The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
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OCT / NOV 2013 |
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
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In last month's InMotion we announced we expected to complete the first round of RVMAP in September, and I am pleased to inform you that we met our deadline and have since completed our internal review that received the RVM Australia board's endorsement at its October meeting.
The second round is about to get underway, and members can expect a call from national office very soon to arrange a site visit to undertake their vehicle inspections. On this occasion our technical advisors will be inspecting the different vehicle types and conducting desktop audits.
I request that manufacturers ensure their vehicles are ready when the visit is scheduled. Should that not be the case, we will need to arrange another visit that may result in an additional cost to the manufacturer.
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Members' MUM at Leisurefest
It was very pleasing to see more than 25 members at our most recent Member Update Meet (MUM) during Melbourne Leisurefest. RVM Australia directors Terry Steel and Mark Palmarini joined me in a meeting that generated considerable discussion covering RVMAP, show compliance services provided by RVM Australia at Leisurefest, and suggestions on the future direction of the Association. The high level of passion and support that members have for their Association was evident.
Special thanks to OzCharge for sponsoring the breakfast meeting.
Our next MUM is scheduled to coincide with SA Caravan & Camping Show at Adelaide in February.
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Following an all day meeting of the RVM Australia board on 17 October 2013, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association was held at the Quality Hotel, Tullamarine. Members in attendance were provided with comprehensive reports from Chairman Ben Binns, Finance & Administration Manager Gabrielle O'Brien and myself.
As the AGM marked the end of the transitional year of RVM Australia which accounted for a 15 month period, there was much for members to hear about during the report presentations, including a governance review which resulted in the incorporation of RVM Australia and the introduction of our new branding and badge, a major product compliance review which resulted in RVMAP and its launch by the Federal Minister for Road Safety.
Other highlights included securing a Victorian Government grant for a feasibility study into developing an RVMAP automation tool to pursue productivity improvements for RV manufacturers. We also achieved endorsement of the Association's three-year strategic plan; met Federal Ministers and their shadow counterparts to advocate for a 'level playing field' for Australian RV manufacturers and RV importers alike; and were represented on key Government committees. Importantly, we have kept members informed of what's happening through the introduction of InMotion and our regular MUMs.
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A final issue for this month: during visits to shows it is evident that some manufacturers are not affixing the RVM Australia Accredited badge to all of their vehicles. This is a clear breach of membership and RVMAP. Accordingly, I request members to ensure that they do not allow any vehicle to leave their premises without the badge affixed, preferably adjacent to the door.
I remind members that merchandise sales are RVM Australia's principal source of income, and every vehicle that is sold without a badge reduces our ability to provide the membership with quality services, such as RVMAP and advocacy. It is also unfair on those members that regularly purchase the commensurate number of badges to their production compared to those that do not.
I look forward to members' support in this matter.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
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TECHNICAL
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Members' workshops will be held
in the first week of December
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Preparing for new gas regulations
In readiness for adoption of the new gas regulations, members will receive a summary of key changes between the 2013 edition and the previous 2010 and 2004 editions within coming days.
In the first week of December, RVM Australia will host information workshops presented by Energy Safe Victoria and the Victorian Building Authority (formerly PIC). The workshops will be held in north and south-east regions of Melbourne.
For further information, please contact RVM Australia's Technical Advisors.
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Registration failures due to to rear number plate position
RVM Australia has been informed that registration authorities in Western Australia are presently rejecting the registration of vehicles with excessive height of the rear number plate. It is presumed that the other states will soon follow suit.
We wish to inform members that compliance to this regulation will be an important focus in the second cycle of RVMAP inspections commencing in coming weeks.
As explained in our previous Technical Alert (No 3 - June 2013), the positioning of number plates on vehicles when designing and building products is spelt out in Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB 1) and Australian Design Rule (ADR) 61/02. Click here to view the latest Technical Alert on this issue.
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Member access to Australian Standards for $295 per annum
We recognise that it is essential for manufacturers and their suppliers to have access to the latest version of all applicable Australian Standards on their premises.
The current cost of purchasing the 30-plus publications relevant to the manufacture of RVs from SAI Global is in excess of $5,000. The latest gas regulations alone cost more than $400.
As part of our commitment to helping members achieve full compliance to all relevant standards, we are partnering with SAI Global to provide access to the latest version of these documents at an affordable price. Members would be able to access all relevant Australian Standards - including the very latest updates and amendments - in a read-only format for only $295 per annum plus GST (half the cost of the gas regulations alone). Read more.
NOTE: This initiative can only proceed if there is sufficient commitment from members. Click here to indicate your interest by Friday, 8 November.
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ESC and BAS compulsory for light commercial vehicles from Nov 2015
ADRs 31/03 and 35/05 have been released to introduce the requirement for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to be fitted to new light commercial vehicles and a requirement for Brake Assist Systems (BAS) to be fitted to new light passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles. Heavy vehicles are not affected and ADR 35/04 will be an acceptable prior rule.
Click here to view ADR 31/03 - Brake Systems for Passenger Cars 2013.
Click here to view ADR 35/05 - Vehicle Standard - Commercial Brake System.
ESC and BAS will be compulsory from 1 November 2015 for new models of light commercial vehicles, with BAS also compulsory for new models of light passenger vehicles from the same date. Click here for the Department for Infrastructure & Regional Development's media release.
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 Code of Practice - Seeking Your Input
We are currently reviewing and updating RVM Australia's Code of Practice which covers all types of RVs.
We are now seeking four interested members to provide input and feedback - by mid November - prior to issue to membership.
If you are interested in participating in this review process, please contact Murray Longe by email or tel on 03-9815 2015.
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MEMBER PROFILE OF THE MONTH - KINGDOM CARAVANS
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This month we meet Jason Biewer, Operations Manager for our new member, Kingdom Caravans.
How long have you been in the industry, and what got you involved in it?
Established seven years, Kingdom Caravans has recently taken on a new approach and new management team, and its two owners bring 18 years of practical hands-on experience to the business. Our key focus is on customer satisfaction and to further advance our approach to the delivery of compliance.
Tell us about your product.
As a custom manufacturer we are always looking at new design concepts that suit the needs of the marketplace. We have 14 different designs ranging from 16'6 to 23'6 which have been developed over the years. One of the most recently developed is the Kensington Mini 16'6 with a full en suite and rear door. Its compact kitchen and light weight make it ideal for just the two travellers.
What were the major reasons for you joining RVM Australia?
We joined RVM Australia to give our customers the confidence that they are buying a fully compliant van, while at the same time giving us, as a manufacturer, the up-to-date technical information and other resources available from the association.
What future do you see for the RV industry in Australia?
We foresee that RVM Australia will further the development of member knowledge in relation to Australian Standards and on-going compliance. Suppliers and contractors will be important contributors to the work of RVM Australia, and this will further increase the confidence consumers have in the products they purchase.
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INMOTION ARCHIVE
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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.
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CONTACT US
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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.
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