1st July 2010
Luxury Car Tax (LCT) Threshold Increase
If you’re looking to purchase a luxury car, the ATO has just given you a helping hand.

Until recently, you had to pay 33 cents luxury car tax on every dollar of the purchase price over $57,180*.

Now the threshold has gone up to $57,466.*
It’s only a small increase, but it makes a more luxurious car just that little bit cheaper.

As car lovers, we’re all in favour of that, so thanks ATO!

*Prices are ex gst

1st Apr 2010
Autopia exhibiting at the 2010 AHRI National Convention in Melbourne May 10-11
The AHRI National Convention again promises to be the biggest HR and people management event in the Asia Pacific region.

It will feature a range of international and local thought leaders revealing new ideas in business and research which will provide insight into the application of HR and people management initiatives from across a range of workplaces and settings.

The AHRI National Convention 2010 will be held at the new, world-class Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 10-11 May.

Greg, Linda and Kit will be at the Autopia booth (stand 66) so come down and say hello, you might even be able to score yourself one of the famous Autopia minis!

17th Feb 2010
Summer 2010 edition of 'The Autopian' released
In the Summer 2010 issue:
> Goodbye company car, hello car allowance
> Inside Autopia with... Greg Parkes
> Import tariffs reduced
> Fuel companies change their weekly discount cycle
> Autopia survey results
> Client profile - Michael Bennett of Brandrill

If you are an HR manager, finance manager or remuneration & benefits specialist and would like to receive a copy of The Autopian, please contact Greg Parkes, Principal Associate on 02 8307 5533.

5th Feb 2010
Autopia launches new fuel card
Autopia have partnered with Motorpass to launch the new Autopia fuel card. It is accepted at over 5,000 service stations nation wide giving our clients fantastic flexibility for their fuel purchases.

Thanks to Enpresiv for such a great design that really stands out in your wallet!

31st Dec 2009
Geoff Payne takes out 'Autopian of the year' award for 2009!
After a great year in which he helped more people into a car than any other Associate, Geoff has won the coveted 'Autopian of the Year Award'. Geoff was the employee who best demonstrated the Autopia values throughout 2009. Keep up the good work Geoff!

1st Oct 2009
Free premium ecowash for AHRI members when packaging a new car!
FREE premium ecowash (valued at up to $105) for AHRI members when packaging a car with Autopia! ecowash mobile is the nation-wide waterless car washing service that is convenient AND environmentally friendly. An ecowash mobile detailer will come to your home or place of work* and give your car their premium ecowash treatment.

To claim the FREE premium ecowash, complete this form and return to your Autopia Associate during the promotion period.

*ecowash mobile may not be available in some rural locations.

30th Sep 2009
Spring 2009 edition of 'The Autopian' released
In the Spring 2009 issue:
> Company cars - do they still make sense?
> Inside Autopia With... Nathaniel Mak
> Autopia survey results
> Henry review to look at tax incentives for green cars
> Fuel price trending update
> Client profile - Gordon Shannon of Redpath Australia

If you are an HR manager, finance manager or remuneration & benefits specialist and would like to receive a copy of The Autopian, please contact Greg Parkes, Principal Associate on 02 8307 5533.
 

13th Jun 2009
Winter 2009 edition of 'The Autopian' released
In the Winter 2009 issue:
> 09/10 federal budget - what you need to know
> New legislation on vehicle advertising
> Inside Autopia With... Kit Lakin
> Autopia survey results
> Changes to the LPG grant
> Fuel price trending update
> Client profile - Karen Brown of Advanced Personnel Management

If you are an HR manager, finance manager or remuneration & benefits specialist and would like to receive a copy of The Autopian, please contact Greg Parkes, Principal Associate on 02 8307 5533.

23rd Mar 2009
Autumn 2009 edition of 'The Autopian' released
In the Autumn 2009 issue:
> Lurks & Perks in a global financial crisis
> How loan interest rate best for car purchase?
> Inside Autopia With... Matt Parker
> Autopia survey results
> Fuel price trending update
> Client profile - Jairus Ashworth, Manager of Rewards, Hewitt Associates

If you are an HR manager, finance manager or remuneration & benefits specialist and would like to receive a copy of The Autopian, please contact Greg Parkes, Principal Associate on 02 8307 5533.
 

31st Dec 2008
Kit Lakin takes out Autopia employee of the year award for 2008!
One of the most revered awards that an Autopia employee can achieve is the 'Autopian of the Year Award'. One of our highly accomplished Associates, Kit Lakin, has taken this honour for 2008. Kit takes over from the 2007 winner Greg Parkes as the employee who best demonstrated the Autopia values throughout 2008. As a result of Kit's unwavering dedication to his clients and the business, he has been promoted into the role of Senior Associate. Good luck with the new challenges this will present in 2009 Kit!







8th Dec 2008
Autopia launches 'The Autopian' a new publication for the vehicle benefits industry
'The Autopian' is a quarterly publication for the vehicle benefits industry. Each edition explores current industry trends and provides Autopia's insights into best practice application of benefits policy. Our objective is to provide you with leading edge commentary enabling you to remain at the forefront of vehicle benefit methodology so that you can deliver maximum value to your organisation and its employees. 

In the Summer 2009 issue:
> Vehicle benefits and CSR
> Inside Autopia With... Ethan Twyman
> The growth of alternative fuel powered cars
> Autopia survey results
> Client profile - Pat De Gori of Infor   
> Fuel price trending update

If you are an HR manager, finance manager or remuneration & benefits specialist and would like to receive a copy of The Autopian, please contact Greg Parkes, Principal Associate on 02 8307 5533.

17th Nov 2008
Autopia moves to new premises to support further growth
Autopia has moved premises to a new purpose-built facility in the Aero247 development in Mascot. After months of planning, design, build works and the relocation we are very happy in our new home. Many thanks to Incorp for working with us to create a workspace so in tune with our culture and values.

14th May 2008
2008 Budget Changes Trigger Increase In Demand for Meaningful Benefits....
Changes have been made to the FBT rules which will adversely affect the tax-effectiveness of many popular salary packaging strategies. In particular, the following commonly salary packaged items have met with significant changes:

(a) FBT exempt work-related items. Laptops etc must now meet a 'work use' test and changes to depreciation rules eliminate the 'double dip' for FBT exempt eligible work-related items.

(b) FBT exemption removed for salary packaged meals.

(c) Changes to 'otherwise deductible rule' close the door on salary packaging joint benefits (e.g. the reimbursement of deductible expenses related to a jointly owned rental property).

No changes were made to the two most popular salary packaged items - vehicles and superannuation. To find out what these changes mean for your salary packaging policies, call 02 8307 5555 and ask to speak to a Senior Associate.

31st December 2007
Greg Parkes takes out Autopia employee of the year award for 2007!
Our Principal Associate has taken out the Autopia employee of the year award for 2007. Greg takes over from the 2006 winner Grant Clayton as the employee who best demonstrated the Autopia values.

5th June 2007
Climate Change or Car Policy Change: Autopia shares industry expertise with delegates at the 2007 AHRI Convention
With 75% of the Australian workforce travelling to work by car each day, HR professionals are being forced to re-evaluate outdated car policies and look at new ways of satisfying Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) without compromising employee benefit programs. The Autopia Senior Associate Team spent 3 days discussing these issues with HR delegates and provided expert insight into sustainable solutions for the future. The response to the bright green Autopia stand was phenomenal. For more information on Autopia's 'Educate, Empower, Reward' methodologies, call 02 8307 5555 and ask to speak to a Senior Associate.

20th March 2007
Autopia drives winning remuneration and benefits strategy in the Mining and Resources industry
We talk to Lisa McCulloch, Employee Relations Manager at JJ McDonald & Sons (JMS) to see how Autopia has helped them address the challenge of finding and retaining employees in an intensely competitive market place. click here to view this case study in pdf format

8th November 2006
Headcount increases as growth targets are achieved
Since the beginning of this financial year Autopia has systematically increased our Associate and Senior Associate teams by over 40%. We have invested significant resources into attracting the best candidates and grooming them through our rigorous induction program. We are now better equipped than ever to deliver customised solutions to our growing customer base!

1st September 2006
Green Autopia Mini hits the market!
The long awaited green Autopia Mini has finally arrived... Some clients have reported reduced productivity with employees spending too much time building tracks to drive the Mini on their desks! Thanks to Denise of incorp interior designs (a Mini owner herself) for the pictures below...

30th September 2005
Autopia growth demands new office space!
To make room for planned growth, Autopia has moved premises to the new Metron development in Mascot. Many thanks to Signwave Newtown for their funky design work and FDC Building Services for managing the fitout of our offices and server room.

9th May 2005
New website launched
We hope you like the new website, if you have any comments, suggestions or feedback, please email us at info@autopia.com.au

5th April 2005
Autopia announces historic partnership with Greenfleet.
As part of our commitment to the environment, Autopia has entered into a partnership with Greenfleet to offset the greenhouse gas emissions for all vehicles driven by our clients. In a first for a vehicle management/financing company in Australia, Greenfleet will plant 17 trees for each new client of Autopia. Find out more...

14th March 2005
AutoDrive online open for business!
With the launch of AutoDrive online, all Autopia clients are now able to view their quotes in real time over a secure internet connection. AutoDrive is Autopia's vehicle management system. AutoDrive issues each client a login that gives them direct access to their quotes. The quotes can be viewed as they are being created, they are also kept available for future download. Over the coming months, AutoDrive online will be expanded to include more exciting new functionality. If you would like to see AutoDrive online in action, call us on 1800 288 674.