Fifth Quadrant

📊 October VFACTS: Power Shifts in Australia's Auto Landscape   Jessica Phan brings us this month’s VFACTS results, exploring some of the interesting developments in Australia’s automotive market: 🚘 Toyota RAV4 isn't just leading its segment - it's Australia's best-selling vehicle. This represents a significant shift in Australian buyer preferences, as a medium SUV finally overtakes the Hilux and Ranger, settling in at the top of the market.   💸 Meanwhile, MG's aggressive $10,000 discount on the MG4 tested out whether buyers have really switched off from EVs. The result? A 286% sales surge in October whilst Tesla's seven-month sales decline continues.   Alongside this, we have Chinese brands, new models, and plenty more discounting around the market. Find the full analysis and market implications in the link below 👇

In the November edition of the Fifth Quadrant newsletter, 🎄 James Organ reveals Australians are tightening Christmas gift budgets due to cost-of-living pressures but increasing spending on Boxing Day and New Year sales, driven by younger generations seeking post-holiday bargains. 👫 Melissa Borg highlights the growing gender divide in Australia, where women face greater financial insecurity, heightened cost-of-living pressures, and personal safety concerns compared to men. 🏠 Paj Johnstone explores how Australia's rental market has tightened due to declining listings, increased demand, and limited housing supply, while contrastingly, property sales listings have surged, reflecting varied economic pressures across states. 🚙 Ben Selwyn analyses Australia’s steady new vehicle market in October 2024, highlighting shifts in EV sales, medium SUV dominance, and increased competition driven by pricing strategies and changing consumer preferences. Plus, Get Exclusive Access to the SME Sentiment Tracker and More! #SMETracker #VFACTS #AutoandMobility #SydneyHousingMarket #GenderDivide #ChristmasSpending

In the October edition of the Fifth Quadrant newsletter, Is Google dead? James Organ looks at how AI and social media are transforming search 🚗 Nicholas Rassool explores how self-driving cars could transform transportation by reducing accidents, costs, and emissions. Despite the challenges, their widespread adoption promises significant safety and environmental benefits. 💲 James Organ examines the latest data, showing improving conditions for SMEs, with 27% reporting higher revenue and 35% focusing on expansion. Recruitment is on the rise, though talent shortages and wage pressures remain. While business investment stays cautious, marketing spend is increasing, and optimism is growing as inflation drops and business activity picks up. 🚘 Ben Selwyn reports that in Q3 2024, Australia’s vehicle market experienced a 10% year-on-year decline but remains on track for 1.2 million sales. As brands discount to clear surplus stock, hybrids are leading the shift from petrol and diesel, while Tesla faces increasing competition from other EV manufacturers. The final quarter will determine whether the market can sustain momentum or needs deeper discounts. 📰 The release of the RAI Index 2024 - Download your FREE copy today! Plus, Get Exclusive Access to the SME Sentiment Tracker and More! #ResponsibleAI #RAIIndex2024 #SMETracker #VFACTS #AutoandMobility #AutonomousCars #SelfDrivingCars

🚗✨ Just one week to go until I join Dale Brittain, Ty Osborne, and Kevin Spiteri for this free webinar on how new technologies are reshaping the automotive industry! A bit of imposter syndrome creeping in — I don't think my tech is anywhere near as fancy as what either of the other two are doing. Luckily, I think we're agreed that the important bit is the results we achieve, and the innovative ways we get there. Expect a range of insights, different perspectives, and real-world applications. 🗓 Monday 28 Oct | 12:30 - 1:30 AEDT 🎟 Sign up using the link below! DBC2 Fifth Quadrant #AutomotiveTech #Innovation #Webinar

🌱 As Australia ramps up its renewable energy supply, Angus Mclachlan unpacks three key challenges that are shaping the future of our energy grid: 🍃 Grid firming – Renewable sources like wind and solar lack the physical inertia of traditional energy. Solutions like battery storage, pumped hydro, and green hydrogen are crucial to maintaining stability. ☀ Rooftop solar – Now supplying 11.2% of our electricity, but consumer energy demand is inverse to solar generation peaks. Flexible EV charging systems could help absorb this excess supply. 🔌 EV charging infrastructure – Despite EV growth, only 8% of SMEs with or open to EVs have workplace charging. This is a major gap to fill as we push toward a stable, decarbonised grid. Read more about how these trends and solutions will drive Australia’s energy future by following the link below. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #EVcharging #GridStability

Aussie food preferences are shifting as consumers seek out healthier, sustainable, and flavor-packed choices. In this video, Charlie Ellis identifies three trends impacting the market. 1️⃣ Home cooking boom – 50% of Aussies are cooking more, driving a 25% surge in small kitchen appliance sales. 2️⃣ Bold flavors – Gochujang, Miso, and "Swicy" (spicy-sweet) are taking over kitchens and snacks! 🌶️🍯 3️⃣ Local & sustainable – Indigenous ingredients and local brands like Good & Fugly are thriving. 🌱 Curious? Click the link below to learn more! #FMCG #FoodTrends #Sustainability #BoldFlavors

🚀 As Australia advances into the AI revolution, our latest report - the Australian Responsible AI Index 2024 - sponsored by the National AI Centre, highlights both progress and opportunities for growth in responsible AI practices. 📊 On average, Australian organisations score just 44 out of 100 on responsible AI implementation, with only 12 out of 38 practices adopted. While 78% of organisations agree with Australia’s AI ethics principles, just 29% are putting these into practice. Discover how we can bridge this gap - download the report linked below to find out more! #AI #ResponsibleAI #Leadership #Innovation #AustraliaAI Fifth Quadrant Steve Nuttall Melissa Borg

🔊 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!! The RAI Webinar hosted by the National AI Centre, where we will explore the recently launched Australian Responsible AI Index 2024. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, 25 September Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEST) - 1hr duration Event Contact: National AI Centre - NAIC@csiro.au Download a FREE copy of the report. 📈 Register today ✋ #ResponsibleAI #EthicalAI #NationalAICentre #AISafetyStandard #AustralianResponsibleAI

🔊 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!! The RAI Webinar hosted by the National AI Centre, where we will explore the recently launched Australian Responsible AI Index 2024. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, 25 September Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (AEST) - 1hr duration Event Contact: National AI Centre - NAIC@csiro.au Download a FREE copy of the report. 📈 Register today ✋ #ResponsibleAI #EthicalAI #NationalAICentre #AISafetyStandard #AustralianResponsibleAI

In the September edition of the Fifth Quadrant newsletter, 📰 The release of the RAI Index 2024 - Download your FREE copy today! 🧠 Steve Nuttall delves into how Australian businesses are embracing AI, yet the 2024 Responsible AI Index reveals a gap between awareness and action. Leadership is crucial for driving responsible AI adoption, providing a competitive edge to those who prioritise it. 💰 James Organ explores how SMEs are grappling with declining revenues and weak hiring, yet improved cost management and a boost in pre-Christmas marketing spend reflect cautious optimism. 🚘 Ben Selwyn examines August's VFacts, revealing a 10.6% drop in Australian vehicle sales compared to last year. However, this decline likely signals a return to long-term trends as market dynamics normalise after post-pandemic spikes, rather than a major downturn. 📣 Amelia McVeigh summarises insights from the recent Human Insights Conference, emphasising that the industry’s future hinges on developing young researchers into critical thinkers through age diversity, effective career self-management, responsible AI integration, and robust mentoring relationships. Plus, Get Exclusive Access to the SME Sentiment Tracker and More! #ResponsibleAI #RAIIndex2024 #SMETracker #VFACTS #AutoandMobility #HumanInsights2024