The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
|
JULY / AUGUST 2013 |
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
| |
|
|
|
 The implementation of our recreational vehicle manufacturing accreditation program (RVMAP) is well on schedule with over 75% of our total national manufacturer membership having completed their first inspection/audit. With Victoria almost all done, we are now setting our sights on NSW, Queensland and South Australia. Manufacturer members in those states can expect to soon hear from our technical advisers to arrange their first RVMAP physical inspection/audit. Getting the job done will depend on full co-operation from manufacturer members regarding scheduling, as the technical advisers will be travelling from Melbourne so it is vital that finished vehicles are available on the date agreed.
In addition to the physical inspection process, which will take about two hours, members will be given an easy-to-read folder of information, and the advisers will explain the content of the folder and answer any questions. |
|
________________________________________________
Our new Member Update Meetings (MUMs) got off to a good start in Brisbane this month. These MUMs are designed so I can personally keep members up to date with Association activities, seek feedback and facilitate a members' networking opportunity.
I particularly thank those members who waited patiently following a lengthy delay caused by the recent Virgin Australia system failure. Despite this setback, the meeting generated excellent discussion and feedback. A special thank you to Vehicle Components for sponsoring the event at their Brisbane premises.
We are planning another five of these meetings around the nation over the next 12 months and I am thoroughly looking forward to meeting members and discussing key industry issues. These MUMs complement my one-on-one visits to members at their premises, and I hope you and your staff can attend one of them. Our next two meetings are:
MELBOURNE - NORTHERN SUBURBS
Date: Tuesday, 20 August
Time: 4.30 - 5.30 pm followed by a workshop tour
At: Ford Performance Racing Display Centre, Campbellfield
MELBOURNE - LEISUREFEST
Date: Friday, 4 October
Time: 8.30 - 9. 30 am breakfast meeting
At: Exhibitors' Lounge, Sandown Racecourse
|
 |
public consultation report
|
________________________________________________
Release of the Public Consultation Report on the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 and regulations
As mentioned in last month's edition of InMotion, RVM Australia made a submission on the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) on behalf of the RV manufacturing industry. A key focus for RVM Australia related to the existing "loopholes" at both the national and state/territory levels concerning importation of RVs and the possible role that the Association can play to assist in resolving these matters.
A public consultation report - or "synthesis" report - has now been issued by the Motor Vehicle Standards Act Review Team. While the report does not constitute a review of the legislation or contain recommendations on action to be taken, it will be an important element in the preparation of the Department's advice to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, on a potential need for legislative review.
|
|
_______________________________________________
Getting on with government
With the recent changes in the Federal Cabinet and Ministry of the Rudd Government, and the appointment of the Hon Sharon Bird as Minister for Road Safety, I was delighted to take up the offer to meet with her senior advisors. The Minister's Chief of Staff and representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport took a keen interest in our Motor Vehicle Standards Act (MVSA) submission, and in RVMAP and our concerns with RV importation procedures. They have indicated their keenness to work with RVM Australia, and the Department has undertaken to provide us with important key data.
Although RVM Australia's focus is primarily national, we also enjoy good relations with the state government in Victoria, where so much of our industry is based. Early last month I was pleased to accept an invitation to meet the Victorian Shadow Minister for Manufacturing, Hon Adem Somyurek MP, and to respond to his queries about the RV manufacturing industry. The occasion provided an excellent opportunity to inform the shadow minister about the role of RVM Australia and RVMAP in particular.
|
|
_______________________________________________
RVM Australia wins MPN Grant
I am very pleased to inform members that RVM Australia has been successful in winning grant funds from the Victorian Government, under its Manufacturing Productivity Networks (MPN) program, to undertake an RVMAP automation feasibility project that will look at improving productivity for large, medium and small RV manufacturers by reducing the time spent on the compliance requirements during manufacture.
Announcing the grant recipients on Thursday, 15 August 2013, the Minister for Manufacturing, Hon David Hodgett said that, "The MPN program encourages small to medium enterprises to co-operate in strategic areas of business and exploit opportunities beyond the reach of each individual firm."
RVMAP automation will allow RV manufacturers to better monitor and analyse non-conformances so as to reduce rework and the administrative burden of compliance. The project will commence by the end of August.
A special acknowledgement goes to Mr Simon Mahady, Business Development Officer, Department of State Development, Business and Innovation for his much appreciated assistance throughout the application process.
|
|
____________________________________________
The Association's Annual General Meeting will be held at
3.30 pm on Thursday 17 October 2013 in Melbourne. Further details will be provided closer to the event and I hope to see most of our members in attendance.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
INTRODUCING INMOTION'S PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
| |
We are very pleased to introduce our 2013/14 Principal Sponsor for InMotion, Bainbridge Technologies, and thank them for their support.
We look forward to telling you more about Bainbridge Technologies - one of Australia's leading expert power systems wholesalers - in coming issues of InMotion.
|
|
TECHNICAL
| |
 |
Click here for a facts sheet
|
Melbourne's North Innovation and Investment Fund - Open for applications
The Melbourne's North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) is a $24.5 million competitive, merit-based grants program. Under the MNIIF, eligible projects will focus on encouraging new investment to create new or additional business capacity that results in sustainable jobs. The minimum grant will be $50,000.
The Melbourne north region is defined as the four local government Areas of Hume, Wittlesea, Moreland and Darebin.
The Australian and Victorian governments have established the MNIIF in response to the announcement by Ford Australia that it will cease its vehicle and engine manufacturing operations in Australia from October 2016. Funding over three financial years from 2013-14 to 2015-16 will be provided to the Melbourne North region, as well as the Geelong region, in recognition of the economic and social impact of Ford Australia's announcement on those communities. Read more>
|
|
________________________________________________
Stolen caravan identifiers
Caravanning Queensland has been asked by Queensland Police Service to help them in developing a database of identifying features of the various brands of caravans available in Australia.
This is specifically to assist in identifying caravans which have been 're-birthed' but also to help in the identification of stolen caravans in general.
Over the past month or so, field testing has been underway to develop a document to assist in this project. You will appreciate that it is a massive task to gather comprehensive information so, to hasten this information gathering, RVM Australia members are asked to provide information via a brief online or printed form. Please take a few minutes to:
- submit your form(s) online, click here
- or download a printed version of the form, click here
Where you have two or more totally different models please complete one for each. If they are all the same, regardless of size, only one form needs to be completed.
This is a massive undertaking overall however if every RVM Australia member completes a form for their product/s, it will save a substantial amount of work for those who are trying to assist police in this project which will ultimately assist our industry members.
|
MEMBER UPDATE MEETING - 20 AUGUST 2013 AT 4.30 PM
|
 | |
x
|
Keep informed of RVM Australia's activities, raise issues and provide feedback, and also network with fellow members at our Member Update Meeting.
Our next meeting takes place at the Ford Performance Racing Centre in Campbellfield.
After the meeting you will be given a guided tour of the Ford Performance Racing Display Centre Workshop with V8 Supercar Driver, Alex Davison. You'll take a look at his race car and chat about the season so far. And there will be opportunities for photos and autograph-signing. Click here to RSVP.
|
MEMBER PROFILE OF THE MONTH - LOTUS CARAVANS
| |
 | |
RVM Australia's
technical advisor,
Daniel Sahlberg, with
Wayne Freeman
at Lotus Caravans
|
This month we ask Wayne Freeman about Lotus Caravans' RVMAP experience and expectations.
Now that you have had your first inspection under RVMAP, did it meet your expectations?
As a member I was aware of the program because of several contacts I had with the RVM Australia personnel to explain the new accreditation program, RVMAP. Lotus Caravans has now had its first inspection and it was very thorough. I was impressed that the technical adviser not only wanted to make sure that we were compliant but genuinely wanted us to understand why. It is reassuring that RVM Australia is here to help us understand any new regulations.
Do you believe RVMAP will benefit your production or manufacturing processes?
I believe the RVMAP process will help all members and the public by ensuring manufacturers are aware of any changes or updates, and therefore are fully compliant at all times. The public must become confident with this process and must be made aware of the difference between RVMAP-accredited manufacturers and those that don't comply with the Australian Standards.
Does RVMAP add value to your membership of RVM Australia?
The program adds real value as RVM Australia will become the association to enforce our regulations and, I believe, protect its members and the public by ensuring that consumers have a safe and enjoyable caravanning experience. The public must become comfortable that only vans with the RVM Australia badge are the vans to research, purchase and therefore holiday in. All new manufacturers must be aware that being a member of RVM Australia adds value and public confidence by ensuring they are compliant and legal.
As a result of your RVMAP inspection, do you believe that you are better informed and/or equipped to fulfill your legal responsibilities regarding product compliance?
We passed our inspection with only one change to one model: the regulated height of the licence plate, which we investigated and changed so it now passes the regulation. RVM Australia helped with the process, reporting and investigating after the change. David Duncan even visited and checked out the new option, which he will use with other members as an example of overcoming this problem. I am confident if I need any information regarding standards and regulations that I can ring our association to help with any procedures with the manufacture of our vans. RVM Australia is being proactive with its members, inspecting vans and conducting meetings, and I feel it is genuinely helping its members produce better product.
|
|
|
|
|
RVM AUSTRALIA MEMBERSHIP
|
 With all the changes that have happened at RVM Australia lately, and the big changes ahead as RVMAP and other initiatives are rolled out, now is a good time to consider the benefits of RVM Australia membership.
RVM Australia membership is open to professional and reputable businesses involved in the Australian RV industry.
If you'd like to know more about the benefits of RVM Australia membership, please contact Gabrielle O'Brien by email or tel 03-9815 2015.
|
|
INMOTION ARCHIVE
|
Missed any issues of InMotion?
You can catch up on previous issues of InMotion by visiting our newsletter archive.
Click here to visit our InMotion Newsletter Archive.
|
|
CONTACT US
| |
RVM Australia Ltd
Suite 3, Level 1
21 Burwood Road
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Tel: 03 9815 2015 / Fax: 03 9815 2012
Website: www.rvmaustralia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer - David Duncan
Technical Advisor - Daniel Sahlberg
Technical Advisor - Murray Longe
Manager - Finance & Admin - Gabrielle O'Brien
All information provided in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided for general informational purposes only. The information in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided to you "as is" by RVM Australia in good faith and has been derived from sources believed by RVM Australia to be reliable and accurate at the time of providing it. However, information can change rapidly and it is not possible to guarantee that all items will be accurate at all times. RVM Australia does not warrant that the information contained in the eNewsletter is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your intended use.
|
|
|
