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NEWS
FCAI: no case for increasing parallel imports
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has laid out its position in a response to the federal government’s review of the Motor Standards ActThe Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says there is “no compelling public policy case for increasing used or parallel imports into the Australian market”.
The FCAI, which represents the major players in the Australian motorcycle industry including the Japanese and Harley-Davidson, made its position clear in a response to the Australian Government’s Consultation Paper on the 2014 Review of the Motor Standards Act.
As well as supporting the governments core policy objectives of consumer protection and competition (through vehicles that are readily available and reasonably priced), the FCAI supports:
- The need to modernise and strengthen the legislation; and
- Harmonisation with international standards (i.e. UN regulations) where the case exists streamlining the certification process to automatically accept type approvals to UN Regulations;
The FCAI response as, you’d expect, has a heavy motor vehicle focus, but the report does cite the example of Harley-Davidson and one particular certification anomaly. Harley-Davidson is not able to obtain identification plate approval for its Tri-Glide, as it does not meet the unique Australian stability requirements for motor tricycles in ADR 42/04.
In February 2012 the FCAI (on behalf of Harley-Davidson) requested a review of the unique Australian stability requirements to align with the Canadian standards (as there are no UN Regulation standards or USA standards). The FCAI and Harley-Davidson Australia have provided additional information to the federal and South Australian and governments since February 2012, however, the review of the unique Australian stability requirements has not been finalised.
But the plot then thickens.
In August 2012, a SEVS (Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) organisation was given approval to import Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide under the SEVS scheme on the basis that the vehicle is not available in Australia. An exemption was given to meeting the ADR 42/04 stability requirements – the very one which has foiled Harley-Davidson from day one.
In its submission, the FCAI said: “The highest possible level of consumer protection is available under the current regime where the vast majority of new passenger cars, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles entering the market are introduced by the vehicle brand and sold via authorised dealerships.
“Consumer risk is increased with the importation of either used or parallel imports. The FCAI have a number of case studies in this submission that highlight the significant consumer risk with grey vehicles.”
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Written byBikesales Staff
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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