Being the CEO of a company certainly has its perks. Not only do you earn a premium salary and make decisions to increase profits, most CEO’s are also able to afford some high end vehicles. This is certainly the case for these four Australian CEOs.

Clive Palmer – 1913 Fiat

One of Australia’s richest business men, mining magnate Clive Palmer, is no shrinking violet when it comes to spending big on the things he loves. Whether it is rebuilding the Titanic, creating his own Jurassic Park or investing in antique cars, Palmer’s huge pay packet does not limit him to just one or two investment avenues.

Indeed, Clive Palmer has a love of antique cars and owns not one but two mint-condition 1913 Fiat’s with an anticipated auction value of around $1 million. He originally bought one of the vehicles in 1978 for just $9,000. “If you’re buying a car that’s already 70 years and keep it until it’s about 100 years, you probably get a good increase,” Palmer told BRW, “This is a particularly unique car.”

These cars are just two of Palmer’s expansive collection of 105 motor vehicles housed in the Palmer Motorama Museum on the Sunshine Coast. Indeed, just last year, he purchased the latest edition to his collection, a 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph.

Neville Crichton – Ferrari Daytona Spyder

Originally hailing from New Zealand, Crichton is the CEO of Ateco Automotive – one of Australia’s largest importers of Alfa Romeos, Citroens, Fiat Maseratis and Ferraris. Also a lover of classic cars, Crichton owns a 1970’s Ford Mustang convertible as well as a 1971 V12 Ferrari Daytona Spyder. “I traded it on a new Ferrari,” Crichton told drive.com.au. “It’s a pretty impressive car despite the fact it’s converted from a hardtop Berlinetta.”

Indeed, the Ferrari used to belong to one of Elvis Presley’s former bodyguards and was seized by customs in the mid 1980s before it had it’s makeover. In addition to Crichton’s collection, he also owns the oldest known Alfa Romeo in the world – a 1921 6.3 litre six-cylinder G1, of which just 52 were built. “It’s a great profiler for the brand here and it’s a model that Alfa’s own museum in Arese doesn’t have,” said Crichton.

Roxy Jacenko – Ferrari California

As CEO of Sydney- based, public relations firm, Sweaty Betty, Jacenko, needs to look the part. She manages this easily with her $460,000 white Ferrari California. It was a wedding present from her corporate advisor husband, Oliver Curtis and is the perfect mode of transport to roll up in at a glittering corporate function.

Known to be the first front engine Ferrari with a V8, the California has a top speed of 310 km/h and it’s clean lines make it the most aerodynamic Ferrari ever made.

Ruslan Kogan – BMW i8

Mentioned by BRW as 2011’s wealthiest self-made person under 30, Kogan, CEO of kogan.com.au is a multi-millionaire who made his cash selling cut-price electrical goods online. Recently the internet retail king was arrested for speeding in his BMW M6 Gran Coupe after being caught doing 85km in a 50 zone around Melbourne’s Albert Park.

Despite his poor driving record, Kogan has vowed to make 2014 a better year behind the wheel, reportedly becoming one of the 20 Aussies to own the new BMW i8. With a price tag expected to fetch around $350,000, the i8 was originally a concept model that last year went into production. Featuring an electric mode with a top speed of 120 km/h, the stylish BMW model recently partnered up with Louis Vuitton, which produced a series of carbon-black luggage pieces specifically for the i8.

 

If you’re looking for an alternative to a Novated Lease, Platform Direct Finance offers the following vehicle finance products to employees of its partners. We have access to 16 different lenders so are extremely competitive with rates. Our experienced consultants can discuss your needs and guide you to the best novated lease alternative for a business and its employees. Call us today for more information.

1. Standard loan (bank, credit union, etc)

The financier lends you the money to buy a vehicle. You need to be financially sound and prepared for some extra expenses. It can be secured or unsecured (higher interest rate). The vehicle needs to be insured as it acts as security for the loan

Advantages:

• Finance can include on-road costs
• Agreed monthly payments over agreed time period.
• Low fixed or variable interest rate because finance is secured against the car.
• Flexible terms for time and repayments.

2. Commercial Hire Purchase

The financier buys the car outright and then hires it back to you. This product is available for individuals and businesses. Monthly payments pay out the entire loan for the term and you own the vehicle when the period is complete. This product has been almost entirely replaced by chattel mortgages.

Advantages:

 

• Flexibility allows financing of the total price; a deposit or trade-in; or even allow for a lump sum balloon payment.
• Repayments and interest rates are fixed.
• Easy to modify to suit borrower’s budget.
• Low capital outlay and no GST on repayments.

 

3. Finance Lease

The financier buys the car and then leases it back to you. This allows for minimal or no capital outlay. These leases are available for individuals and businesses where the car is for business purposes. The motorist pays fixed rental payments and is responsible for the maintenance and trade-in residual risk of the car. At the end of the lease period, the motorist is given the option to refinance, return, sell or buy the car for the residual amount.

Advantages:

 

• Immediate use of the car with little or no capital outlay.
• Repayments are generally tax deductible, but GST is payable
• Lease payment is made from pre-tax dollars.
• Interest rate is fixed and is low because finance is secured against the car.

 

4. Operating Lease

An agreement where the financier buys the vehicle and rents it to you. The financier owns the car. You have no risks associated with ownership, including the residual at the end of the period. At the end of the term, you have the option to buy the car, continue to rent it or change to another car.

Advantages:

 

• Businesses don’t list operating leases on balance sheets so doesn’t affect debt ratios, though this may change.
• Fixed repayments over a fixed period.
• No risks with ownership and residual payments.
• Rent is tax deductible

 

5. Chattel Mortgage

A fixed loan where the financier advances money to you to buy the vehicle. The financier holds a mortgage over the car (like a house) which is used as security for the loan. You can finance the total purchase price of the car or can make an up-front deposit or can use a trade-in. A residual payment may also be placed at the end of the term.

Advantages:

 

• Motorist takes ownership at time of purchase.
• Minimal capital outlay.
• Flexible contract terms.
• Fixed repayments which can be tailored.
• Repayments exempt from GST.
• Depreciation and interest charged are tax deductible.
• Lower interest rates as finance is secured against the car

 

 

When it comes to turning the dial up on extravagance, these diamond encrusted cars go all the way to 11. From an Audi A5 bedazzled in Swarovski crystals to a Rolls Royce covered in over a million gems to a Lexus with a chandelier, here are 5 pimped-out luxury vehicles that shimmer and sparkle on the showroom floor.

Mercedes-Benz SL600 In Swarovski Crystals

Studded with over 300,000 Swarovski crystals, this Mercedes-Benz SL6000 convertible dazzled onlookers at its unveiling at the Tokoyo Auto Salon in 2010. Said to cost a whopping $48 million, the modifications were done by custom car company, Garson/D.A.D to highlight the company’s unique ability to transform an ordinary car into a stunning head-turner.

That said, the car’s ownership had been linked to Prince A-Waleed of Saudi Arabia, who was rumoured to be charging people $1,000USD just to touch it. The urban legend however was recently put to rest by an official statement released by the Prince’s investment firm, Kingdom Holdings. “The Private office of Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal would like to state officially that HRH Prince Alwaleed does not, and never has, owned or had any association with a ‘diamond-encrusted Mercedes-Benz’” says the Kingdom Holdings release.

Iced Audi A5

Inspired by the above diamond encrusted Mercedes, Russian turner, Shampa, decided to create their own diamond encrusted vehicle and in 2011, rolled out a white Audi A5 covered with 450,000 Swarovski crystals at a tuning exhibition in Moscow.

The customization of the Audi A5 apparently took 1,440 man hours to complete at the cost of $215,000. Check out the video that showcases it’s shimmering effect at night:

Pimped Out 1962 Rolls Royce

It seems the previous two extravagant cars mentioned have been one-uped by the latest incarnation of the crystal-covered luxury vehicle with this Roll Royce Silver Cloud II. Said to be covered in more than 1 million Swarovski crystals, the Roll Royce was displayed in 2012 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Munich before being auctioned to support the charity ‘Help in Motion’. Undoubtedly, whoever purchases this car would have no real need for a hire purchase finance.

Touted by many as being the world’s most luxurious car, the diamonds on the Rolls Royce are said to give the vehicle a beautiful shimmering rainbow effect.

Lexus Hybrid With Bling

When diamonds just don’t cut it, why not create a car with a chandelier? Well that is what was shown at the 2012 SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association). This Lexus Hybrid CT200h has been pimped out with 35,000 Swarovski diamonds along the Lexus badge, windshield wipers, wheel spokes, exhaust and window trims, while the interior sported faux fox fur seats and a chandelier in replacement of the interior ceiling light.

Crystal Covered Cadillac

Revealed at the Qingdao International Auto Show in China in 2011, this Cadillac CTS Coupe is said to be covered with over 350,000 Swarovski crystals. According to the team that completed the customization, each crystal was mounted to the car using a special fixer said to be resistant to today’s powerful car washes. The whole job took 9 men over a week to finish.

 

Bumper car stickers. Those little, sometimes large and tasteless PVC adhesives that adorn many a vehicle today. If you don’t have one yourself, it’s doubtless that you passed an SUV or Ute on the road that is painted with them. Indeed, it’s hard to miss them when you’re stuck in peak hour traffic.

For those of you up for a quick history lesson, the bumper sticker first appeared just before World War II and while no one is certain of the exact inventor, they have today become an avenue for drivers to advertise their opinions usually on politics, gender or their family.

Here are five bumper stickers we’ve noticed on the way to work:

The Ass Family

Rumour has it that the Ass Family also has a dog named ‘Jack’. Apparently, he can be a real pain in the ….!

Position Open

Who needs to sign up to a dating site when you can display your availability on the rear window of your SUV? Indeed, your next soul mate could be sitting in the car directly behind you. Of course, with a message like this, it is likely that every car pulling up next to you at the traffic lights will be an admirer.

Crazy Cat Lady

If you’re a female past the unspoken considered age of marriage, then perhaps it’s time to declare your love of cats. Because, let’s face it, the company of many cats is far more preferable than a wishy washy partner. That said, this lady looks to be collecting cats like they are Pokémon, she should really be careful not to obscure her rear mirror– safety first, of course.

Slide to Unlock

Off the back of Apple’s reigning successes, comes this car trialling the latest in car security technology. Slide to unlock, punch in your four digit personalised code and you can then download your groceries into your boot. We reckon someone should patent this and fast!

Pulled over

Something tells me that this guy has already had a few run-ins with the law. At least, he knows why you are approaching his car. Let’s hope he knows why he was pulled over.

So if you think you have something particularly powerful you need to proudly display on the body of your car, speak to a specialist at Platinum Direct Finance and get a shiny new, sticker-less vehicle to slap on your own public FYI.

 

1973 Chevrolet Chevelle and Ryan Gosling.

What do these two things have in common apart from the nostalgic throwback that was the 2011 movie, Drive? It is that every female was swooning heavily at this winning combination.

And while we all know that Ryan Gosling is sexy, is there any truth to a sexy car making you more attractive to the opposite sex? In 2009, the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff conducted an experiment to ascertain whether a car can make you sexier. They photographed the same man and woman – first in a red Ford Fiesta and then in a silver Bentley Continental GT. The female participants upon viewing the photographs found the man in the Bentley rated significantly more attractive than the same man in the Fiesta. Your car can be the point of difference.

Here are seven cars that are likely to get her heart racing.

Nissan GT-R

This legendary award winning race car made famous by the Fast and the Furious franchise sports a 6-speed semi-automatic dual clutch transmission and is designed to perform on all terrains. With only four craftsmen in the world allowed to hand assemble a GTR’s engine- you only need lift the hood for proof.

For: the Lady who Appreciates Speed and Style

CC by MIKI Yoshihito

Cadillac Escalade

As SUV’s go, the Escalade is made more popular by the fact that rapper Macklemore rates it as his preferred choice of vehicle. The Escalade sports a 6.2L 403 horsepower V8 engine, seats with temperature control and the boast of going from 0-60 in 6.8 seconds- try it on for size.

For: the Lady who Values Style and Status

CC by FotoSleuth

Toyota Prius

Yes. You read right. This electric hybrid is not only fuel efficient and eco-friendly but your nice guy credentials are automatically increased without undermining your masculinity. The Prius is the eco-conscious choice for the sophisticated hippy and sparks will fly when she sees you doing your bit to save the planet.

For: the Lady who is Eco Conscious

CC by Robert Scoble

Jeep Wrangler

If the Jeeps’ lineage isn’t enough, the third generation Jeep is one of the timeless SUVs on the market. A perfect blend of adventure, sport and ruggedness with its’ smartly detailed interior, even if you do take it off road that one time you’ll be comfortable as all hell and ready for anything whilst escaping usual SUV stigmas.

For: the California Girl who is up for some bushwacking

CC by Ian Sane

BMW116i

With more torque than a regular hatchback, powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbo this 1 Series BMW is a great entry range vehicle into the luxury European market. Not quite a sports car this is sure to impress not least because of its well respected heritage.

For: the Lady who is Classy and Understated

CC by M 93

Lexus LFA

The design team behind this car spent over a decade developing the LFA focusing primarily on its handling which results in a car that feels amazing, sounds awesome and rides hard. With only 500 on the market worldwide this car is a fine metaphor for the way every lady should be treated and savoured.

For: the Lady who Appreciates Classic Craftsmanship

CC by Moto@Club4AG

Rolls Royce Phantom

Leaving aside the imagery of Billy Zane in purple Lycra, the Phantom Family is a throwback to opulent elegance from a time bygone. Every Rolls Royce Phantom is hand built in Goodwood, England. State of the art technology and impeccable interiors mean you won’t ever go wrong.

For: The Lady who Inspired Joan Holloway

CC by exfordy

 

The offspring of famous celebrities are generally known as some of the most pampered (many would say super spoilt) children in the world, and when it comes to their first cars they certainly don’t lack in that regard either. Even as they turn just sixteen, many celeb teens find themselves being given the keys to cars that most people would dream their whole lifetime of driving, let alone owning. Fasten your seatbelt and read on to learn about some famous kids and their flashy cars.

Kendal Jenner may be better known as the younger sister of Kim Kardashian, but on her sweet 16th birthday there was no doubt she was the centre of attention. The tween received a pricey $90,000 black Range Rover during a hip party in Los Angeles that was actually sponsored by a lolly company, The Sugar Factory. (No doubt Kendal found the surprise birthday present the sweetest gift of all). The vehicle was wrapped in a large red bow and was apparently ‘oohed and aahed’ over by her friends and family members alike.

Source:eonline.com

Rapper royalty and reality TV stars Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Tameka “Tiny” Harris’ oldest daughter, Zonnique, received the keys to a brand new 2012 Cayenne Porsche for her 16th birthday. Although the teenager actually requested two cars for her sweet sixteen, no doubt she found herself able to settle for the sleek white Porsche and the two tiny Pomeranian puppies that were also gifts received on the night. The festivities also included a lavish, Egyptian-themed party that featured belly dancers, ice sculptures, live animals, celebrity music performances and a host of celeb appearances.

Source:M93

Daughters of F1 racing billionaire Bernie Eccelstone, Tamara, 29, and Petra Eccelstone, 24, are in possession of their own personalised Range Rovers that certainly don’t keep their identity under wraps when they drive around. The cars feature the girls’ names emblazoned in large writing on both the front and back of their respective vehicles. The $165,000 cars are new additions to their garage this year and join the fine selection of automobiles already owned by the pair – between them they also drive a Ferrari 599 GTO, a Mercedes SL500 and a Bentley Continental GT, showing that a love of cars certainly does run in the family. The family also splashes out on weddings and holidays, with Tamara having enjoyed an $11 million wedding ceremony on the French Riviera recently and a month-long honeymoon aboard a multi-million dollar yacht (her 12th holiday since March this year).

Source: en.wikpedia.org

Justin Dior Combs, the son of famous rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, received one of the most OTT gifts for his 16th birthday – a brand new $350,000 Maybach, complete with a driver that was hired to escort and chauffeur him around during the period before he was able to obtain his licence. The rapper’s son also received a royal-themed birthday bash at the M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City where his ‘date’ for the evening was singer Nicki Minaj, who was on hand during the night to perform as well. Generous father, Diddy, also splashed out on extravagant diamond earrings for his twin daughters just a few weeks after they were born, ensuring that they develop a taste for his favourite bling from an early age too!

CC by Mike Babcock

 

If you’ve been unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident then it is likely that you have felt the financial sting of repairing your car. Even if you are insured, insurance companies usually include a premium that must be paid to cover any claim made sometimes reaching into thousands of dollars. Ouch!

That said, at least you don’t have to cover the bill for these four accidents, which we believe could be the world’s most expensive.

No.4 – Ferrari 250 GTO

Let’s just say that crashing one of these rare beauties would definitely ruin your day. Between 1962 and 1964 only 39 Ferrari 250 GTOs were built. At last valuation, the 3.0 litre, 300-hp V-12 engine Ferrari 250 GTO is fetching prices around $52million.

That’s an expensive pay out for American investor, Christopher Cox and his wife Ann, who in 2012 crash their 250 GTO on a racetrack in France. With no details regarding the repairs costs and insurance premiums being released, we have no idea how much the Cox’s have to pay. But given its $52million value and rarity, we’ll just say it’s a lot.

Source: http://www.wreckedexotics.com/articles/002.shtml

No.3 – Mr. Bean Crashes his F1 McLaren

Oh dear! With a roaring V-12 engine that can reach speeds of 230mph, the F1 McLaren is a special kind of car. However, all that speed means that it is easier to lose control; which is exactly what happened to Rowan Atkinson (aka Mr. Bean) on a British motorway in 2011.

It took four weeks for insurers to estimate the damage and another year for it to be repaired, with the bill priced at $1.25 million for insurers.

Mr Bean is back to driving his F1, but don’t think he won’t feel the pain: according to experts, the star’s car insurance premium is now priced at $100,000 a year.

Source: http://www.cinema.com.my/news/news.aspx?search=2011.n_mrbeansurvivesaccident_5607

No.2 – Bugatti Veyron in the Lake

At $2.5 million each, the Bugatti Veyron is the most expensive road car ever built. It’s fast, it’s beautiful and it’s rare with only 300 ever produced. So when one goes to waste, you’ll feel pretty stupid about it.

That’s what happened to Andy House, who in 2009 crashed his Veyron into a Texas lagoon. House said that a pelican had distracted him and sent him off course, into the water. The accident was captured the film.

Regardless, the Veyron’s repair bill was estimated to cost around $1.6million, and House put in a claim of $2.1 million. The claim has since been disputed by House’s insurance company.

Source: http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/03/top-10-most-expensive-car-crashes-2580652.html

No.1 -Japanese Ferrari Pile-Up

While all the previously mentioned car accidents cost a pretty penny, they are in pale comparison to a multiple car crash on a Japanese Expressway in 2011 which claimed eight Ferrari’s, a Mercedes and a Lamborghini.

This epic crash started when the lead Ferrari driver, lost control of his vehicle forcing the 10 supercars behind to slam on their breaks, resulting in the pile-up.

The total repair build was estimated to be around $4 million.

Of course, it wasn’t smooth sailing for those involved. Despite the fact their premiums are now sky-high, police are looking to charge those involved for breaking traffic laws. So let’s add lawyer fees on top of those premiums now.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/9937036/Police-to-charge-10-drivers-over-worlds-most-expensive-car-crash.html

Despite such fast and reckless driving, all car manufacturers take the utmost care to ensure passenger safety for their road vehicles. To ensure that safety is their highest priority manufacturer’s conduct extensive research, and advanced tests to understand the processes to why and how a wreck happens.Coupled with the development of computer systems in cars to be prepared for accidents, cars are relatively safe these days.

 

Australians are lucky with such wonderful destinations full of road trip ideas in every direction. New South Wales, in particular, is just the right size for driving – it’s not terribly big and yet still covers enough area to afford you beaches, cities, rainforests, and more.

But where to go? Let’s explore some of the best NSW road trips.

The Waterfall Way

Photo by: Jo – Dangar Falls, Dorrigo, Northern New South Wales, Australia – Flickr.com

The Waterfall Way is a quite well-known NSW driving route, and for good reason – it offers travellers a perspective on a variety of typical sights in New South Wales. On the 200km route, one will pass gorgeous coast views at Seaside Harbour, cafe culture alive and well in Belligen, the towering mountaintops of Dorrigo, finishing up in Armidale. If you think Sydney is the only sight to see in NSW, the rainforests and high plateau gorge country on this route will definitely change your mind. And of course, there are the waterfalls, which will keep all passengers entertained en route.

The Blue Mountains

Photo by: Amanda Slater – Blue Mountains. NSW – Flickr.com

The Blue Mountains are an easy daytrip from Sydney, but did you know that the area contains 160km of driving routes to be explored and enjoyed? Cliff Drive is one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the area, but there are others too: the old village of Hartley, the steep pass at Victoria, the many lookouts onto Three Sisters. And if you are feeling the need to get out of the car for awhile, hop onto the Zig Zag railway for a bit of a history lesson.

The Grand Pacific Drive

Photo by: Maarten Danial – Grand Pacific Drive – Flickr.com

You may know of the Great Ocean Road, but NSW has its own coastal drive, known as the Grand Pacific Drive, stretching around a curving coastline for 71km. The route starts north of Wollongong and features both man-made and natural attractions for your eyes and your camera: there’s the incredible bridges and spans, the waves of surf crashing on ragged rocky coastlines, national parks, and even a Buddhist temple – Nan Tien, the biggest Buddhist shrine in the southern hemisphere. Stop early and stop often on this road, and when feeling peckish, head for the nearest fish and chip shop.

Oxley Highway

Photo by: mi) – Port Macquarie Lighthouse – Flickr.com

Last but certainly not least is the Oxley Highway, a local’s favourite and a great NSW drive. The highway runs inland from the seaside town of Port Macquarie, ending in the stunning Apsley Falls, a waterfall that pours down into a circular gorge. Although the way you’ll cross the Great Driving Range, essentially a lush rainforest that will give you reason to pause and reflect. Coffee shops and scenic outlooks dot the roadside as the highway floats back down into flat plains, rewarding travellers who have the journey with several waterfall stops, with the occasional winery in the mix.