Diary

Rupert Murdoch made much of his fortune through the sensationalism sold in his tabloid newspapers, but now it is the media mogul himself whose life is being dramatised in a new Australian play.

Created by one of Australia’s most well known playwrights, David Williamson, the cabaret-style show features Murdoch tap-dancing his way through his first acquisitions and sharing a flamenco dance with Britain’s former Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher.

Carmaker Volkswagen has announced it is terminating production of one of its most iconic vehicles – beloved of surfers, hippies and other wandering souls for more than half a century.

The Kombi has been manufactured in Brazil since 1957, but was first launched in Germany in 1950, making it is one of the longest running automobile models in history.

The classic Kombi design no longer meets Brazil's required safety standards, forcing Volkswagen to phase out production of the vehicle, according to a company spokeswoman.

The second-gen chair of JCB – a UK family business synonymous with the yellow diggers it manufacturers – has been appointed a peer of the House of Lords by the British government.

Sir Anthony Bamford, who was knighted for services to business in 1990, is among 30 new peers to join the upper house of the UK parliament.

He was appointed to the role by the UK Conservative party, to which his family and its company has donated a reported £2.5 million (€2.9 million).

Smartphone apps may traditionally have been seen as mediums to purchase music or gifts, but a Saudi Arabian family office has taken mobile commerce to the next level – chartering a private jet in a $500,000 (€381,000) transaction.

Booked through PrivateFly.com, the family office hired a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) – a converted 737, which includes an office, boardroom, lounge, bedroom and two bathrooms.