Kit Lakin

• Position: Manager of Vehicle Benefits
• Contact Number: 02 8307 5551
• Email:

A bit about me...

I was born in the USA however I obtained frequent flyer status before I was 10, flying between the US and Australia. I finally made Australia my official home in 2000 and became a citizen soon after. In 2006 I completed a Bachelor of Business from the University of Canberra. It was around this time that I discovered my passion for cars and a role at Autopia where I could combine my studies with something that I love.

My AutoPackage

I spend a lot of time on the road, not just out visiting clients but also out discovering the Australian coastline. Racking up 30,000km per year means that I get great tax benefits but it also means I pay a price in depreciation. I needed a car that would enhance the outdoor lifestyle while holding its value, it was the Toyota Hilux that ticked both these boxes. I was able to secure a really good fleet discount on a new Hilux, then I put it on a short two year term in order to minimise the impact of the depreciation while maximising my tax benefits.

First Car

'89 Holden Astra, also known as white lightning.

My current wheels, Toyota Hilux

Favourite road trip

Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona. Like every good road trip, this one starts with a drive-thru pick up of in-and-out burger in LA, it’s a must! Our journey had to start just after sunset, the reason for this – Death Valley. Temperatures can reach upwards of 50 degrees, and when you’re in a 1989 Honda Prelude without A/C, it’s best to tackle the journey at night. All the in-and-out burger in California can’t help you with that heat. Once you are in the middle of Death Valley all you need to do is follow the lights. The Las Vegas strip lights up the sky from such a distance, you can see it when you’ve still got hours to go. This is where you stop, revive, survive for the rest of the evening.

Well rested we continue our journey to Arizona. To get there we cross one of the greatest man made structures of the US, the Hoover Damn – the sheer size of it is really something to marvel at. From there, it’s onto the Grand Canyon, truly breath taking, and our last stop before the desolate, final few hours to Phoenix. Most people take the plane for this journey as it goes through the most arid parts of the US, but where’s the fun in that!

What I like most about Autopia

After four years it has truly become a family, I have the autonomy to really own the work I do and the flexibility to provide input into all different areas of the business. When someone asks me if I enjoy what I do I can be 100% honest when I tell them I love it!