Final Annual Report 2015 for WEB

Accelerating into the future 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

AUTOCRC PROGRESS REPORT 2014 – 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Company information 3 

Message from the Chairman 5 

Message from the CEO 7 

Business Divisions 

Research 10 

Business Excellence 26 

International 38 

Our People 42 

Communications 48 

Financials 54 

AUTOCRC PROGRESS REPORT 2014 – 2015 >>> 1

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MISSION 

OUR SERVICES 

Support partners with leadership, 

know-how, funds, systems 

infrastructure and access to 

providers of world-class research 

and specialist training, to 

facilitate collaborative research 

and the development of business 

capability and human capital. 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

VISION 

Enhance our partners’ 

competitiveness in regional and 

global markets by delivering 

world-leading research and 

business capability. 

>> Access to world-class R&D 

capability in Australia 

>> Project contracting and 

management services in 

Australia and overseas 

>> Business performance 

assessments and improvement 

program for manufacturers 

>> Diversification guidance and 

support for manufacturers 

>> Access to industry 

networks and events 

>> Funding access for 

research and business 

improvement activities 

2 >>> ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE AUTOCRC PROGRESS REPORT 2014 – 2015 >>> 3

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN 

“AutoCRC has 

demonstrated 

adaptability and 

agility while remaining 

focused to deliver 

on its commitments 

to the government 

and participants” 

As AutoCRC approaches its 10th 

anniversary, it is instructive to reflect 

on the dramatic changes that have 

taken place in the Australian automotive 

industry over the past decade. 

Steve Payne 

Chairman (Independent) 

Three vehicle assembly plants are 

scheduled to close by 2017, creating 

disruption but also a new path of 

opportunity for some automotive 

component manufacturers, who 

continue to explore their choices in new 

industries and international markets. 

The globalisation of the automotive 

industry continues to move at great 

speed and, in response, AutoCRC 

has ramped up its international 

collaboration with Malaysia, China, 

Japan, Thailand, India and America. 

Communities are more vocal than ever 

about the choices they want to have 

made available to them. The trend 

towards lightweight materials continues, 

with increasing global interest in 

electric vehicles and hybrid engines 

– areas in which AutoCRC continues 

its research investment without pause. 

Ageing populations, congested cities and 

game changing technologies are placing 

increased emphasis on assisted driving, 

connected vehicles and infrastructure. 

Autonomous vehicle technology will take 

its first tentative steps in Australia this 

year, with South Australia being used as 

a test bed for on-road trials – this is a 

technology that, up to a few years ago, 

sounded like science fiction. 

general transport opportunities and 

interest for Australia. 

To keep ahead of the global changes 

and trends, we will use our platform, 

systems and knowledge to develop 

a new group of participants focused 

on smart mobility opportunities in 

Australia. This new business direction 

will help us explore the application 

of information and communication 

technologies in the field of transport – 

covering users, vehicles, infrastructure 

and traffic management, as well as 

interfacing with other non-automotive 

modes of transport. 

Finally, I’d like to thank my fellow 

Directors, our staff, advisory committees, 

universities, students and industry leaders 

for their unwavering commitment, passion 

and contribution over the past year. 

We at AutoCRC are positive about 

the future and we look forward to 

updating you on the contributions 

we hope to make during this period 

of transformation of manufacturing, 

transport and innovation in Australia. 

In the face of all these changes, 

AutoCRC has demonstrated adaptability 

and agility while remaining focused 

to deliver on its commitments to 

the government and participants. 

AutoCRC will continue to examine 

global transport trends, establish 

more international connections, assist 

automotive component suppliers with 

new opportunities, and assess the 

4 >>> ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE 


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 

“Having evolved our 

platform, systems 

and ability to facilitate 

research and industry 

collaboration, we now 

propose to exploit 

this capability” 

It’s been a year of evolution for the 

automotive industry and for most of 

the companies working in that space. 

Ian Christensen 

Chief Executive Officer 

AutoCRC is no exception. As well as 

delivering our ‘business as usual’ 

activities through the AA2020 CRC and 

business excellence programs, the 

company has been looking at its options 

for the future, which I’ll cover in this 

message a little later on. 

On the ‘business as usual’ front, there 

continues to be strong appetite for 

business excellence projects through 

the MPN and BCSP programs, so it is 

disappointing that both programs will 

conclude during next year. Our business 

excellence team has been very focused 

on ensuring that the remaining state 

and federal funding is used to maximise 

the delivery of business improvement 

and diversification projects and the team 

is hitting all their targets on the way. 

Market research we have recently 

conducted has supported our belief 

that non-automotive companies could 

benefit from the kinds of assistance 

we have been providing to their auto 

counterparts. Hence, in addition to 

supporting our existing clients, we are 

aiming to contribute value into other 

industries by offering them access to 

the capabilities and methodologies 

from automotive that are most relevant 

to those sectors. It is pleasing to see 

the enthusiastic response from early 

adopters in the transport, construction 

and food industries, where many 

initial improvement opportunities 

have been identified. 

Our CRC funded technology research 

and development program has delivered 

all its due milestones to date and is 

on track to deliver the remainder for 

the funding period (to 2017). Most of 

the CRC’s research projects are now 

well progressed and are showing very 

promising results. The Australian launch 

of the electric bus – developed with 

partners Bustech, Malaysia Automotive 

Institute, Swinburne University and 

CSIRO – was a particular highlight and 

as I write, the bus is on its way to 

Malaysia to be launched at the upcoming 

ASEAN Auto Show on the 12 November. 

Other notable achievements include the 

commercialisation of the vMOULD Plastic 

injection moulding optimisation system 

which won a Manufacturing Excellence 

Award in 2014, the development at the 

University of Wollongong of new lithium 

battery technologies promising longer 

durability, and continuing breakthroughs 

with nano-coatings at the University 

of South Australia – now for use 

on solar panels. 

Having evolved our platform, systems and 

ability to facilitate research and industry 

collaboration, we now propose to exploit 

this capability by working with another 

industry peak body, Intelligent Transport 

Systems Australia (ITS-A), to establish a 

new group to develop and implement new 

transport and mobility systems. 

The first steps along this path were 

industry forums in Melbourne and 

Canberra, which were well attended 

with over 70 organisations represented. 

There is strong industry, government 

and researcher interest in this area 

and no lack of ideas; the key challenge 

ahead of us is to identify the strongest 

opportunities to create industry value, 

and assemble these into a coherent 

proposition that appeals to a broad 

spectrum of stakeholders. 

Bringing it all together is both an art 

and a science; it requires vision and 

detailed planning to ensure that each 

participant gets their desired outcomes 

whilst delivering maximum benefit on 

a national level. Our experienced team 

is well-equipped to meet this challenge 

and is making strong progress towards 

the formation of a CRC for intelligent 

transport – the iMOVE CRC. 

Broadening the remit of the company’s 

work has other implications too; not 

least of which is the suitability of the 

company name. To better reflect the 

expanding application of our services 

and capabilities AutoCRC has embarked 

on a process to develop a new company 

name and identity to better match 

our expanded activity base. We expect 

to be able to update you with more 

information on this exciting new phase 

in our life in the near future. 

As you can see, it’s been a successful 

and exciting year for AutoCRC and the 

next one promises to be even more so! 

Of course all of this new activity doesn’t 

detract from our core business, which 

continues to be delivered as promised 

in both the research and business 

excellence divisions. I look forward to 

sharing further developments with you 

on all of these fronts in 2016. 



Image supplied by Transurban

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> Research division

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MESSAGE FROM THE RESEARCH DIRECTOR 

“Underpinning the 

success of the 

AutoCRC research 

program is a clear 

understanding of how 

the outputs of the 

program can be used” 

AA2020 CRC is making the anticipated 

progress with its research program 

in spite of industry changes. 

Dr Gary White 

Research Director 

There remains strong interest in 

conducting research through the 

CRC from domestic and international 

partners and this has enabled us to 

resolve any issues that have arisen in 

this turbulent period. 

All agreed targets are being hit in terms 

of program delivery with 13 new and 

15 completed projects in the financial 

year 2014/15. Nineteen of the projects 

ongoing throughout the year include 

international partners and total research 

expenditure for the year across all the 

projects was $10,819,714. 

Underpinning the success of the 

AutoCRC research program is a clear 

understanding of how the outputs of 

the program can be used. AutoCRC 

has a well-established process for 

developing utilisation plans for each 

project at start-up, and ensuring 

that this is always kept in mind, right 

from the project conception stage to 

commercialisation. The fruit of this 

preparation is being seen now as we 

progress through the second half of 

our funding period. 

A great example of project parties 

coming together to create tangible 

outputs is our electric bus or eBus 

project, which brings together multiple 

project parties including SMEs, 

researchers and industry partner 

Malaysia Automotive Institute. 

This multidisciplinary initiative combines 

the expertise of vehicle manufacturers, 

process engineers, physicists, materials 

scientists and chemists, teamed up to 

create a superior product designed and 

manufactured in Australia. 

The eBus project aims to deliver a 

lighter, more efficient and flexible 

alternative to other electric buses on 

the market globally and will be trialled 

in Kuala Lumpur shortly – you will find 

more detail on this later in this section. 

The eBus project has clearly defined 

commercial objectives which is part 

of the project development process, 

however we are also undertaking 

other activities to maximise potential 

opportunities for CRC technologies. 

The Market Intelligence and Technology 

Assessment (MITA) project aims to 

inform project parties on the critical 

roles that vehicle technologies, policies, 

regulations, standards and energy 

markets play in the success of clean 

vehicle technologies in the Asian and 

Australian marketplaces. 

We have also recruited a 

commercialisation manager to 

assist with maximising uptake of our 

technologies as we approach the 

crucial last two years of the Automotive 

Australia 2020 CRC life. Even with 

vision at the beginning of the project, 

situations change and new opportunities 

arise. It is vital to have team members 

that both support the original plans and 

actively pursue new ones as needed. 

Many of our R&D outputs have 

applications outside automotive, 

either in the wider transport industry 

or often in completely unrelated 

sectors. The vMOULD plastic injection 

moulding optimisation system has the 

potential to increase efficiencies for any 

manufacturer using plastic injection 

moulding techniques and we continue 

to make refinements to this awardwinning 

technology. 

The Bus Tracker system, developed 

as part of the eBus suite of projects, 

enables real-time tracking of buses 

and provides useful information to 

bus drivers, fleet managers and 

passengers. It allows identification 

of service issues and lets passengers 

plan their travel time more effectively. 

As we rush towards our new connected 

mobility world, this kind of integrated 

technology will become more common 

and Australia has the chance now to 

embrace and benefit from this new 

era of intelligent transport. 

AutoCRC remains committed to helping 

Australia, Australian companies and all 

project partners to play a role in the new 

wave of energy efficient vehicles and 

connected mobility and I look forward to 

sharing yet more exciting research and 

commercialisation outcomes with you in 

next year’s report. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

RESEARCH DIVISION 

HIGHLIGHTS 

14/15 

EDUCATION 

14/15 

HIGHLIGHTS 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

ACTIVE 

PROJECTS 

45 

RESEARCHERS 

ENGAGED ON 

PROJECTS 

95 

TOTAL PhD 

39 

PhDs 

STUDENTS 

EMBEDDED 

17 

WITHIN INDUSTRY 

PROJECTS 

RESEARCH SPEND 

$3,116,849 

26 

SMEs ENGAGED 

IN PROJECTS 

ELECTRIC VEHICLES RESEARCH = 14 

ACTIVE PROJECTS 

RUNNING WITH 

INTERNATIONAL 

PARTNERS 

19 

PUBLICATION IMPACT FACTOR 

10+ 

8 5-9 15 

UPTAKE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESEARCH = 12 

ENGINEERING AWARD WON 

SAE-A MOBILITY ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE 

SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING RESEARCH = 13 

CUMULATIVE 

PUBLICATIONS 

288 

CUMULATIVE 

RESEARCH SPEND 

$10,819,741 

PhD PROFESSIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT 

FUNDING SPEND 

$121,552 

UNDERGRAD. PROGRAM 

COMPANIES 

ACTIVE 

STUDENTS 

30 

153

AN INTEGRATED & COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO 

ENERGY EFFICIENT 

VEHICLE (EEV) DEVELOPMENT 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

AutoCRC’s ambitious eBus initiative brings together a number 

of multi-disciplinary teams to develop the essential components 

for use in a new wave of energy efficient passenger vehicles. 

This ‘next gen’ public transport offering is designed and 

developed in Australia and is created with maximum 

performance and flexibility in mind to suit a range 

of possible future scenarios. The first eBus 

trials will take place in Malaysia in 2016. 

BUS TRACKER SYSTEM 

A new system that delivers a demonstrator application of 

a smartphone based tracking technology with mobile app 

interfaces for public bus service users and reporting format 

examples for bus operators and administration services. It offers: 

>> LOW COST DEVELOPMENT 

>> REAL TIME DATA TRACKING AND REPORTING FOR 

DRIVERS, FLEET MANAGERS AND PASSENGERS 

>> IMPROVED PUBLIC TRANSPORT EXPERIENCE 

IMPROVED BATTERY MODULE 

PACKAGING AND TESTING 

NEW AND IMPROVED 

BATTERY TECHNOLOGIES 

The project will deliver new battery 

technologies that offer enhanced 

performance above those already 

available on the market including: 

>> REDUCED COST 

>> IMPROVED SAFETY 

>> EXTENDED DURABILITY 

This project involves the design and development 

of an enhanced electric vehicle battery packaging 

system and the development of testing facilities, 

strategies and schemes for the packaging design 

in a manufacturing environment. Benefits of this 

development above existing systems include: 

>> SAFER 

>> COMPACT DESIGN 

>> INCREASED RELIABILITY 

MODULAR ELECTRIC 

BUS DRIVELINE 

This project is developing the driveline, 

power electrics and controller systems 

for an the electric bus. The system can 

be reconfigured for a range of mid to 

heavy vehicle applications and will have 

the following characteristics: 

>> HIGH EFFICIENCY 

>> COST COMPETITIVE 

>> FLEXIBLE FOR DIFFERENT 

VEHICLES AND APPLICATIONS 

>> FLEXIBLITY 

ADVANCED BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 

The project is demonstrating novel monitoring and 

active control systems for modular EV battery 

packs that maintain state of charge, thermal 

distribution, and mechanical stress. It will offer: 

>> IMPROVED THERMAL MANAGEMENT 

>> INCREASED SAFETY 

>> IMPROVED RELIABILITY 

>> LONGER BATTERY PACK LIFESPAN

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


Bus Tracker 

BUS TRACKER SYSTEM SET TO IMPROVE 

THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT EXPERIENCE 

As part of the eBus suite of projects, AutoCRC together with Swinburne Software 

Innovation Lab (SSIL) and Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI) have developed a 

bus tracking system that provides real-time positioning data on city buses. 

Bus operators currently rely on expensive and often unreliable GPS tracking 

systems to track their bus fleet. The bus tracker project team have developed a 

solution that uses the GPS chip in low cost mobile devices to track the location 

of vehicles in real-time. The fleet developed by the lab comprises of four 

components: 

1. Bus Tracker application: app for Android smart phones to track buses 

2. Fleet Visualiser: web application allowing operators to view fleet location 

in real-time 

3. Fleet Manager: web application that enables fleet managers to schedule 

and allocate their fleet 

4. Consumer application: app for iOS and Android phones that enables 

passengers to view real-time transit information and help plan their journey. 

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

Bus Tracker features 

>>Low cost solution using existing 

smartphone technology 

>> Mobile phone app for real-time 

bus tracking and timetabling 

>> Scoped for reporting to assist 

fleet managers, administration 

staff and bus operators 

>> Traffic congestion data and 

real-time map overlay to 

augment Google Maps data. 

“The Bus Tracker will remove 

uncertainty for passengers 

and improve control for 

bus operators.” 

Real-time fleet location data will be periodically transmitted by the application 

developed for Android phones. This data will filter its way through to a smart 

phone app, providing commuters with real-time bus information. The app will 

be made available via app stores which means updates will be available via the 

store’s update mechanism. 

Swinburne University Professor of Engineering, Ajay Kapoor says, “we are very 

excited about the outcomes and future usability of the Bus Tracker. In the short 

term, the Bus Tracker will remove uncertainty for passengers and improve 

control for bus operators.” 

Ajay adds, “a proposed follow up to this project will focus on fleet management 

and optimising operational responsiveness. The technology used in this project 

couples with the electric vehicle developments currently underway at Swinburne 

University, including the eBus project. Connected transportation is changing the 

industry by improving overall safety, mobility and efficiency.” 

With testing scheduled to take place in Malaysia late 2015 and early 2016, 

AutoCRC Research Director, Dr Gary White says, “with the growing impetus on 

international collaboration, the Bus Tracker project is a great example of how 

companies across different countries can work together to successfully develop 

solutions that are globally relevant.” 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


Market Intelligence and 

Technology Assessment (MITA) 

UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE OF ENERGY EFFICIENT VEHICLES 

(EEV) IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: INNOVATIVE STUDY AIMS TO HELP 

POSITION AUSTRALIA AND MALAYSIA AS EEV TECHNOLOGY LEADERS 

A team from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is using state-of-theart 

behavioural and experimental econometric research techniques to develop 

a deep understanding of the factors that determine the success of clean vehicle 

technologies in marketplaces. 

In direct contrast to the US and Europe markets, Southeast Asian automotive 

markets are experiencing significant growth. This trend, along with the need 

for vehicles with lower emissions means that there is an opportunity to 

position AutoCRC as a leader in the field in this region. Key to achieving this 

is a clear understanding of the factors affecting low emissions technology uptake. 

This three year, internationally focused research project will obtain data through 

four national surveys conducted in Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand 

and then apply advanced modelling methods to understand the demand and 

supply of EEV technologies in the ASEAN and Australian marketplaces. The 

research includes electric, hybrid and alternative fuelled vehicles and will 

produce an understanding of consumer, fleet and energy supplier perspective. 

What is econometrics? 

Econometrics is the application 

of statistical methods to evaluate 

and test economic theories. 

It uses modelling to explain 

relationships between economic 

factors – in this case government 

policy, energy supply and 

consumer purchasing habits. 

“This study is particularly 

timely as connected vehicles, 

driverless vehicles and shared 

mobility services threaten 

to disrupt global mobility 

marketplaces.” 

The study uses ‘state of practice’ methods to obtain its results such as focus 

groups, state preference surveys, revealed preferences and in-depth interviews. 

Project Leader, Professor Simon Washington of QUT is infinitely qualified to lead 

such a complex and in-depth study. Simon explains that, “the MITA project will 

lead to detailed insights and predictions into what consumers will demand and 

what the auto industry will supply in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand 

in the future.” He adds that this research “is particularly timely as connected 

vehicles, driverless vehicles and shared mobility services threaten to disrupt 

global mobility marketplaces.” 

The research will approach the question from two angles. Phase one – the supply 

side – uses input from industry professionals to develop a robust questionnaire 

that is subsequently completed by senior industry representatives across the 

target countries. To date, the project team has collated a range of expert opinions 

regarding the future marketplace for transport in each country. 

Phase two is the demand side survey. This will be completed in early 2016 and 

will deliver fundamental new knowledge on social attitudes and relationships 

with technical and policy issues surrounding the purchase, lease and/or use of 

EEVs. The data will cover both passenger vehicles and fleets, including buses, 

taxis and delivery vehicles. 

This vital research aims for a previously unknown understanding of the target 

marketplaces and will provide knowledge crucial in helping position Malaysia 

and Australia as EEV technology leaders in the Asia Pacific region. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


vMOULD 

VMOULD PLASTIC INJECTION MOULDING OPTIMISATION TOOL WINS 

GOLD AT THE SAE-A ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARDS. 

Traditional plastic injection moulding die design processes use a time consuming 

‘trial and error’ approach which relies heavily on the availability of highlyspecialised 

experts, resulting in high costs and wasted resources. 

vMOULD has revolutionised this process. It delivers increased component 

quality, and reduced cycle times per part resulting in significant overall improved 

efficiencies. 

It provides the skills and experience of expert toolmakers in one cloud-based 

package through a user-friendly interface which eliminates dependence on 

specialist tool-makers, and allows engineers to rapidly generate key CAD-ready 

parameters, including: 

>> Draw direction: Shadow analysis with adaptive space refinement 

used in optimisation search 

>> Gate location: Recursive volumetric graph decomposition used 

to identify gate locations 

>> Air vent location: Advancing front ‘fill-like’ CFD simulation to identify 

retained air pockets 

>> Mould cavity shape: Iterative cooling analysis to determine the best 

design to minimise warping. 

vMOULD delivers: 

>>Reduction in the number of 

prototypes and mould trials 

>> Reduced cycle times per part 

>> Minimal training costs 

>> No costly downtime waiting 

for specialist tool makers 

>> No infrastructure costs 

– cloud-based software 

>> Reduction in waste 

“It has the potential to deliver 

time and cost savings to many 

more manufacturers more 

manufacturers and help 

them increase productivity.” 

The ingenuity of the system was recognised formally when it won the gold 

manufacturing award at the prestigious SAE-A Mobility Engineering Excellence 

Awards in 2014. 

AutoCRC Research Director, Dr Gary White says, “vMOULD has been developed and 

tested in collaboration with Australian and international manufacturers to ensure it 

addresses their needs and it continues to be refined based on additional feedback. 

“It has the potential to deliver time and cost savings to many more manufacturers 

and help them to easily increase their productivity. We were thrilled for this 

achievement to be formally recognised at the SAE-A Awards and are excited to 

be demonstrating the capability to more companies in the near future.” 

Given the increasing global demand for durable, lightweight plastic products, 

the vMOULD ‘cloud-based’ solution is an important step forward in helping 

manufacturers to find the efficiencies they need to become and remain 

competitive now and into the future. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 



Education 

Education Program 

PhD program 

AutoCRC’s postgraduate program supports the industry-led research program 

whilst also making room for complementary deep investigation into ‘strategic’ 

topics of interest. 

The program not only provides support to students to undertake vital research 

that benefits Australian industry, but also equips the students with other skills 

necessary to successfully pursue the career of their choice after completion of 

their PhD. 

TOTAL PhD 

STUDENTS 

(2 COMPLETED) 

39 

INDUSTRY 

PhDs = 17 

STRATEGIC 

PhDs = 22 

Bastian Stoehr (see PhD student profile to the right) is just one great example of 

a student taking advantage of all the opportunities available in the PhD program. 

Undergraduate industry-based projects program SMEs jump 

on board for the 2015 industry-based undergraduate program 

The popularity of the undergraduate program continues to grow with both 

students and with industry partners. The year-long research project is defined 

and scoped by the company and then runs with regular contact with the industry 

mentor and also under supervision of a senior researcher at the university. 

Funding provided from AutoCRC enables students to purchase essential items 

such as materials for testing and licences. 

It’s a win-win arrangement for students looking to gain valuable hands-on 

experience and also for savvy companies looking for resources to assist with 

R&D projects. 

The 2015 program has seen a large jump in the number of smaller participating 

organisations, including a number of SMEs. 

FMP was one company that joined the program for the first time in 2015. 

David Woolfson, Commercial Director at FMP says, “the students were 

enthusiastic and keen to develop the project … and I would recommend the 

program to other SMEs … with better briefing and open discussion, new ideas 

can be found.” 

Like with any project, communication between parties is key and the university 

supervisors play an important role in helping keep things on track. David says of 

his experience, “the involvement of the university mentor at UTS was helpful and 

facilitated most of the contact and discussion.” 

After testing the waters on two projects during 2015, FMP is now in the process 

of scoping further projects for 2016, as are a number of other companies – some 

of which have been participating in the program since it began in 2006. 

PhD student profile 

Bastian Stoehr – AutoCRC PhD 

student at the University of South 

Australia’s successful Thin Film 

Coatings Group and finalist in 

the CRC Association’s 2015 Early 

Career Researcher Showcase 

Bastian’s research revolves 

around developing easy-to-clean 

coatings for touch screens which 

will eliminate those irritating 

fingerprints that plague us on 

phones, tablets and the interior 

of cars. 

His ability to communicate his 

work and its potential is as 

evident as his passion for the 

actual research. This talent 

carried him all the way to the 

finals of the national Early Career 

Researcher Showcase against 

stiff competition and will also 

stand him in good stead for 

the future. 

Bastian says of his future 

plans, “Within the next five 

years I aim to further develop a 

comprehensive researcher skill 

set … I want to make an impact 

and drive innovation. I believe 

that in research I have the unique 

opportunity to invent, innovate 

and hence help our society 

to overcome the challenges 

lying ahead.” 

PhD SPLIT BETWEEN 

AUTOCRC PROGRAMS 

14 

12 13 

UNDERGRADUATE INDUSTRY-BASED PROJECTS PROGRAM 

ACTIVE 

84 TOTAL 

153 COMPANIES 

30 

PROJECTS STUDENTS INVOLVED 

24 >>> ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> Business 

Excellence 

division

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MESSAGE FROM THE ASEA AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 

“Over the past financial 

year, ASEA has 

successfully supported 

Australian businesses 

by helping them identify 

and realise their 

optimum potential” 

Industry changes and announcements 

made in 2014 have seen ASEA continue 

to shift its focus from process 

improvement to opportunity seeking 

and international collaboration. 

Linsey Siede 

ASEA and Regional Development Director 

The pressure for component suppliers 

to diversify their business into other 

products, markets and sectors 

continues to ensure they survive 

this period of change in Australian 

manufacturing. 

Over the past financial year, ASEA 

has successfully supported Australian 

businesses by helping them identify 

and realise their optimum potential, 

and helping them to connect with other 

industries and global companies. 

The success of ASEA’s efforts is 

primarily funnelled through the services 

they deliver under the Business 

Capability Support Program (BCSP), 

the Manufacturing Productivity 

Networks (MPN) program and the 

Victorian Government Automotive 

Advocate program in Malaysia. 

The BCSP is a Commonwealth 

Government funded program running 

until June 2016 to help automotive 

component suppliers transition their 

businesses beyond the cessation of the 

Australian vehicle manufacturing in 2017. 

ASEA has demonstrated excellent 

success with many companies 

progressively diversifying into the mining 

equipment, building construction, 

medical and health, energy, defence, 

truck and bus, aftermarket, water 

storage, electronics and food sectors, as 

well as export markets. Through these 

positive outcomes, ASEA has established 

the reputation as market leader in 

diversification strategies with examples 

of success showcased in the enclosed 

Precision Components, IXL Group and 

Venture Australia case studies. 

The Victorian State Government MPN 

program is running until the end of 

May 2016, and was designed to assist 

networks to improve productivity 

and competitiveness of Victorian 

manufacturing businesses. ASEA 

continues to help companies improve 

efficiencies and explore new product 

development in other sectors, resulting 

in improved business performance and 

health. As part of the MPN program, 

ASEA has run four workshops over 

the past financial year with the 

aim to help companies strengthen 

business relationships, and to explore 

opportunities in different industries 

and overseas markets. 

From 1 July 2014, ASEA was selected 

by the Victorian Government to provide 

a 12 month automotive supply chain 

advocate position in Malaysia to 

help facilitate business for Victorian 

manufacturing companies with 

Malaysian counterparts. This role 

helped maximise business outcomes for 

Victoria and Malaysia by assisting the 

Malaysian automotive industry increase 

its technical capabilities while giving 

Victorian automotive suppliers access 

to the rapidly growing Malaysian and 

Southeast Asian automotive industry. 

This program generated over 

$8.5 million in new business 

opportunities for Victorian companies. 

Since the completion of the automotive 

supply chain advocate role, ASEA has 

continued its focus on facilitating 

international engagement and 

exploring global opportunities 

across multiple industries. 

ASEA is now working closely with other 

sectors due to the relevance of the 

services and expertise they provide 

across multiple industries, with an 

initial focus on the construction, food 

and transport sectors. This increase in 

interest has been enhanced by ASEA’s 

outstanding business reputation and 

well respected automotive heritage. 

ASEA is proud of what they have 

achieved over the past financial year, 

and look forward to helping companies 

succeed and grow until the expiration 

of their funding. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLIER 14 

EXCELLENCE AUSTRALIA /15 

MAXIMISING BUSINESS OUTCOMES 

FOR VICTORIA AND MALAYSIA 

AUTO ADVOCATE 

14/15 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

COMPANIES 

38 

ASSISTED 

COMPANIES ASSISTED 

THAT WORK IN MORE 

THAN ONE SECTOR 

35 

503 

MEETINGS 

FACILITATED 

COMPANIES 

ASSISTED 

42 

REQUESTS FOR 

QUOTATION RECEIVED 

BY VIC. COMPANIES 

81 

AEROSPACE, APPLIANCE, CHEMICAL, CLEAN-TECH, COMPOSITES, 

CONSTRUCTION, DEFENSE, ELECTRONIC, FOOD, FOUNDRY, GLASS, 

MACHINE TOOL, MARINE, MEDICAL, MINING, PACKAGING, PAINT, 

PLASTIC, RAIL, RESOURCE, RUBBER, TRANSPORT AND TEXTILE. 

ASSESSMENTS 

COMPLETED 

300 

42 

YTD 

PROJECTS 

COMPLETED 

INTERNATIONAL 

SPEAKING 

ENGAGEMENTS 

8 

23 

SECTORS REACHED 

THROUGH THE 

ASEA PROGRAM 

6 

BUSINESS 

EVENTS RUN 

4 

MAJOR BUSINESS 

NETWORKING EVENTS 

ORGANISED 

1 IN MALAYSIA & 3 IN AUSTRALIA 

FUNDED BY: 

International 

showcase: 

25 

Victorian 

companies 

attended 

25 

Malaysian 

companies 

attended

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE DIVISION 

Precision Components’ 

road to diversification 

Precision Components is a leading Australian specialist in the development, 

manufacture and supply of specialised press metal, fabricated components and 

assembly solutions across a wide range of industries. Like many manufacturers 

supplying the Australian automotive industry, Precision Components has had to 

evolve to survive and find new revenue streams. 

In 2007, Precision set about reinventing itself, investing heavily in automation, 

large stamping capacity and management development. It was during this 

transformational period, that Precision began working with ASEA on a number 

of improvement projects. Initially, projects focused on developing internal 

capabilities including; purchasing and logistics, human resources and upskilling 

the workforce. As the organisational platform for growth improved, ASEA’s 

support shifted to the development of Precision’s external capabilities, 

including marketing and diversification projects. 

>> Business improvement journey 

from internal efficiency to new 

markets 

>> Ongoing investment in 

automation and skills 

>> Dedicated team for identifying 

diversification opportunities 

The road to diversification 

One of the outcomes of the ASEA program was Precision’s decision to dedicate 

four employees to assess a whole range of diversification opportunities based 

on key competencies. As a result, the company is now working on a number 

of priority projects including Heliostats SA. 

Heliostats are mirrors that track and reflect the sun’s thermal energy onto a 

central receiver – the energy is then converted into electricity. Heliostats and 

their high-tech components are fabricated using laser mapping and steel 

cutting technology. 

Precision’s diversification team identified an opportunity to reposition the 

company as an advanced manufacturer of heliostats using the skills developed 

in the automotive industry. “As we learnt about heliostats and the concentrated 

solar power market, we decided that there was enough in it to start a business 

– Heliostat SA was born,” says Managing Director Darrin Spinks. Precision 

Components now finds itself collaborating with leading Australian research 

organisations including the University of South Australia and CSIRO and has 

its first export order to Japan. 

Through his experiences Darrin acknowledges the difficulties companies are 

facing. “What’s become clear is that many other organisations in the automotive 

sector are battling the same issues that we are facing, particularly maintaining 

morale and performance over the next two years as the automotive business 

winds-up.” 

“ASEA helped us align our 

existing skills and capabilities 

with potential new markets 

where we could be competitive. 

Across the business, we’re now 

seeing the disciplines gained 

through our days in automotive 

being transferred into totally 

new segments.” 

By partnering with ASEA, Precision has been able to focus on project 

preparation and their people are ready for new, non-automotive activities. 

Precision has successfully completed seven improvement projects with ASEA’s 

support and direction and the company is focused and well on the way to a 

successful diversified future. 

CSIRO’s Solar thermal test facility in Newcastle Australia. Photo courtesy of CSIRO. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


IXL – A shift in mindset leads to 

new products and opportunities 

IXL is a company that recognises the need to innovate to remain viable and relevant. 

Having been in business since 1858 they have achieved a good track record and the 

ability to learn and relearn is an integral part of the organisation’s DNA. 

Like many other automotive companies, IXL is firmly focused on new business 

opportunities. For CEO, Bernard Brussow, the big question was, “how do we connect 

the company’s existing capabilities with the needs identified in new markets?” 

“In the past, our route to market has been very well defined – and that’s where 

the gap exists. The new challenges centre on redefining the channels to market. 

ASEA has helped us to review the whole commercial process of understanding 

the broader marketplace, specific business opportunities, and the best way to 

access decision makers... The ASEA diversification diagnostic was just one of the 

tools that helped us shift from an introspective view to more of an external view.” 

For IXL, diversification required more than just a new approach to marketing 

– it required a fundamental change of corporate culture and capabilities. 

Success demanded a shift from a volume-based process engineering philosophy, 

to a solutions-driven mindset. 

>>Strong focus on new products 

and new markets 

>>Creative thinking reveals new 

opportunities 

>>Change in corporate culture 

and capabilities supports 

diversification 

“The ASEA sessions really 

served as a catalyst for 

the development of IXL’s 

diversification strategies into 

new areas like solar frames.” 

ASEA facilitated the transformation process by involving non-automotive 

‘right-brained’ creative experts familiar with unconventional automotive and 

manufacturing environments. This creative thought process enabled IXL to 

identify a whole new way of doing business, revealing many different and new 

opportunities in the market. 

In addition, IXL identified the need for sales engineers, marketing people, and 

digital brand experts to help transition the organisation and enable diversification 

– all while still running at full capacity every day producing quality components 

for the motor companies. This allowed ASEA to introduce new ideas while 

using real-life situations as case studies; so IXL not only gained knowledge and 

capability within new value chains, but also credibility in executing and delivering 

in non-automotive sectors like solar. 

IXL Solar is the newest operating company in the IXL Group, and embodies the 

‘can-do’ spirit of the company. IXL now manufactures, assembles and supplies 

galvanised steel framing systems for Photo Voltaic (PV) panels using latest roll 

forming and assembly techniques. 

In a very short space of time, IXL Solar has become a market leader with a proven 

capability to research, develop, manufacture and deliver racking systems to some 

of the largest utility-scale solar PV farms in the world. 

Bernard adds, “the ASEA sessions really served as a catalyst for the development 

of IXL’s diversification strategies into new areas like solar frames.” 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 


Venture outside your comfort zone 

Venture DMG is one of the largest plastics companies in Australia and part of 

a large global group of companies with operations in Australia, China, India, 

Malaysia, South Africa, USA, Mexico and Europe. Venture’s Australian client base 

was historically dominated by Ford, Toyota, and Holden and they have recently 

streamlined local manufacturing operations from five facilities down to three. 

The company is well positioned for growth, having made substantial investments 

in capital equipment over the past few years. Venture’s facilities include over 100 

injection moulding machines, body coordinated paint lines, chrome plating plants, 

hydrographic plants, state-of-the-art assembly, welding and bonding facilities. 

Diversification Strategy 

Venture has been working on global diversification for a number of years now and 

with the help of ASEA has completed a range of strategic projects. 

Venture Australia worked with ASEA to successfully complete a number of 

strategic projects over recent years. Projects initially focused on internal 

efficiencies including LEAN management, material flow, continuous improvement 

and more recently to strategic planning and diversification. 

Though it was clear that Venture had great engineering and design skills, they 

were less confident in how and who to sell to. Venture took their concerns to 

ASEA who worked with them to determine a new future direction. This involved 

performing a ‘Business Diversification Diagnostic’ and helping them through 

business mentoring and skill development in areas such as: 

>>Initial Internal efficiency 

improvement to support 

diversification strategy 

>> Deep understanding of 

company’s competencies 

>>Identification of effective paths 

to market 

“We have a product that we 

believe has potential – we can 

manufacture it locally and 

competitively, and believe it 

will be successful internationally. 

So we sat down with ASEA 

and told them what we are 

looking for and within two 

weeks the consultant came 

back with a scope.” 

>> Diversification product planning >> Lobbying and policy 

>> Target client and supply studies >> Technology evaluations 

With ASEA’s support, Venture’s commitment to change resulted in the development 

of the company’s strategic goals and business plan. Venture is now pursuing a 

number of exciting business opportunities including Supercart and ISG Engineering. 

Supercart 

Supercart is a product that can be manufactured locally and very competitively. 

ASEA supported Venture by conducting external reviews and evaluating supply 

and demand. This included assessments of available products, understanding 

customer requirements, and creating compelling value propositions. ASEA even 

connected Venture executives with decision makers in relevant markets to ensure 

a successful outcome. 

ISG Engineering 

ISG Engineering is focused on metal fabrication and composite aluminium 

fabrication work for industrial and commercial building and infrastructure 

projects. AutoCRC assisted ISG with a plan to broaden and expand its services 

and product offerings allowing the company to establish a wider customer base. 

Through AutoCRC and the Victorian Government, Venture also opened a JV business 

in Malaysia. Dean Lomas, Managing Director points out, “while the product is 

manufactured in other parts of the world, the engineers are based here in Australia. 

This set up mirrors the business model now used across many industries.” 

Venture’s initial concerns about repositioning the company and getting their 

people to think differently were quickly displaced. ASEA had the right consultants, 

tools, and experience to fast-track the repositioning process. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> International

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

INTERNATIONAL 

Our International Activities 

GERMANY 

>> Three student internships in Germany 

>> Won the Connecting Australian 

European Science and Innovation 

Excellence Grant 2015 

JAPAN 

>> NHK R&D program 

CHINA 

>> Australian automotive export marketing 

centre at Chery Engineering Centre 

USA 

>> GM R&D investment 

>> International battery manufacture 

steering group 

INDIA 

>> R&D and manufacturing 

investment with SMR Australia 

THAILAND 

>> Partnership with SAMMITR 

>> Manufacturing associations discussions 

on trade opportunities 

MALAYSIA 

>> 12 month automotive advocate program 

>> Australian automotive showcase 

>> International battery manufacture 

steering group 

>> Collaborative research centre with MAI 

>> Automotive supplier excellence program 

with MAI 

>> Business matching activities 

>> Joint announcement by Malaysian and 

Victorian Ministers 

>> Malaysia-Australia joint trade council 

>> 15 Malaysian R&D projects 

SOUTH EAST 

ASIA REGION 

>> Market Intelligence and 

Technology Assessment 2025 

>> Survey for energy efficient 

product uptake 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> Our People

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

AutoCRC is a not-for-profit company and is 

overseen by a seven member board comprising 

of four independent directors and three directors 

representing current participants. 

Barry Comben OAM 

Board Member (Independent) 

Barry has more than 50 years’ corporate experience 

in the Australian Automotive Industry. Currently he is 

a member of the Federation of Automotive Products 

Manufacturers (FAPM) Industry Advisory Committee, 

and a member of the Automotive and Manufacturing 

Advisory Board of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. 

James Nicholson 

Board Member 

James has over 20 years’ experience in the 

automotive components industry and is also a 

member of the Mawson Institute Advisory Board. 

He is currently the Vice President of engineering 

(South Asia) at SMR Automotive Australia Pty Ltd. 

Madani Sahari 

Board Member 

Madani has 18 years’ experience as an engineer 

and manager in manufacturing companies and is 

currently the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia 

Automotive Institute. 

Steve Payne 

Chairman (Independent) 

Steve has 30 years’ experience in the Australian 

public service including an appointment as head 

of the manufacturing division of the Department 

of Innovation, Industry Science and Research. 

He was appointed Chairman of AutoCRC on 

22 November 2012. 

Bruce Porter 


Bruce has over 40 years’ of financial reporting, 

accounting, assurance and corporate governance 

experience. He is currently a director and chairs the 

Audit and Risk Committee of Guide Dogs Victoria, and 

is a Director and chairs the Investment Committee 

and Audit Committee of Holmesglen Institute. 

Prof Judy Raper 

Board Member 

Judy has 17 years’ experience in academic 

leadership positions in Australia and the USA, 

and over 30 years involvement in international 

particle research. She is currently the Deputy 

Vice Chancellor (research and innovation) at the 

University of Wollongong. 

Richard Tamba 


Richard has over 30 years’ experience in the 

automotive industry designing, developing and 

testing technology through to production and he 

is the author of over 50 patents. He is the founder 

of BRT Corporation where he holds the position of 

Chief Executive Officer. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

LEADERSHIP TEAM 

Day-to-day operations are managed by the 

AutoCRC leadership team, each of which has 

extensive experience in their area of expertise. 

Dr Gary White 

Research Director 

Gary was part of the original AutoCRC bid team 

in 2003, and officially joined AutoCRC in 2006. 

Gary has over 30 years’ experience in the 

automotive industry, managing research and 

development, and production activities. 

Ian Christensen 

Chief Executive Officer 

Ian has more than 30 years’ experience in the 

manufacturing industry ranging from automotive, 

paper, polymers, silicone products and fine 

chemicals. Ian joined AutoCRC in 2010 and was 

promoted to Chief Executive Officer in January 

2014. He is also leading the bid for an Intelligent 

Transport CRC (iMOVE CRC). 

Oxana Jovcic 

Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary 

Oxana joined AutoCRC in January 2011 and has 

over 20 years’ financial experience in various 

sectors, ranging from large corporations, private 

and not-for-profits. She also manages the Human 

Resources function at AutoCRC. 

Jacqueline King 

Communications & Marketing Manager 

Jacqueline joined AutoCRC in 2010 and has 20 

years’ experience working in a variety of industries 

in the UK and Australia, including recruitment, 

education, telecommunications and automotive. 

She also manages the information technology 

function at AutoCRC. 

Linsey Siede 

ASEA & Regional Development Director 

Linsey joined the ASEA division of AutoCRC in 

2007. He has almost 40 years’ experience in the 

automotive industry and has held a broad range of 

executive and director roles in both Australian and 

overseas companies. 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> Communications

EVENT 

HIGHLIGHTS 

14/15 

THE CARS OF TOMORROW IN CALIFORNIA 

– GOOD ENOUGH TO MEET THE 2050 

CLIMATE TARGETS? 

John Boesel, President and CEO at CALSTART (USA) 

speaking at The Cars of Tomorrow Conference 2015 

– The Car in our Future Mobility 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

91 

% OVERALL EVENT 

11 

SATISFACTION 

STAGED 

EVENTS 

PARTICIPATED 

AT EVENTS 

11 

SPOKE AT 

INDUSTRY EVENTS 

25 

FUTURE MOBILITY – RETHINKING HOW 

WE MOVE PEOPLE AND GOODS 

Phil Gott, Senior Director at Long Range Planning, 

IHS Automotive speaking at The Cars of Tomorrow 

Conference 2015 – The Car in our Future Mobility 

“I WOULD LIKE TO 

PROPOSE THAT 

THE CARS OF 

TOMORROW 2015 

CONFERENCE WAS 

THE BEST EVER.” 

“EXCELLENT MIX 

OF SPEAKERS 

AND A VERY WELL 

ORGANISED EVENT 

TO PLANT THE 

SEED OF CHANGE 

IN AUSTRALIA!” 

“THANK YOU FOR 

YOUR HOSPITALITY 

AT YESTERDAY’S 

ASEA FORUM. 

IT WAS VERY 

INFORMATIVE AND 

WORTHWHILE.” 

FUTURE FUELS AND TECHNOLOGY: 

LIKELY SCENARIOS AND TIME LINES 

Tali Trigg, Transport Energy Analyst at International 

Energy Agency (France) speaking at The Cars of Tomorrow 

Conference 2015 – The Car in our Future Mobility 

2014 SAE-A MOBILITY ENGINEERING 

EXCELLENCE AWARD 

Gold award presented to VPAC Innovations for AutoCRC 

supported vMOULD project

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

WEBSITE 

HIGHLIGHTS 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

CONNECTIONS 

13,746 

SITE 

VISITS 

33,528 

PAGE 

VIEWS 

NEW VS RETURNING 

VISITORS 

NEW - 10,306 

RETURNING 

- 3,440 

DESTINATIONS 

AUSTRALIA - 53.68% 

U.S. - 10.05% 

INDIA - 4.01% 

BRAZIL - 2.15% 

PORTUGAL - 2.15% 

CHINA - 2.04% 

MALAYSIA - 2.04% 

GERMANY - 1.88% 

U.K. - 1.31% 

90% 

44% 

360% 

INCREASE NEW 

FOLLOWERS 

INCREASE NEW 

FOLLOWERS 

INCREASE NEW 

FOLLOWERS 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

>> Financials

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

The accompanying financial 

statements are prepared 

in accordance with the 

Corporations Act 2001. 

STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS 

AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015 

Revenue 

2015 2014 

$ $ 

Revenue 12,483,226 12,341,593 

Other income 351,911 435,928 

Total Revenue 12,835,137 12,777,521 

Expenses 

Research and Development Expenditure 9,753,730 7,499,616 

Education Program 129,312 184,998 

Consulting and Legal Fees 110,091 95,513 

Recruitment Fees and Temporary Staff 25,349 – 

Employee Benefits Expense 2,146,302 1,974,639 

Director Fees and Training 162,458 172,846 

General Administration 500,602 524,617 

Travel/Accommodation 318,794 247,864 

Marketing/Website 47,053 39,872 

Depreciation and Amortisation Expense 22,736 22,755 

Bad and Doubtful Debts Expense/(Write Back) (13,920) 13,920 

Strategic Planning 43,776 57,163 

Total Expenses 13,246,283 10,833,803 

(Loss)/Gain from Operating Activities before Income Tax (411,146) 1,943,718 

Income Tax Benefit Relating to Operating Activities – – 

Net (Loss)/Income for the year (411,146) 1,943,718 

Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax – – 

Total Comprehensive Income (411,146) 1,943,718 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

AS AT 30 JUNE 2015 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2015 


$ $ 

ASSETS 

Current Assets 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 5,488,889 3,669,866 

Trade Receivables 2,111,953 1,312,209 

Other Financial Assets 5,000,000 800,000 

Other Assets 222,555 285,880 

Total Current Assets 12,823,397 6,067,955 

Non-Current Assets 

Other Financial Assets – 5,000,000 

Property, Plant and Equipment 58,550 70,458 


Inflows/ 

Inflows/ 

(Outflows) 

(Outflows) 

$ $ 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Grants Received from the Commonwealth 7,175,000 2,294,000 

Participants Contributions Received 6,697,780 5,006,198 

Interest Received 279,966 176,065 

Income Tax Refund Received – 58,920 

Payments to Suppliers and Employees (13,172,835) (11,312,363) 

GST Received/(Paid) 49,940 (300,677) 

Net Cash Provided by/(Used In) Operating Activities 1,029,851 (4,077,857) 

Total Non-Current Assets 58,550 5,070,458 

Total Assets 12,881,947 11,138,413 

LIABILITIES 

Current Liabilities 

Trade and Other Payables 3,314,810 2,455,796 

Provisions 144,127 153,904 

Cash Contributions Received in Advance 7,665,005 6,427,265 

Total Current Liabilities 11,123,942 9,036,965 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities 

Payment for Property, Plant and Equipment (10,828) (84,755) 

Proceeds From Long Term Deposits 800,000 – 

Payments to Acquire Long Term Deposits – (5,800,000) 

Net cash provided by/(used in) Investing Activities 789,172 (5,884,755) 

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 1,819,023 (9,962,612) 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of the Year 3,669,866 13,632,478 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of the Year 5,488,889 3,669,866 

Non-Current Liabilities 

Provisions 67,703 – 

Total Non-Current Liabilities 67,703 – 

Total Liabilities 11,191,645 9,036,965 

Net Assets 1,690,302 2,101,448 

EQUITY 

Share Capital – – 

Retained Earnings 1,690,302 2,101,448 

Total Equity 1,690,302 2,101,448 



CRC PARTICIPANTS 

Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec 

60 >>> ACCELERATING INTO THE FUTURE

autocrc.com enquiries@autocrc.com +61 3 9948 0450

Final Annual Report 2015 for WEB

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?