February 14, 2019 - GCM Technical Working Group

When the Federal Government released its Circular to Industry regarding GVM upgrades and re-rating of GCM in June 2018, the response from industry was immediate, passionate, and divided into two camps – with several AAAA and 4WD IC members voicing their concerns over the statement whilst others expressed their vehement support. It became clear not … Read more

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February 14, 2019 / Comments Off on GCM Technical Working Group

February 1, 2019 - A Win For ‘Tradie Racks’ – NSW

Tradie Racks, also known as “ladder racks” and “H-Bars”, are necessary for tradesmen to safely stack equipment and materials above their vehicle. Following reports late last year of NSW Police defecting vehicles fitted with ladder racks, AAAA launched into negotiation with NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) in support of rack manufacturers and suppliers fitting … Read more

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February 1, 2019 / Comments Off on A Win For ‘Tradie Racks’ – NSW

November 15, 2018 - The “Truth About Vehicle Modifications” Brochure is ready!

AAAA’s exciting new “Truth About Vehicle Modifications” is ready for delivery. This workshop guide was created in response to the common concern that certain marketing claims regarding vehicle modifications and warranties intentionally misleads motorists and tries to restrict their freedom of choice.  The fact is modifying a vehicle does not, in itself, automatically void a … Read more

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November 15, 2018 / Comments Off on The “Truth About Vehicle Modifications” Brochure is ready!

October 30, 2018 - Queensland Vehicle lift modification

The Queensland Government has announced that Vehicle lift modification laws have been changed in Queensland to “create greater consistency for 4WD motorists”. Effectively the approved lift limit for vehicles with electronic stability control (ESC) has increased from 50mm to 75mm without certification. We have welcomed these regulatory changes.  These changes will give peace of mind to … Read more

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October 30, 2018 / Comments Off on Queensland Vehicle lift modification

October 10, 2018 - UPDATE: Industry GCM Forum

On Thursday 4 October representatives of the industry gathered to discuss the recent national GCM clarification. A range of concerns were expressed regarding GCM upgrades on all sides. Currently there is no agreed test and no clear approval process, however it was agreed that if industry felt that there is demand for collective action to … Read more

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October 10, 2018 / Comments Off on UPDATE: Industry GCM Forum

September 13, 2018 - The AAAA Clarifies the Current Situation Regarding the Gross Combined Mass Re-Rating of Vehicles

Following on from industry dialogue and media activity over recent weeks, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) seeks to clarify the current situation in relation to the practice of re-rating the Gross Combined Mass (GCM) or towing capacity of vehicles. A number of AAAA member companies operate as Second Stage Manufacturers for the purposes of … Read more

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September 13, 2018 / Comments Off on The AAAA Clarifies the Current Situation Regarding the Gross Combined Mass Re-Rating of Vehicles

September 12, 2018 - Queensland 4WD Vehicle Modification Laws in Disarray

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the nation’s peak body representing the 4WD modification industry, expresses serious concern over a major enforcement action taken by the Queensland Government last week. Titled “Operation Lift”, the Queensland Police were instructed to fine, issue Defect Notices and impound modified 4WD vehicles based on recently changed Queensland laws, which … Read more

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September 12, 2018 / Comments Off on Queensland 4WD Vehicle Modification Laws in Disarray

August 23, 2018 - AAAA & CIAA Clarify Current 4WD Upgrade Rule Status

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the nation’s peak body for the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, along with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), the peak national body for the caravanning and camping industry, wish to clarify the situation relating to proposed 4WD law changes in Queensland which has … Read more

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August 23, 2018 / Comments Off on AAAA & CIAA Clarify Current 4WD Upgrade Rule Status

August 7, 2018 - Aftermarket Industry Driving Forward OE Innovation

In this special feature, the AAAA’s 4WD Industry Council takes a look at how the aftermarket industry plays an important role in the supply of OE products. It is no secret that there are some negative perceptions abounding in the marketplace about 4WD modifications, particularly within regulatory bodies. “The myths around ‘genuine’ accessories and their … Read more

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August 7, 2018 / Comments Off on Aftermarket Industry Driving Forward OE Innovation

April 20, 2018 - DPFS: Deleting is not an option

In this article, the AAAA takes a look at Diesel Particulate Filters in the face of reports of customer requests to ‘delete’ or remove this emission control system from vehicles Over the past year, there has been a rumbling within the automotive industry; a murmured discussion between technicians wanting to do the right thing by … Read more

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April 20, 2018 / Comments Off on DPFS: Deleting is not an option