Q: G’day Grahame. Thanks for meeting with us. What is the AAAA about, and what benefits does it bring to both its members, and vehicle owners?
The AAAA is a national organisation, focussed on promoting the present and the future of the automotive aftermarket Industry.
We formulate an industry response to growing regulatory restrictions on the modification of vehicles. To strengthen our representation, the AAAA has formed two specialist Councils … the Performance, Racing and Tuning Council and the Australian 4WD Industry Council.
These Councils bring together specialists in the relevant product areas to address industry concerns.
For consumers, the benefit is that they have a professional Industry Association, prepared to promote safe vehicle modification and respond to threats by interest groups and others who would unreasonably attempt to restrict vehicle modification. The AAAA/PRTC/4WD Councils bring to the table, specialists and experienced people to speak on behalf of consumers and business … to minimise the chance of unforeseen consequences of regulation affecting vehicles.
Not only do these Councils respond, but they initiate pertinent matters. For example, the Choice of Repairer Campaign is aimed squarely at allowing consumers to choose who repairs their vehicle and with the parts of their choice … If consumers are to exercise that choice the independent aftermarket service and supply sector must have access to the specifications, diagnostic and service information and tools to complete the task.
With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles this will be increasingly important for the future of consumer choice of repairer and the independent aftermarket industry.
Q: The 4WD Council was launched in 2006. What is the role of the 4WD Council, and what functions does it perform.
The Australian 4WD Industry Council has a specific focus on 4WD issues. It is governed and directed by a committee elected from the 4WD Council membership. My role in the committee is to coordinate the actions arising from committee decisions and do the admin stuff. Where the AAAA is involved in 4WD matters – the 4WD Council takes the lead.
Q: Late last year, there was lot of discussion among 4WD clubs and online about the NSW VSI 50 Suspension Policy, regarding vehicle suspension system modification and ride-heights. What is the policy and the nature of the situation about, and where are we up to now regarding regulation on such mods?
The VSI 50 was created to improve safety for road users. However it was drafted without consultation with stakeholders – (industry and users). The July 2009 VSI was unreasonable in its restrictions and after strong community response and representation to the Minister for Transport by the Industry and 4WD NSW/ACT, a working party was formed.
The AAAA/4WD Council, MTA and 4WD NSW/ACT combined to work through the original VSI 50 of July 2009 to a most recent draft which allows modification of vehicle suspension, with significantly less restrictions than the original document, indeed would permit the most common vehicle height variation (+/- 50mm) to remain as owner-certified. The working party has not yet completed the review process, with a couple of outstanding matters to be agreed upon. The AAAA understands that there will always be some who want more, but the negotiating direction has always been to gain the greatest benefit for the majority.
Q: Currently, the Federal Government is considering regulations which will significantly affect the type of bull bars that can be fitted to motor vehicles. What are some of the specifics of these regulations, and how is the 4WD Industry Council involved?
The Federal Government is presently considering adopting European regulations that relate to the frontal design and safety performance of motor vehicles. It is the belief of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Industry that it will not be possible to develop bull bars that will meet this European standard. Therefore, full adoption of the standard is likely to lead to bull bars being effectively regulated out of existence which will have a knock on effect for other bumper mounted accessories such as winches and driving lights.
Given the unique nature of Australian roads and conditions, it is the industry's belief that the European regulations are inappropriate for this country.
The Australian 4WD Industry Council is preparing submissions on this subject, and is collecting data on vehicle usage. At present, by completing a short survey, you will be able to provide us with invaluable information on your experience as an Australian motorist.
For every completed survey, the 4WD Industry will be donating $1 to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, to a maximum of $20,000.
(Editing note: Since my meet with Grahame, the Federal Government has made the decision to withdraw the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on Pedestrian Safety on the basis that the proposal was not suitable for Australian conditions. Special thanks to the AAAA and the 4WD Council for their lobby efforts, as well as many other industry stakeholders..... Well done guys!)
Q: What's your ride? Have you made any changes or modifications to it? Do you have any plans for other mods in the future?
It may surprise you, but my current stress-release ride is a 1962 Morris Minor 1000. I guess that emphasises that the Industry’s representatives are the ones who drive the 4WD Council. That said – I have a keen interest in things 4WD and spent many years in New Guinea, where 4WDing was every day! And if you weren’t travelling by 4x4, you were on a motor bike!
Q: No expense spared, what is your 'dream' 4WD?
Looking to my retirement in the next couple of years, I have my eye on something like a Prado GXL, diesel powered – With the sales history and the good reports on the vehicle – very high on my interest level.
Q: What off-road destination would you love to go?
I’d like to get to the Cape – and if I have anything to do with it, I will!
Q: What is your favourite beer?
A nice RED in a relaxing situation!
Q: What is the best part about your work with the AAAA and the 4WD Council.
I enjoy dealing with real people and real situations. The way in which this Industry can pull together when required to combat unreasonable issues … that is exciting to see --- in the marketplace they are competitors, but when Industry wide matters are seriously at stake – they are the strength of the AAAA/4WD Council/PRTC
Q: What other things are you interested in? (sports, hobbies, music - anything?)
My favourite stress relief (and isn’t that what hobbies and holidays are about) … is travelling our great country. An early morning departure brings the best of the day to your windscreen. I also have a keen interest in photography, and getting out is the best way to find subjects.
Q: For people and entities that work in the 4WD Industry or otherwise general automotive industry, how do they go about becoming members and getting involved?
If you are in business in the automotive aftermarket industry, then drop me an email and I will be happy to talk with you about the AAAA and the sector specific Councils. Your readers could check out the AAAA Web site: www.aaaa.com.au and if you have a 4WD issue – register it on the Issues Register (www.4wdcouncil.com.au)
Cheers! Grahame McCraw gmccraw@aaaa.com.au
Thanks Grahame!
Cheers! Kirk.
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