Author: Barry Scott / Published Date: 11 January 2012
Categories: Team Updates
In 1967, the 24 Hours of LeMans was won by Dan Gurney and his co-driver A.J.Foyt. The team had been put together by Henry Ford II and Carol Shelby, and the high profile attempt had been slated by the press.
Upon taking the podium, Dan and AJ shook up their magnum of champagne and sprayed the crowd in celebration. It was the first time this had ever been done, and the act has been repeated in victory celebrations across the world, across all kinds of endeavour, ever since.
Dane Silk won LeMans last night, we bought him a beer instead of champagne, and asked him to drink it instead. Thankfully he obliged.
Congratulations Dane!
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Author: Barry Scott / Published Date: 23 December 2011
Categories: Novated Leasing, Consultancy
In July we published a blog item entitled “How will the carbon tax affect fuel prices?”
‘John’ commented on the article saying he thought the prices would definitely be affected, the only question was by how much.
So on this last day of the working year, we thought we’d have a look at the price of petrol over the previous 12 months, and see if we can draw any conclusions, or make any reasonable predictions.
Source: motormouth.com.au
It’s pretty obvious from the above chart that the prices are only trending in one direction, with an increase of $0.135 over the period.
Is the Carbon Tax responsible for this?
Well the legislation was only passed by the Senate on 8th November, and we don’t have an average for December as yet, but the average for the first three weeks is $1.41, down from November’s average of $1.44.
So the carbon tax has actually reduced the price of petrol so far..?
Efficient markets do, however, price in all available information, so as soon as it was public knowledge that the Carbon Tax was going ahead, the prices should have adjusted to reflect it. This could be why the majority of the 12 month price hike is located in the first half of the year, and then levels off thereafter.
So yet again, is the Carbon Tax responsible for this?
Well, maybe not. If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that despite the tyranny of distance, Australia certainly doesn’t operate independently of the rest of the world – not any more.
Unrest in the Middle East, US debt crises, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and now a European debt crises - all of these social and economic events in the last year, have had widespread repercussions. Uncertainty prevails worldwide, and with it comes caution.
Whether we like it or not, Crude oil fuels the entire planet right now, and in an uncertain world our most important resource is not going to be getting any cheaper.
Let’s have a look at the price of Crude over the last 12 months.
Source: oilprices.com.au
The trends here reflect the first half of the year increase we saw in the price of petrol. Overall the price of crude is slightly higher than it was 12 months ago, and in that respect again it’s similar to our Australian petrol prices.
The similarities indicate that the dreaded Carbon Tax might not be the only factor here.
So what’s really responsible?
Although there are varying theories about where oil comes from, one of the most widespread and accepted is that it’s a fossil fuel, and was created by pressure, heat, and decomposing biomass over millions of years – millions of years ago.
This theory also contends that there is a finite amount, and it’s been modelled that we’ve passed the half way point – peak oil. If these theories and models are correct, then we’re down to the basic economic fundamental of supply and demand.
Following this theory to its logical conculsion, despite the minor variations possibly caused by taxes, the price of oil is only going one way - until there’s an alternative that is…
Let’s see what happens next year.
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Author: Sam Clarke / Published Date: 1 November 2011
Categories: Team Updates, Novated Leasing, Just love cars
Make & model: VW Golf GTI
Cost: $58,000 (this version)
Value for money: 
How fun to drive: 
Reviewed by: Sam Clarke
Overview
“$58,000 for a hatchback!” You hear that a lot when you drive a GTI, and yes it is a lot for a hatchback, but it's worth it.
The Golf GTI combines the safety and solidity of a well built German automobile with the speed and exhilaration of an Italian sports car, and the reliability and electronic wizardry of a Japanese manufactured vehicle.
It's great fun, reliable and safe. What more could you want..?
Exterior
To the general public, a Golf looks like a Golf, but to those in the know it’s blatantly obvious which version is which, especially when it comes to the GTI. In addition to the all important three letters, there’s the twin exhaust tips and the red ring around the honeycomb grille. Sure signs of its superiority.
For some the exterior is a little understated, but to others that’s part of the appeal.
They don’t want lairy spoilers and vortex generators for their crawl through the peak hour grind. They’re quite happy to be underestimated, and then quietly burn up the highway leaving the rest in their wake.
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Author: Jeffrey Morton / Published Date: 31 October 2011
Categories: The Autopian
The Autopian
News & developments in the vehicle benefits industry l Spring 2011 edition
The Autopian is our in-depth analysis of news & developments in
the vehicle benefits industry. It's where we explore current industry
trends, sharing our thoughts and insights into the best practice
application of benefits policy.
Our leading edge commentary and analysis provides you with everything
you need to know to remain at the forefront of vehicle benefit methodology.
Delivering maximum value to your organisation and its employees has never been easier. Just click here to sign up.
Spring 2011 edition
In this edition of The Autopian we reveal a massive post-budget increase in low-kilometre drivers… even more than we had predicted!
And in an increasingly carbon conscious world, we explain how Autopia clients are now one step closer to carbon credit trading.
Melanie Goldman from Randstad talks through the key elements of a successful attraction / retention strategy and we introduce two new features to The Autopian - Intelligent Commentary, and Just Love Cars.
Articles include:
- Massive increase in low kilometre drivers
- Carbon credit trading through Autopia - one step closer
- Client profile: Randstad
- Intelligent Commentary: Road sign to save millions?
- Inside Autopia with Sam Clarke
- Just Love Cars: One of a kind Jaguar inspires future design
- Petrol price trends
- Autopia driver survey results
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Author: Barry Scott / Published Date: 10 October 2011
Categories: Events, Novated Leasing, Consultancy
From 18th – 20th October, professionals from around the country will gather at Remuneration and Reward 2011 in Melbourne to share ideas, perspectives, and strategies to drive organisational performance through remuneration and reward planning.
Key speakers include:
- The Treasury
- Hon David Bradbury MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer
- Air New Zealand
- Colin Usherwood, Remuneration Manager
- Lend Lease
- Sabiha Vorajee, Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sarah McKensey, Total Rewards Manager
- IAG
- Semu Musson, Senior Manager, Performance & Reward
"This conference is a great opportunity for
R&B professionals to come together and share their best practice
information and keep abreast of the latest trends in R&B in a
rapidly changing landscape."
Natalie Inglis, Compensation and Benefits Manager
Goodyear Dunlop Tyres
Autopia of course, will be there too. In fact our very own Greg Parkes will be addressing the delegates on day one.
If you would like to attend the conference, just call Linda on 02 8307 5558 and she just might be able to organise a discount for you.
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