RV Master Manufacturer program launched
Tough new caravan manufacturer compliance program aims to increase buyer confidenceCaravan Industry Victoria has launched a new caravan manufacturer accreditation program designed to raise industry standards as well as reduce the number of 'lemon caravan' complaints.
The new RV Master Manufacturer program is a voluntary initiative open to CIV members who will need to satisfy five key industry standards around build quality, regulatory compliance, business systems, customer service and human resources, before getting the 'RV Master Manufacturer' seal of approval.
Speaking at the official launch of the RV Master Manufacturer program at the Masterpiece Caravans factory in Campbellfield, Victoria earlier this month, CIV President Michael Peebles said the comprehensive accreditation program "is designed to showcase the things our industry does really well and fill in the areas we can improve on".
Reacting to a rising number of 'lemon caravan' complaints highlighted on social media, the CIV began working on the RV Master Manufacturer program around three years ago, with the launch delayed by 12 months due to COVID-19.
As well as addressing regulatory compliance issues like other accreditation programs, 'RV Master Manufacturers' will need to demonstrate industry 'best practice' in other areas including employee education and training and quality assurance.
CIV CEO Rob Lucas said the new accreditation program will "change the way the consumer sees our industry".
"Caravan Industry Victoria's objectives are to help manufacturers achieve the highest ranking an individual company can get in the RV industry in Australia," he said at the launch.
RV Master Manufacturers will need to be "100 percent compliant at all times with the appropriate regulations and standards including RVSA and other programs like RVMAP".
A primary aim is to "create a recognizable program that consumers (will get) to know and can trust".
Like RVMAP, participants will be subject to annual audits in order to maintain their 'RV Master' status. However, only businesses that have been manufacturing for at least seven years will be eligible to take part.
The latest initiative follows on from the ambitious CIV 'Blueprint' released in 2012, and coincides with the introduction of tougher rules and regulations for RV manufacturers and importers that come into effect this year through the new Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA).
The CIV also runs the 'Service Safe' accreditation program for RV repairers, introduced in 2015.
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