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Charles Darwin uni research finds big problems with self-driving cars and traffic laws

SELF-DRIVING vehicles and traffic legislation don’t match at the moment.

According to new research led by Charles Darwin University (CDU), automated vehicle control is ‘not up to speed’ and road legislation for it has yet to leave the starting line.

The CDU study examined the ‘driver dilemma’ in Australia – or how road traffic laws are specific to human drivers – and how this legislation has limited application to automated vehicles (AVs), which can drive without human input.   

The authors from CDU, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Newcastle found, in Australia, most legislative powers to stop vehicles are subject to a human driver and if they are violating road traffic laws. 

For example, South Australia’s Road Traffic Act specifies a driver as a ‘person’, and an authorised officer is allowed to direct a driver to stop their vehicle, not to move their vehicle, or interfere with it or with its load. 

Legislation in Queensland also defines a driver as a ‘person’, and laws such as stopping at a red light are specific to drivers. 

“The driver dilemma can be strongly identified in these stopping powers, all of which are addressed to the ‘driver’,” lead author and CDU senior lecturer in law Mark Brady said.

“Powers directed to drivers to stop vehicles are problematic when applied to automated vehicles where the automated driving system cannot at law be considered a driver,” Dr Brady said.

The study however found most passenger transport legislation around Australia is vehicle-centric and not dependent on a driver. 

For instance, New South Wales legislation on taxis and hire vehicles specifies authorities are allowed to stop a motor vehicle irrespective of who is driving. 

Dr Brady said given the uptake of driverless vehicles, passenger transport legislation should be used as a template to adapt road traffic laws to include automated vehicles. 

“Passenger transport laws all have explicit objectives about the public interest in safe, efficient, and accessible passenger transport,” Dr Brady said. 

“These vehicle-centric powers exist where there were significant public policy grounds to stop vehicles, irrespective of the driver's conduct.”

At present there is no national AV framework, though the Australian Government as of last year was developing one.   

“There is a suggestion that the familiar ‘rules of the road’ will not be needed in an automated vehicle future. However, in this future roadside enforcement would still need powers to stop vehicles,” Dr Brady said.

“As automation increases, it becomes more problematic who is the driver, in fact and in law, for the purposes of international and national road traffic laws.”

Automated vehicles, the ‘driver dilemma’, stopping powers, and paradigms of regulating road traffic was published in the journal Computer Law and Security Review

www.cdu.edu.au

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What to look out for when hiring a car – especially for holiday road trips

Ben Whitmore, chief marketing officer at East Coast Car Rentals, has seen it all when it comes to vehicle rentals – for both for business and leisure purposes. In this Q&A, he offers a range of insights – laced with a load of common sense – that can help keep your car rental experience on the upside. 

Q: How can understanding rental car insurance options help consumers avoid paying for unnecessary coverage, ensuring they’re only paying for the protection they need while still being fully covered in case of accidents or damages?

A: Taking the time to understand rental car insurance options can save you a significant amount of money and ensure you have the right level of protection. Many vehicle renters are unaware that their existing personal auto insurance or benefits from certain credit cards may already provide coverage for rental cars, such as for collision damage or liability.

At the same time, some coverage offered by credit cards or travel insurance providers requires careful review, as renters often assume they’re fully protected and decline waivers, only to find later that specific types of damage are not included. Being informed helps avoid unnecessary expenses and unexpected gaps in coverage. 

By researching your coverage beforehand, you can make confident decisions about whether you need to buy supplemental protection or if you’re already covered. If gaps in coverage exist, like limited liability or insufficient personal injury protection, it’s worth exploring the rental company’s offerings to ensure you’re safeguarded against expensive repairs or accidents.

Taking this step not only prevents overspending but also gives you peace of mind knowing you’re adequately covered no matter what happens on the road. 

Q: How can preparing for potential disputes, like damage claims or cleaning fees, help renters avoid unexpected costs, protect their wallets, and enjoy a stress-free rental experience?

A: Being prepared for potential disputes, such as damage claims or cleaning fees, can make a huge difference in your rental car experience and help you avoid unpleasant surprises when it’s time to settle the bill.

Before you even drive off, inspect the vehicle thoroughly, looking for dents, scratches, or other imperfections. Use your phone to take photos or videos from multiple angles, making sure to capture any issues clearly.

If you notice anything concerning, report it to the rental agent and ensure it’s documented in the rental agreement. 

When returning the car, give it a quick once-over to confirm it’s in the same condition you received it and hasn’t picked up any damage during your trip. Keeping the car clean and following return guidelines, such as refueling it if required, can also help avoid disputes over extra charges. 

These small, proactive steps take only a few minutes but can protect your wallet and leave you with a smoother, stress-free rental experience. 

 

Q: How reviewing rental contracts closely allows consumers to spot important details like mileage limits and return policies, helping them avoid hidden fees and penalties that can quickly add up?

A: Carefully reviewing your rental contract before signing can save you from headaches later and ensure your rental experience stays on track with your budget. These agreements often include important details that renters may not immediately notice, such as mileage limits, fuel policies, or return requirements.

For example, some rental companies set mileage caps, and exceeding these limits may result in additional charges. Similarly, if a car is returned without the agreed level of fuel, a refuelling fee may apply. It's important to review these terms to ensure a smooth and cost-effective rental experience. 

Other policies, such as late return penalties or requirements for returning the car to the same location, can also catch renters off guard if not understood upfront.

Taking the time to read and ask questions about the fine print allows you to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary expenses, and confidently stick to your budget. It’s a small investment of time that can turn a great trip into an unexpectedly expensive one.

www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au

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MG3 or $10k cash up for grabs in East Coast Car Rentals customer campaign

EAST COAST Car Rentals has launched its new ‘Spin to Win’ campaign, offering all customers the chance to win a range of prizes, from Flight Centre vouchers to an MG3 car. 

The holiday season is a busy time for vehicle hire, so with demand at its peak across East Coast Car Rentals 15 branches, the Spin to Win campaign aims to add excitement for customers who book directly. It could turn their vehicle rentals into a potentially memorable experience with instant prizes and the chance to win a grand prize. 

“The goal of the Spin to Win campaign is to add excitement and rewards to the rental experience, while building stronger connections with customers,” East Coast Car Rentals chief marketing officer, Ben Whitmore said. 

“We wanted to offer something fun for Aussies over the coming months as a way to thank renters for choosing East Coast Car Rentals. 

“By booking directly with us, customers are automatically in the running for great prizes, from fuel vouchers for their next trip to the grand prize. There’s over a thousand prizes to be won so we hope we can put a smile on a lot of our customer’s faces this summer.”

The Spin to Win campaign is East Coast Car Rentals’ way of rewarding customer loyalty and enhancing the rental experience into 2025. By turning road trips into exciting opportunities, East Coast is hoping that the campaign will drive awareness and engagement over the busy summer period and establish a greater connection with customers.

Once customers return their vehicle, they will receive an email with an invitation to play the digital game immediately. Additionally, QR codes displayed at the branch counters provide easy access to the promotion details and instructions, making it simple for every customer to get involved. 

Each spin provides the opportunity to win instant prizes, including Visa gift cards, Flight Centre vouchers, fuel cards, car rental vouchers – and for those who don’t win one of these prizes, they will be entered into a second-chance draw for the grand prize choice of an MG3 vehicle or $10,000 in cash.

The campaign runs until February 28, 2025, across all 15 East Coast branches and wraps up with the major prize draw on March 10, 2025, at the Gold Coast branch. 

The draw, featuring the winner’s choice of the MG3 car or $10,000 in cash, will be recorded and shared on social media, with all other prizes being delivered digitally for easy

redemption. 

www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au

Full list of prizes

  • Major prize: One major prize winner will be chosen from all participants across 15 branches on March 10, 2025. The winner has the option to choose between an MG3 vehicle or A$10,000 cash.
  • Minor prizes: Includes digital rewards such as Visa gift cards, Flight Centre vouchers, fuel vouchers, and ‘their next rental on us’ (up to $500).

Prizes

Amount

Value

Type

1.     $500 Flight Centre gift card

20

A$500

Instant Win

2.               $500 East Coast Rentals credit

250

A$500

Instant Win

3.               $250 Flight Centre gift card

50

A$250

Instant Win

4.               $100 Eftpos gift card

400

A$100

Instant Win

5.               $100 Visa or Mastercard gift card

(as determined by the promoter)

50

A$100

Instant Win

6.               $100 Flight Centre gift card

50

A$100

Instant Win

7.               $50 Visa or Mastercard gift card

(as determined by the promoter)

100

A$50

Instant Win

8.               $25 Visa or Mastercard card 

(as determined by the promoter)

150

A$25

Instant Win

 

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Charge into PHEVs before discount ends – NALSPA

AUSTRALIA’s peak body for novated leasing is urging Australians to act quickly on purchasing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) before the fringe benefits tax (FBT) exemption deadline of April 1 approaches.

Waiting times for some qualifying model vehicles are at risk of pushing them outside the timeframe.

According to the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association (NALSPA), eligible workers who salary sacrifice are exempt from paying FBT on PHEVs until April 1, 2025, although the exemption will remain for battery electric vehicles (BEVs). 

NALSPA CEO Rohan Martin said some PHEV models and variants through novated leasing were being snapped up quickly.

“If you want to save on the cost of owning and operating a plug-in hybrid, you better get in quick before the FBT exemption expires in April next year,” Mr Martin said.
“Now’s the time to seriously consider and enquire about getting into a PHEV which for many motorists means being able to drive on electricity for the bulk of the time, with the comfort of a petrol engine for those longer trips.

“The FBT exemption offers significant savings for your household by paying no FBT and reducing your taxable income through a novated lease arrangement. This saving could be as much as $20,000 or more for an employee over the term of a typical PHEV lease.

“While there is still plenty of stock available for some PHEV models and variants, demand for others is high and wait times are unfortunately extending to or beyond the April cut off.

“We also think that demand and delivery times are only set to continue to rise in the coming weeks – so the message is don’t wait, speak with your novated lease provider or local car dealer. To qualify for the exemption, our advice is that a financial commitment must be in place and that your PHEV must be available for your use, and therefore delivered to you, before April 1, 2025.
“With the help of the FBT exemption, Australians are loving plug-in hybrids with new sales more than doubling over the past year (up 100.4% to November 2024). PHEVs are a crucial stepping stone toward full electric driving,” he said.

“Compared with pure EVs, PHEVs meet the needs of a growing number of Australians by alleviating range anxiety and are projected to offer a greater range of electrified larger vehicle types like utes and dual cabs in the near future. Most PHEV drivers predominantly use electric power only and recharge at least twice a week.

“NALSPA has strongly advocated for the FBT exemption to remain in place for eligible PHEVs to help lower motoring related costs for everyday Australians during a cost-of-living crisis and get Australia closer to meeting its climate targets,” Mr Martin said.
“The decision to end the FBT exemption for PHEVs couldn’t come at a worse time, especially as a range of hard-to-fully-electrify utes are just entering the market. The FBT exemption is playing a critical role in encouraging more everyday Australians, particularly those in regional areas, to make the switch to an electrified vehicle, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if demand for plug-in hybrid falls after April next year.”

NALSPA’s list of popular PHEVs via novated leasing include:

  • Alfa Romeo Tonale
  • BYD Sealion 6
  • BYD Shark
  • Cupra Leon VZe
  • Cupra Formentor VZe
  • Kia Sorento PHEV
  • Mazda CX-60
  • MG HS
  • Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
  • Mitsubishi Outlander
  • Volvo XC60

www.nalspa.org.au

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Carly drives the benefits of car subscription for business

By Leon Gettler, Talking Business >>

IMAGINE a car subscription that would make subscribing to an electric vehicle (EV) like subscribing to a mobile phone or Netflix? It’s nothing like leasing, which is, in financial effect, close to buying a car.

That’s the promise of ASX listed car subscription company Carly, operating on the eastern seaboard, covering Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. However, Carly Car Subscription is also online, which means people can access the cars from anywhere.

Carly was bolstered recently by the ruling of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – which has applied since August 26, 2020 – allows subscribers to claim the car subscription payments as a tax deduction when the subscription is used for business or work purposes.

Also, businesses that use Carly can claim the full dollar amount of the subscription fee as a deduction if the cars are used in carrying out business and/or provided to employees for their use. Fringe benefits tax (FBT) is payable in respect of the portion of private usage by the employee.

The ATO ruling is being used by Carly to innovate. 

Carly chief executive officer Chris Noone said the ATO ruling meant that people who are not using Carly can get a novated subscription using Carly. The ruling is connected the relationship between Carly and its subscribers. It can also be used as part of a salary package.

“Anyone who signs a novation agreement under this ruling, who takes out a subscription with Carly, will be able to get the FBT exemption on electric vehicles,” Mr Noone told Talking Business.

“What that means in essence is that they can save between 35% and 50% on the cost of a normal subscription for an EV.”

Mr Noone said the product had been launched because car owners were cautious about transitioning to EVs.

“Subscription is a flexible way of getting access to a car,” he said. “A normal car subscription is minimum one month and the salary package that we have is a minimum of three months. That’s a stipulation of the ATO.

“It allows drivers to try an EV for three months or more, get access to the FBT exemption and not have that long term risk of potentially buying a car that wasn’t suitable for their needs.”

This, Mr Noone said, was different to a car lease which was typically two to four years long and came with significant break costs for those who wanted to terminate it in the middle of the lease period.

“Under a lease, essentially what’s happening is the car is being bought on your behalf and you’re entering into a finance agreement for that,” he said.

“With subscription, it’s a more flexible product. Our subscriptions are normally minimum 30 days and 30 days notice to return the car. So you could have a car for six or seven months of the year, or you could take it on for one month and have a one month recurring subscription.

“When people feel they want to change the car or they no longer need the car because their work circumstances have changed, let’s say they have gone overseas, or they are taking the bus to work, they can give it back.

“It can just be a monthly recurring subscription, like your mobile phone, like your Netflix, and you just give 30 days notice to hand the car back,” Mr Noone said. 

www.carly.co

www.leongettler.com

 

Hear the complete interview and catch up with other topical business news on Leon Gettler’s Talking Business podcast, released every Friday at www.acast.com/talkingbusiness

https://shows.acast.com/talkingbusiness/episodes/talking-business-36-nathan-cheong-from-melrose-health-group

EV manufacturers’ moves towards subscription models ‘will change the automotive industry’ – Whitmore

TESLA’s novel and innovative approach to sales, marketing and loyalty with owners and potential owners has disrupted the automotive industry globally – and virtually – almost from day one.

Ben Whitmore, the chief marketing officer at automotive ‘subscription’ innovator, Brisbane-based eCar Subscription, sees Tesla’s latest leanings into the subscription models – many pioneered by the US tech. sector – driving other auto manufacturers to follow the lead.

“Tesla and BMW’s shift into subscription-based models represents a significant transformation in the automotive industry, as it fundamentally alters the traditional vehicle ownership experience,” Mr Whitmore said. 

“We believe that this trend will likely lead to broader adoption with manufacturers, as it allows them to create ongoing revenue streams, while offering their consumers access to advanced features and services without all the hefty upfront costs.

“However, this approach could create further barriers for Australian consumers, potentially obstructing the adoption of EVs at a time when the market is already facing challenges.

“By pushing for subscriptions, manufacturers risk alienating potential buyers who might feel that they are not getting the full value of their investment, which could cause complications around EV adoption.”

EV resale values in question

Mr Whitmore warned this approach could affect the sell-on value of EVs, “which is already a major barrier for Australian consumers”.

“The shift towards subscription-based models for more advanced features in EVs could significantly impact the resale value of these vehicles,” Mr Whitmore said. “As manufacturers move towards limiting core functionalities to subscription fees, consumers may feel uneasy about purchasing a car that may not retain its full value over time.”

Mr Whitmore said the uncertainty of this market could “easily put off any potential buyers, as they’ll be less inclined to invest in a vehicle that could experience ongoing costs beyond the initial purchase price”.

“This hesitancy can be linked to new Australian data that shows used EVs have below-average resale values and spend longer on the market. This decline in value, particularly when compared with the broader market, raises concerns about EVs as investments, complicating Australia’s transition to EVs.

“Combined with existing worries over resale value, this could hinder broader adoption.”

Broad impact on auto sector

Mr Whitmore said the wider automotive industry will be impacted in many ways, ranging from car subscription services to rideshare and beyond.

“The shift towards subscription-based models in the automotive industry, particularly with manufacturers like Tesla and BMW, could significantly reshape consumer expectations and purchasing behaviours,” he said.

“As basic functionalities become locked behind ‘paywalls’, consumers may feel disillusioned with the initial cost of electric vehicles (EVs), leading to a decline in overall demand.

“This trend could create a ripple effect across the industry, pushing more manufacturers to shift away from traditional ownership. As consumers face rising living costs, they want more flexibility and are increasingly reluctant to commit to long-term financial plans, particularly when vehicle ownership brings risks like depreciation, maintenance, and fluctuating resale value—especially for electric vehicles (EVs).

“In this environment, purchasing a vehicle outright is losing its appeal, making subscription models a more attractive alternative.”

Challenges for rideshare companies

But this shift could also create challenges for rideshare companies, which are often early adopters of EV technology. 

“As the cost of EV subscriptions rises, these companies may pass those expenses on to consumers, leading to higher ride prices and potentially stalling the adoption of EVs in rideshare fleets, where their environmental impact could be significant,” Mr Whitmore said.

“For Australian consumers already cautious about the financial burden of EVs, rising subscription fees could worsen adoption barriers.”

Ben Whitmore is the CMO for both eCar Subscription and owner East Coast Car Rentals, developing flexible and tailored plans to suit individual and business automotive needs.

www.ecarsubscription.com.au

 

 

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Supercars legend Allan Moffat drives focus on dementia at Penrite Oil Sandown 500

DEMENTIA AUSTRALIA was back for a second year in September as the nominated charity for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500, one of the greatly anticipated races returning to the Repco Supercars Championships calendar. 

Supercars, Penrite Racing and Penrite Oil, the major sponsor and partner of the Supercars event, nominated Dementia Australia as their charity partner as a tribute to Dementia Australia patron, Allan Moffat OBE, Supercars Legend, Hall of Fame inductee, and four-time Bathurst 1000 winner who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan said it was “a privilege to be part of such a significant event in the Repco Supercars Championships calendar”.

“Thank you to Penrite Oil, Penrite Racing, Supercars and most importantly to Allan Moffat and his network of supporters for continuing to give back to the racing community and helping all racegoers to know that if they are impacted by dementia – they are not alone,” Prof. Buchanan said.

“I also thank Steve Grove of Grove Racing who partners with Penrite for his support and generous donation to Dementia Australia in honour of a close family member. The Grove family like so many Australians, has been impacted by dementia.

“Allan Moffat as our Dementia Australia Patron and his support network have been so generous in sharing  his diagnosis and experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease to raise awareness in the community and vital funds for Dementia Australia at fundraising.dementia.org.au/allan-moffat.

“Allan first talked about his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in September 2019 and with his support network he has continued to raise awareness about dementia as a Dementia Australia patron.”

Penrite Oil brfand manager, Jarrod Harding said, “We are so pleased to be working again with Allan Moffat and Dementia Australia.

“It’s a privilege to be able to show our support for Allan, one of my heroes, and for Dementia Australia” Mr Harding said.

“With more than 421,000 Australians estimated to be living with dementia and more than 1.6 million people involved in their care, it’s an important cause for everyone and especially close to our hearts here at Penrite Oil.

“As an Australian family-owned business with strong community values, we feel it's important to give back and support those who need it most.

“As part of the partnership, Penrite Oil will be working with Allan Moffat and his support team to promote Dementia Australia’s work and to encourage community support for the charity’s activities.

“It’s exciting this year as racing enthusiasts at the event [were] treated to seeing a tribute of the 1974 Ford XB Brut 33 Falcon on the 50-year anniversary of Allan’s win at Sandown.”

The three-day race event at the Sandown International Motor Raceway, Melbourne, also prominently featured Dementia Australia’s logo included in the historic livery on Penrite Racing’s Ford Mustangs.  

“Head to dementia.org.au to find out how you can join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live,” Mr Harding said.

“I encourage anyone who has concerns about themselves or someone close to them to contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. It’s available for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

www.fundraising.dementia.org.au/allan-moffat

www.dementia.org.au

 

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