News

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

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

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