Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

There's an old saying in the motor industry - it's either product or price.

If you've got a hot product (reference Volkswagen Polo GTI, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ) then customers will beat a path to your door to get one. If the product isn't so hot, then you have to have a really sharp price.

The Fiat 500 and most of the Alfa Romeo range is, bluntly, too expensive. Apart from some customers who must have a Fiat at any price, there's just too much choice and competition to even think that a brand will sell because of the brand. Fiat Chrysler Australia worked that out last year, when the price of Compass and Patriot came down to the mid twenty thousands. The brand will have its best year ever in Australia in 2012. Centre stage Clyde Campbell, the Fiat Chrysler CEO in Australia - who is determined to get these iconic Italian brands their little slice of the magic. Forget .5% or 1% - Campbell sets his sights high at 2 or 3% and good on him. We're still got fingers crossed that we'll have a Northstar Fiat and Northstar Alfa Romeo franchise in 2013.

Whilst we can't sell you a Fiat or Alfa yet, 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.

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 894 655

Fiat-Chrysler boss desperate to secure sub-$20K Fiat 500, more RHD models for Oz

A FIAT 500 priced at less than $20,000 – at least $3000 less than at present – is a top priority for Fiat-Chrysler Australia.

The factory-owned outfit believes it has more scope to expand the range than previous Fiat and Alfa Romeo distributor Ateco Automotive, which officially handed over the keys on May 1.

Fiat-Chrysler Group Australia managing director Clyde Campbell said expansion of sporty premium marque Alfa Romeo will take longer in the absence of new products, but likens the Alfa brand to Jeep in that it has strong heritage and qualities that just need bringing to life with the right vehicles and marketing.

Despite Mr Campbell’s rallying of right-hand-drive markets to secure production of more right-hook products, there is little progress on the development of an RHD version of Fiat’s Chinese-built Dodge Dart-based Viaggio sedan.

Mike Manley, the global president and CEO of Jeep and COO of Fiat-Chrysler Asia-Pacific, told GoAuto he sees “much bigger potential” with the Alfa Giulietta, from which the Dart/Viaggio platform originates, and “would want the guys to focus on that first”.

However, he said there is “potential for us to take (Viaggio) to many markets” after its Chinese launch in September or October....read more

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Motor Group

Long before I was a Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen dealer and way before Mitsubishi and Suzuki, my passion was with Ford through my employment with Torque Ford. For over 22 years, I sold the blue oval cars and trucks and I loved them unconditionally. Offers, and very attractive ones from Holden dealerships to move over to the Lion, were met with contempt. Once you're a Ford person, you could never sell Holden. And it's this reason that the demise of Ford in Australia is heart wrenching. From the coal face, I could tell you horror stories of the attitude of Ford personnel to the brand. But let's not kick someone when they're down, or should we?

Let's. Ford's demise didn't start in the last few years as consumers downsized from large cars to small, medium and SUV. It started long before that with ignorant or arrogant decisions by Ford USA and Ford Australia senior management - that's what I think anyway. A tip for automotive management - listen to your dealers - listen to the people at the coal face - listen to the people that have a passion for the brand.

It's all well and good to have a university degree - nowadays if you don't have one, you'll not get a position in any global automotive company. But it doesn't take a degree to know and feel what's happening in the market. Consultation with those who have a vested interest in the success of the company is an essential ingredient to that success. Listen carefully and those charged with the responsibility will become aware that it's not all about the board or the senior managers - it's about the people that drive the cars, the people who sell the cars and also the people who work on the cars.

Vale Ford Falcon - you'll soon be gone but never forgotten Today's announcement could easily be the beginning of the end for Ford Australia.


The Falcon will die in 2016.

The death notice was posted today with news of the 440 job losses at Ford Australia and the continued decline in production at the company's Broadmeadows factory.

The family-sized Ford has been on a slippery slope for nearly a decade, and the Holden Commodore has also been going badly backwards this year as customers have switched in ever-increasing numbers to imported SUVs. Things would probably have been even worse for Ford and its workforce if the Territory SUV was not contributing 50 per cent of sales for the troubled carmaker, which is being hit worst by a another 25 per cent downturn in large-car sales this year. No-one at Ford is making any promises beyond the end of 2016, following a planned update to the current Falcon in 2014 that's partly funded by more than $30 million from the Federal government.

That says everything about the Falcon and, most likely, Ford's extremely shaky future as a local manufacturer. But the trouble runs deeper, as the closure of Ford's car making business would almost certainly have knock-on effects at Holden and Toyota. The other two local brands rely on a web of Australian companies that supply components for their Commodore, Cruze, Camry and Aurion. Those suppliers need a critical mass for local production and, more importantly, the ongoing investment in new technology and components.

Without Ford Australia as a local producer, their future would also be shaky and - in a major knock-on - that could easily undermine the plans of Holden and Toyota. And it's important to remember that the Commodore is only locked in place until the end of 2016, although Holden - thanks to the Cruze, and the showrooms success of the locally-made compact car - is committed to a much longer future as a manufacturer.

So today's announcement could easily be the beginning of the end for Ford Australia - and perhaps even worse for the Australian motor industry.

  

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Can you image driving to and from Sydney and then a bit further on one tank of fuel? This story out of the USA  says that you can. Real world driving conditions and a Volkswagen Passat diesel sedan have allowed these VW owners to do just that.

Reinforces what my mate Greg Collins of Complete Taxi Management has been saying all along. Why would you choose an LPG or Hybrid when you can achieve consumption figures like this from a Volkswagen. CTM runs a fleet of almost 50 VW Passat 125TDI Wagons and feedback from Greg suggests that more taxi companies should consider the change

If you'd like to know more about the amazing Volkswagen Passat diesel wagon, contact Northstar Volkswagen on 07 34808600, visit the web site at www.northstarvw.com.au or check out the monthly specials at www.lovemyvw.com.au . if you're a touch, feel and see person, Northstar Volkswagen is located at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.

For more car reviews, test drives and anything VW check out www.mycarreview.com.au .

Volkswagen Passat TDI long-distance record 08.5.2012

Travelled 1626.1 miles (2,616.9 km)

John and Helen Taylor have managed to set a new record for travelling the farthest distance on a single tank of fuel.

Piloting a standard Volkswagen Passat TDI, the couple managed to travel 1626.1 miles (2,616.9 km) on the single tank of diesel. The distance beats the previous record of 1526.6 miles (2,456.8 km) which was set by a Euro-spec Volkswagen Passat 1.6 BlueMotion.

Over the course of three days, the Taylors travelled in "real world driving conditions" and carried 120 pounds (54.4 kg) of luggage. Despite the challenges, John and Helen were able to average an impressive 84.1 mpg US (2.8 L/100km / 101 mpg UK).

According to John Taylor, "We're excited to have broken the record for the longest distance driven on one-tank of fuel. The Passat TDI was the perfect car for the trip. It offers plenty of interior and cargo space, yet is frugal enough to help us achieve this record."

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Volkswagen

Obviously based on the Golf, the Golf Cabriolet also shows styling cues from the Audi A3 Convertible.

Isaac Bobber comments about the 2012 Golf Cabriolet and leaves me a bit puzzled. If you scroll to the bottom of the article, he lists a BMW 1 series hardtop in his comparable cars along with the Renault Megane Cabrio and a Peugeot convertible. Rather than letting us wonder Isaac, why don't you explain why you haven't included cars such as BMW Cabrio. Mini's new vehicle, along with even Audi and Mercedes.

However his closing comments are probably the most suited  -  "So sorted is the chassis, the braking, and the cars overall balance, and its plenty comfortable inside too that it not only leaves is VW sibling, but also its rivals well behind it." - and methinks he wants one for a long term evaluation.

if you'd like to know more about the VW cabriolet, visit Northstar Volkswagen for a test drive. You'll find Northstar at 322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula. You can check out more about this car at www.northstarvw.com.au  or see the monthly specials at www.lovemyvw.com.au . Other news and reviews are available at www.mycarreview.com.au

Isaac Bober road tests and reviews the 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI.

With all of our sun you'd think drop-tops would be (more-ital) popular here in Australia.

The reason they're not is usually because driving a convertible is about as much fun as carrying a water-logged tissue box - almost no structural rigidity, see.

But that's not the case with the soft-top Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet; with the top up or down it feels as solid as the proverbial rock. Ordinarily, driving a soft-top can be like riding along with your head inside a bass drum, but the Golf Cabriolet is easily one of the quietest canvas-roofed cars on the planet.

And with its 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged engine, its nimble handling and decent ride your left scratching your head about why you'd look further up the tree at the also-topless VW Eos.

VALUE

With prices starting at $36,990 for the six-speed manual, and $39,490 for the seven-speed DSG, the Golf Cabriolet undercuts the likes of the VW Eos (from $49,990), C70 Convertible (from $61,950) , Peugeot 308CC (from $50,990), and even the MINI Cabrio (from $40,350).

And you get a fair amount of kit for your money, including dual-zone climate control, hill start assist, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity with audio streaming, electric door mirrors, and wireless remote control of the central locking, matte chrome dash and door inserts, 17-inch alloys with 225-series rubber, rain-sensing wipers. More than that, the glove box can be cooled and the rear seat back has a 50:50 split.

TECHNOLOGY

Under the bonnet is Volkswagens familiar 1.4-litre twin-charger unit which combines turbo charging and supercharging for maximum efficiency and oomph. There's 118kW at 5800rpm and a hefty 240Nm from 1500-4000rpm, mated to the six-speed manual fuel consumption is 6.6L/100km and drops to 6.5L/100km for the not-so-smooth seven-speed DSG.

But it's the soft roof that's the clever-clogs part of the car. See, usually it's impossible to make a canvas roofed car nice and quiet, but the VW engineers have managed to insulate the inner and outer layer and have virtually eliminated wind noise. And, thanks to four roof bows, the canvas roof manages to keep its shape at all times. It takes the electro-hydraulic roof just 9.0 seconds to open and 11.0 seconds to stow, and it can be operated at up to 30km/h.

Even more impressive is the fact there's no rollover bar, rather, there's an automatically deployable rollover modules which are triggered when the airbags are deployed. These units are incredibly compact allowing for folding back seat rests rather than just a ski pass-through port.

DESIGN

Obviously based on the Golf, the Golf Cabriolet also shows styling cues from the Audi A3 Convertible (just look at it from the rear three-quarters). But, rather than just be a drop-top Golf, the Cabriolet has its own distinctive and, dare I say it, muscular and sporting look - it's certainly more sports car than cabriolet. And with the roof up or down there's a reasonable 250 litres of boot space.

On the inside, the styling is typical VW and that means its ultra practical and easy to use on the fly. But more than that, it's also incredibly well screwed together and the material choice is first rate; in this price range no-one makes a better interior.

There's plenty of room in the front seats which are comfortable and supportive, and thanks to the rear-seat entry aid getting into and out of the spacious back seats (which seat two) is an cinch for even a six-footer like me.

SAFETY

Due to the fact a soft-top carries no reinforcing roof structure, the engineers are required to make the body as strong as possible. And they've done a great job with the Golf Cabriolet which is free of scuttle shake and feels just about as rigid as a hard-headed Golf.

In addition to the stronger body, the Golf Cabriolet has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, runs five airbags, front and rear head restraints, anti-slip regulation, electronic diff lock, stability control, ABS and electronic brake force distribution, and much more.

DRIVING

This is a tale of love and hate... around town I found the Golf Cabriolet to be an awkward beast that was forever wheel spinning from a standing start and then lurching through its first two or three gears. Up to about 30-40km/h the seven-speed DSG seems clumsy indeed compared with the six-speed unit we tested in the petrol-powered Yeti the other week.

But, once you're up and running the transmission smooths right out offering rifle-bolt precise shifts and a seamless delivery of oomph. The diesel-like 250Nm from 1500-4000rpm makes flattening hills and overtaking an cinch.

And the nimble chassis, compliant ride and well-weighted steering means the Golf Cabriolet is anything but a soggy soft-top. Indeed, turn the Golf Cabriolet into a corner and such is its composure and balance, thanks to its lowered sports suspension (similar to the Golf GTI), that it ends up feeling more hot hatch that high street poseur.

This is a drop-top for keen drivers and not just hairdressers... indeed, thanks to the roomy back seats and the ease with which you can access them this could - maybe, possibly - even work as a family car

VERDICT

In the Golf Cabriolet and the Eos, Volkswagen has two very similar drop-tops, and going into this drive we thought the Cab would pale next to the Eos, rather were left wondering why you'd pay the nearly $10,000 more for the Eos. So sorted is the chassis, the braking, and the cars overall balance, and its plenty comfortable inside too that it not only leaves is VW sibling, but also its rivals well behind it.

AT A GLANCE

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI

Price: From $36,990 (+ORC)

Warranty: Three years, unlimited kilometres

Resale Service Interval: 15,000km or 12 months

Safety Rating: five-star ENCAP

Spare: space-saving spare

Engine: 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder

Transmission: six-speed manual; seven-speed DSG

Body: 4.33m (L); 1.72m (W); 1.42m (H)

Weight: 1424-1443kg

Thirst: 6.5-6.6L/100km / 155g/km CO2

RIVALS

Renault Megane CC - compare this car

Price: $45,990

Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl

Transmission: Constantly variable transmission, Front Wheel Drive

Body: Three-door Cabriolet

Thirst: 8.1 / 100Km

BMW 1 Series - compare this car

Price: $40,000-$45,000

Engine: 1.6-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder petrol; 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual and auto

Body: Five-door hatchback

Thirst: 5.8 / 100Km

Peugeot 308CC - compare this car

Price: $52,990

Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl, turbo-diesel

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; front-drive

Body: Three-door convertible

Thirst: 7.0 / 100Km

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13 April 2012
By DAVID HASSALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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