed) - well you figure it out for yourself.

We've traded and fixed a large number of imports in recent years and generally I'd say that they didn't do their owners any favours. Grey imports are those vehicles that have reached their use by date in their country of origin. The Japanese market where most if the imports come from impose high re-registration costs when the vehicle gets to a certain age - generally 5-7 years. The Japanese philosophy is to keep their national fleet in good condition, meeting current or recent environmental standards. Vehicles leaving this sector are either trashed, scrapped or shipped overseas to generally unsuspecting countries such as New Zealand and now Australia.

New Zealand has a small new car market, thanks in the main to imports from Japan. Last year our cousins across the ditch bought just 86,000 new vehicles compared to our 1,000,000. Imports are cheaper up front than an equivalent aged used car and certainly much cheaper than a new car. However the problems arise in a few areas - finding a reputable finance company to loan against it, finding someone who knows enough about the car, not to service it, but to repair it when things go wrong. The there's actually being able to source parts for the vehicle. And yes, they are generally available from where the car comes from, but dealers don't stock them, you'll have to pay upfront for the parts and it will take about 2-4 weeks to get them here - way too long to be without your vital transport

My advice is to compare what's available in Australia from a reputable used car dealer - check out our site www.usedcars.nsmg.com.au and you'll find workshop tested vehicles with a good statutory warranty and the option to take out a longer extended warranty

Visit our dealerships at 218 Anzac Avenue and 324 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula before you buy an import. Besides the fact that imports devalue very quickly, you'll also find that most used car dealers won't trade your vehicle or if they do, you'll be getting cents in the dollar for what you paid.

The market for used import cars is growing in Australia – "but the public are still unaware just how good these cars are," says Tony Tiehuis of Autohub Vehicle Logistics, following the company's March road show highlighting the new shipping products on offer.

"It's certainly an increasing business, although there are still a lot of myths surrounding grey imports, which we also saw in New Zealand in the early days when import regulations were first relaxed. Since then a very healthy support industry has sprung up and employs many people.

"There has been no real push to combat negative feedback uttered by those in opposition to the import industry in Australia - particularly in relation to the things like service and availability of spare parts, etc. which are readily available ex-Japan. Autohub has excellent contacts for parts suppliers and export agents in Japan, if required," adds Tiehuis.

After Autohub's initial introduction to the market in 2011, the company's expansion also comes on the back of Kiwi Car Carrier's recent withdrawal, although Tiehuis says the exit of the rival company is just one aspect of the push.

"The decision to expand is not purely due to Kiwi pulling out; our services goes hand in hand with what we offer in New Zealand, and we knew our Japanese clients were keen to ship cars to Australia," says Tiehuis.

"We took the opportunity to meet with interested parties and the response was very positive - there is a good amount of enthusiasm for what we are offering.

"We had a number of people phone their export agents while we were visiting them and book cars with our service. A lot of people are paying upwards of $2200, so Autohub is an attractive alternative for them."

Autohub operates 'bronze', 'silver', and 'gold' services to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney (Botany/Port Kembla), and in the future Perth. The bronze and Silver services are fixed price for vehicles up to 20cm3, and with no inclusions.

All three services are port-to-port and include the cost of international freight, port service charges, customs clearance in Australia and pre-DAF/AQIS clearance in Japan, to eliminate any delay once the vehicles arrive in port in Australia.

If further cleaning is required on audit inspection by DAF in Australia, Autohub picks up the tab.

Bronze service is a roll-on/roll-off vessel once a month and costs $1470. Silver service is by container vessel and is once a week with a 2-week sailing time and costs $1750. (Sydney/Botany pricing is $1850, due to higher port costs). Gold service is via roll-on/roll-off vessel once every two weeks, with pricing at tariff rates.

Non-commercial vehicles up to 20 cubic metres are catered for, but commercial vehicles are excluded as these cannot receive pre-DAF/AQIS clearance in Japan.

Tiehuis says current import volumes are around 500-800 units a month, and sees possible room for long term growth.

"The next step in our plans will be to pop over to Perth and develop the service for client's there, too. We know there are cars going in already, and pricing would likely be similar to current Australian ports".

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar VW

Missing from the Volkswagen line-up in Australia is the VW Phaeton. Phaeton is the luxury Volkswagen primarily sold in Germany, Europe  and now selling well in mainland China. As a Volkswagen dealers, we've had a number of enquiries from Volkswagen owners regarding this vehicle, but Volkswagen head office in Sydney says it's a no go.

As referred in the article below, this could all change with a new model due in 2015. Replacing the old V6 and V8 petrol driven technology with current diesel technology could be a game changer for Phaeton and hopefully that could herald the arrival of the most luxurious of Volkswagens - here's hoping

Whilst you can't drive a Phaeton now, perhaps consideration could be given to either the Passat V6 sedan or Passat CC. Both cars are full of techno wizardry and should be on the shopping list for those wanting something special. Northstar Volkswagen has both models in stock for evaluation and delivery.

You can find Northstar VW at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. Web browsers can click through to www.northstarvw.com.au , check out the monthly specials at www.lovemyvw.com.au . For more reviews and news, visit www.mycarreview.com.au for more information.

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton Facelift

High demand for the Volkswagen Phaeton in China has given new optimism for its successor.

On the market for 10 years, the Phaeton largely missed sales targets year after year, prompting the model to be cancelled in the U.S. after 2006.

However, that could all change as China has delivered a 50 percent increase in Phaeton sales in the past year. This accounts for Dresden producing 11,166 units, particularly fully loaded long wheel-base models equipped with V6 and V8 gasoline engines. Despite the improvement, it is still far behind the competition.

For the second generation successor due in 2015, the Phaeton will ride on the same MLP (modular longitudinal platform) as the Audi A8 and have design characteristics taken from the Cross Coupe concept.

We can also expect smaller engines with forced induction and cylinder deactivation technology. There's also word of a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant, but nothing is official as of yet.

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.

Comments by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

The Carsguide team who wrote this story need to have a harder look at the benchmark operator in the taxi industry and not lump everyone into the same frying pan.

For the last two years I've had personal dealings with arguably the best taxi manager in Queensland if not the country - Greg Collins from Complete Taxi Management.  Greg's company based in Virginia, North Brisbane runs an exemplary business. Taxi Operator of the Year, an Earth Check approved business, Greg has now over 50 Passat Diesel Wagons on his fleet, with the balance of almost 20 due to change in the next 18 months.

Greg researched the viability of many vehicles when Ford Australia decided to drop the LPG Falcon taxi wagon from its range some years ago. Toyota Camry and Prius were considered along with Ford Territory and Holden Commodore,  but after extensive investigation and a working trip to Germany, Volkswagen Passat 125TDI DSG wagons were chosen as the vehicle to take Complete Taxi forward.

"Not only does the VW provide outstanding fuel economy for my fleet", said Greg, "but they're environmentally friendly, highly recyclable, and arguably one of the safest cars on the road, taxi or no taxi".  "Our drivers are trained in the use and purpose of their vehicles, and the comments back from our customers is that they prefer to ride in our Volkswagens".

So rather than criticizing the industry, may I suggest that Carsguide and other media outlets investigate best practice of the companies such as Complete Taxi.

If you'd like to know more about Volkswagen Passat for Taxi use, contact me personally on 07 34808610

or leave a message on our web site - www.northstarvw.com.au. For other VW specials you can visit www.lovemyvw.com.au or drop into our showroom at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula

Taxi waiting area at the Sydney International airport.

Most Australians see no improvement in taxi services.

More than one in two Australians believe that taxi services are deteriorating, according to the Sydney University. The University has just released the findings of its latest quarterly national transport survey.

Only 14 percent of Australians saw an improvement in taxi services in their local areas over the last 12 months, with 79 percent of regular taxi users reporting that they were worse or unchanged.

"We need to rethink regulation of the whole taxi sector, as there are clearly a lot of people who are unhappy with the level of taxi services in their state," says Professor David Hensher, Director of the University of Sydney's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), who produce the ITLS- Transport Opinion Survey (TOPS).

"One of the major issues in the sector is that the person who owns the registration plates isn't necessarily the person who drives the vehicles".

"This means there are a lot of drivers who have just arrived in Australia desperate for a job who don't speak English or know their way around particularly well. Some of this feedback is anecdotal, but we're hearing enough of it to suggest it's fact."

Victorians, South Australians and Queenslanders experienced lower confidence in taxi services, with only 14 percent, 13 percent and 11 percent of residents reporting that services had improved over the last 12 months.

"With the current taxi inquiry in Melbourne, the survey has really reinforced to us just how negative the public perception of this industry is," says Professor Hensher, who with the University's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies has been working with the Victorian government on ways to improve the service as part of the inquiry.

"The reliability of the service, the attitude of drivers and the poor maintenance of vehicles are major concerns in the taxi industry across Australia." Confidence in public transport in consumers' local areas reached its lowest point in the nine quarterly surveys since the TOPS project commenced, with a short-term transport confidence index of 86, compared with the previous result of 98 from the fourth quarter of 2011.

"There are a number of reasons for this, including the recent state government changes in NSW and Victoria. These have produced higher expectations for change in transport. While there have been some changes, they are not as great as consumers had hoped," says Professor Hensher.

The survey also reinforced feedback from last quarter that suggests consumers would prefer funding to concentrate on improving transport within cities rather than between them.

Comments by Bob Aldons - Northstar Suzuki

The Suzuki Swift has been one of the most popular and dressed cars in recent years. The look and style of the model lends itself to wide wheels, low profile tyres and body kits, let alone leather trims.

Suzuki UK has taken this one step further with the recently announced Attitude and it has plenty of that. Limited to 500 units, and on sale on April 2nd, the Attitude features fog lamps, 16 inch black wheels, black painted roof and door mirrors, rear tinted windows, and carbon fibre effect "Attitude" badging.

If this vehicles comes to Australia, we'll have the better engine with more power. You can lobby us for this limited edition Suzuki Swift at www.northstarsuzuki.com.au or check out our monthly specials at www.lovemysuzi.com.au. Want to test drive a Suzuki? You'll find our dealership at 218 Anzac Avenue Redcliffe on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula

Suzuki Swift Attitude 30.03.2012

Suzuki has announced the Swift Attitude special edition will be limited to only 500 units and available for order April 2. Based on the SZ3 model the sporty hatchback is aimed at younger buyers.

With a starting price of £10,750 for the three door or £11,220 for the five door, the Swift Attitude features fog lamps, rear tinted glass, carbon fiber effect "Attitude" badging, roof and door mirrors plus rear upper roof spoiler in body color and 16-inch wheels in black finish. Other standard features include seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning and a USB port.

The Swift Attitude maintains the SZ3 model's 1.2-liter Dual VVT 93 bhp (94 PS / 69 kW) engine which emits just 116g/km and achieves 56.5mpg / 5.0l per 100km (combined).

Special Version Swift for Spring 2012 in the UK

•    Special Version Attitude model based on SZ3.

•    Limited to only 500 units - split between three and five door.

•    On sale 2 April, priced at £10,750 for three door, £11,220 for five door.

•    Available on a PCP Drive plan with a deposit of just £1,500.

Following strong success with the previous model Swift, the special version Swift Attitude model is back on sale in the UK; limited to only 500 units, and available as a five door as well as three door for the first time. Aimed at younger buyers, Swift Attitude is based on the 1.2-litre SZ3 model but with more sporty and aggressive styling. The 1.2-litre Dual VVT 94PS engine is one of the most powerful in its class but offers low emissions of just 116g/km, 56.5mpg on the combined cycle and only £30 in Annual VED charges.

Swift Attitude is based on the SZ3 grade with seven airbags, ESP, air conditioning and USB port as standard but offers increased specification with front fog lamps and rear privacy glass together with an enhanced sporty appearance consisting of Carbon fibre effect roof and door mirrors, rear upper spoiler in body colour, Carbon fibre effect ‘Attitude' badging and 16-inch wheels in black paint finish.

With an insurance group rating of 9E, Attitude is ideal for younger Swift fans to own a bespoke and sporty looking car at an affordable purchase price together with low costs of ownership.

For customers looking for a PCP (Personal Contract purchase), Suzuki Financial Services are offering Swift Attitude for a deposit of just £1,500 followed by 43 monthly payments of £179 and a final payment at the end of the agreement to keep the car.

Swift Attitude is available in Superior White only and competitively priced at £10,750 for three door and £11,220 for the five door model.

Comments by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

A friend of mine sent this to me recently - I thought it was priceless.

I tried to find it on YouTube but couldn't locate it - if anyone has a copy of knows where I can get one, I'd be very grateful

What I'd really like to see is a follow up of this post the Queensland election result

John Clarke, Bryan Dawes skit

[Scene: A car yard. BRYAN is perusing the stock. He is approached by JOHN]

John:     Morning! Looking for a new car?

Bryan:     Nope.. New Prime Minister, actually.

John:     You're the third one this morning. Anything in mind?

Bryan:     You know....... nothing fancy, reliable, economical family model. Something to get the country from A to B.

John:     You mean like a Howard?

Bryan:     Yeah...a little Johnny. Nothing flash, does the job. Low maintenance, economical, sensible. Runs for years, no troubles.

John:     So.... you used to have one?

Bryan:     Yeah. About 10 years. Great little model - don't know why I got rid of him -- biggest mistake I've ever made.

John:     What happened?

Bryan:     Traded him in for a Kevin 07

John:     Big mistake.

Bryan:     Lot of people bought it. Good political mileage.

John:     How was the Kevin 07?

Bryan:     Came with a $900 factory rebate - that was good.

John:     Anything else?

Bryan:     Not much. Sounded nice but nothing under the bonnet. It was a lemon.

John:     Didn't stick around for long did it?

Bryan:     Nah - had a factory recall. Shipped overseas and was never seen again.

John:     What was the problem?

Bryan:     Lots. But the final straw was the navigation system. Plug it in and it automatically loses its own way.

John:     Whatcha got now?

Bryan:     It's a Gillard-Brown.

John:     The hybrid?

Bryan:     Yeah. The Eco-drive system - not a good idea. An engine that can't deliver hooked up to a transmission stuck in permanent reverse.

John:     Green paintwork with a red interior. And steering that always lurches to the left for no apparent reason - that's the one?

Bryan:     The Fustercluck model.

John:     The only one they made, Bryan. Not the vehicle of choice for the road to recovery - but did they finish up fixing the navigation system?

Comments By Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

I read this last night and thought I'd share. Customer service, or lack of, frustrates our customers or potential customers no end. Here are 3 basic steps to START the journey towards outstanding customer service. This article comes from a US company called Motor Age Training - a division of National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence    http://www.ase.com

We listen to millions of recorded calls every single year. And we routinely hear utterly terrifying customer service. We've written extensively on improving customer service. We wrote an eBook called Bad Customer Service: The Silent Killer that details, very specifically, how to improve customer service now. But after reviewing hordes of calls, this eBook may be too advanced for some people. It is customer service calculus and what many in Australia (apparently) need is customer service Kindergarten alphabet. Here are three basic, simple and absolute minimum customer service requirements that everyone can, should and must do (but most don't):

 1) Be Nice - It sounds simple. It is simple. And yet, many people simply aren't nice to customers. In several calls we hear customers asking basic questions and customer service reps getting very annoyed. We hear customers simply wanting to buy a product or get information about a product, and then the employee sounds genuinely irritated.

 It is stunning. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, if you want to follow basic standards of customer service, just be nice.

 2) Ask Questions - Most customer service people don't ask questions. I am stunned when I listen to so-called customer service calls when the employee fails to even ask questions necessary for the most basic level of customer service.

 3) Take Time - Most of the customer service calls we hear sound rushed. This is true of large call centres, small businesses, hotels, tyre shops, automotive repair shops and heavy manufacturing. Bad customer service doesn't discriminate. Most employees at most businesses sound like they're in a hurry when they're on the phone. They consistently refer the caller to a website or to a brochure. What?!!? You have them on the phone! Why would you refer them to anything else? It literally makes no sense.

 If you want to offer a basic level of customer service, at least take the time to get to know the customer and answer their questions. Why hurry?

by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

I had the pleasure to accompany my wife and 2 friends to the Rod Stewart concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night

Diesel was the support act and really got the crowd primed for Rod. And as to Mr Stewart, he was amazing. Didn't let the audience down and sang all the older songs that he's famous for. Was a bit disappointed that we didn't get any of the "crooner' songs from the Great American Songbook albums but what he produced was fantastic.

His back up musicians were amazing - the violinist was simply stunning - and not only from her looks. He artistry on the instruments was spectacular - she really enjoyed her work.

All in all, an amazing night - look forward to seeing him again somewhere around the world.

by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge

River Deep - Mountain High? There's probably nowhere a Jeep can't take you. The new edition released in the USA recently certainly packs looks and punch with the choice of the 2.8 litre diesel or 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine. The new paint colour pictured - Gecho - certainly enhances the rugged outdoor look of the iconic Jeep. Cameron Semark and the guys at Northstar Jeep are no strangers to enhanced Jeep Wrangler packages - their exclusive Trail Rated Edition is now in it's third iteration and as Cameron says, they don't have any intent in backing off. A recent special buy of 2 door Wranglers at $29000 sold out in weeks. Customers were able to use the money they saved to equip their vehicles with very special off road gear.

We're hopeful of seeing the COD Edition (Call of Duty) edition soon as well as this version. Call into Northstar Jeep at Redcliffe - there's always something special on display.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain special edition 20.2.2012.

Jeep® Wrangler Mountain: new special edition-model with authentic 'outdoor' style

The new Jeep Wrangler Mountain special-edition model: nature and adventure combine with the capability, reliability and security offered by the iconic Wrangler. The new Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will be powered by the efficient 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and the recently introduced 3.6-litre V6 Pentastar. New limited edition model will arrive in European dealerships at the end of the second quarter of 2012 in both two- and four-door versions.

Building on the success of the recent special-edition Wrangler vehicles, Jeep introduces in Geneva another high-impact, limited-edition model: the new Jeep Wrangler Mountain.

With a unique exterior and interior design enhanced by exclusive styling cues, 17-inch wheels and authentic accessories by Mopar®, the new special edition model is the vehicle for those who want to stand out in the open spaces. In expressing the endless possibilities of customization of the iconic Wrangler, the new Mountain edition pays tribute those who actively practice the outdoors. With the 'Mountain' theme recalled by the name of the vehicle, the brand also wants to underline that thanks to benchmark technology and unmatched off-road expertise the iconic Wrangler is capable of overcoming the most demanding trails and the most challenging driving conditions.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain is based on the Wrangler Sport model and it will be available on both two-and four-door versions. Exterior features include a unique Black decal on the hood, front Mineral Gray grille and painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch wheels. Additional features are the 'Mountain' decal over part of the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates familiar to outdoor enthusiasts, side steps and black fuel-filler door from Mopar.

The interior features fabric seats with Slate Grey stitching and embroidered 'Mountain logo'. Mopar treatment in the cabin consists of tread-pattern slush mats.
Exterior colors for the new Mountain special edition model are in addition to the all-new Gecko that enhances the vehicle displayed in Geneva, the Black, Bright White, Dozer and Black Forrest Green colors already available in the Wrangler lineup.

The new Mountain special-edition model will be powered by the 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine producing 200 hp at 3,600 rpm and 460 Nm of torque at 1,600-2,600 rpm paired to a five-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Select (ERS). The diesel engine can be also equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also available on the new special edition model is the new 3.6-litre V-6 petrol engine delivering 284 horsepower DIN (209 kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque. The 3.6-litre petrol engine is matched to the automatic five-speed transaxle with ERS.
Engineered to master the most challenging off-road tracks, Jeep Wrangler Mountain features an enhanced Dana 30 front axle and enhanced Dana 44 rear axle. Legendary Jeep off-road capability is achieved through the standard Command-Trac® NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

The equipment for driver's and passengers' on-board comfort offers leather-wrapped steering-wheel with integrated controls, Dual Top configuration (i.e. the possibility to have both the soft and hardtop options), Uconnect® multimedia infotainment and new Winter & Sound Group package, including front heated seats and 368-watt, 6-speaker Infinity audio system.
Jeep Wrangler is the original and authentic 4x4 that expresses the unconventional soul of the American brand by combining exceptional off-road capabilities with the driving enjoyment offered by a unique vehicle in the automotive industry.

Undisputed off-road champion, Jeep Wrangler is appreciated worldwide for its outstanding off-road capabilities and its unique personality.