News

New and returning committee representatives have been announced following Council elections recently The 4WD Industry Council recently opened nominations for its committee, with the Council buoyed by the high level of interest received from members seeking to help shape the future of the industry.  The Council is pleased to be able to congratulate the following … Read more

Following representation by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), Transport for NSW has now withdrawn the GVM upgrade changes outlined in Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS) Notice 17. VSCCS Notice 17 dated 20 April, 2020, suggested that there was a change to NSW rules that limited post-registration GVM upgrades to the vehicle’s axle mass … Read more

Following lengthy consultation, the updated guidelines from Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) for re-rating GVM for QLD’s in-service vehicles are now finalised. AAAA members have provided valuable input throughout the process and we expect that the updated LS 11 code and newly created LS 15 code will provide clear, sensible guidelines for industry … Read more

The NSW Government has amended the Road Transport Act – Vehicle Frontal Protection Systems (VFPS) in a positive move supported by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Manufacturers, suppliers and fitters of Bull Bars, Roo Bars and Nudge Bars in NSW must comply with the new “Technical Specification: Requirements for Vehicle Frontal Protection Systems fitted to … Read more

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association welcomes an updated Circular to Industry (CI) issued by the Western Australian Department of Transport (WA DoT) for manufacturers, suppliers and fitters of Bull Bars, Roo Bars and Nudge Bars. The new CI has revised the standard around safety requirements applying to the design, specification and fitment of Vehicle Frontal … Read more

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

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

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

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

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