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 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.

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 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.