Leading automotive industry body the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has come out in support of the Commonwealth Government’s review into Australian
Design Rules (ADRs), saying it offers a long-overdue opportunity to address critical challenges faced by the automotive industry.

ADRs are the national standards for road vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions. All new road vehicles manufactured in Australia and imported new or second-hand must comply with the relevant ADRs when they are first supplied to the Australian market.

Australia’s national vehicle standards are subject to an ongoing program of review and revision which includes monitoring international developments and consulting with key stakeholders to identify implementation issues, changes affecting existing ADRs and whether new ADRs are needed.

The Australian Government recently announced a review into the current standards headed by Dr Warren Mundy, an external transport safety expert described as having extensive experience as both an executive and board member in safety critical businesses.

A Government statement said the Mundy review would look at current processes for harmonising local and international road vehicle standards, and identify opportunities to improve harmonisation practices.

The AAAA is an independent national body representing the automotive aftermarket industry, which includes manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, tools and equipment, and providers of service, repair, and vehicle modifications.

Speaking on behalf of the AAAA, Lesley Yates, the organisation’s Director of Government Relations and Advocacy, said that while the focus on international harmonisation was important, the scope must be expanded to better address Australia’s unique needs.

“ADRs have long been influenced by European regulations, but they no longer reflect the realities of the Australian market,” Ms Yates said.

“Consumer preferences have shifted dramatically toward US-style 4x4s, utilities, and recreational vehicles, yet our regulations remain stuck in a European-centric framework that doesn’t align with Australia’s needs.”

She pointed to what the AAAA described as state-by-state inconsistencies in ADR application, combined with onerous and unnecessary compliance requirements, that the organisation believes stifle innovation without providing meaningful safety benefits.

“Our industry is conducting more ADR compliance testing than ever before – often exceeding that of OEMs – due to the surge in second-stage vehicle modifications,” Ms Yates said.

“The ADRs are overdue for a refresh that balances harmonisation with local relevance. The rules need to support, not hinder, the diverse range of modifications that define Australia’s world-class
automotive industry.”

The re-engineering of US-sourced full-size pickups has grown into a significant local industry in recent years, with November sales figures showing a total of thousands of 9471 RAMs, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150s and Toyota Tundras have been converted from left- to right-hand drive and sold so far this year.

Written submissions to the ADR Harmonization Review are open until January 24, 2025, via ADR Harmonisation Have your say.