RVM Australia rolls out tougher audit program

RVM Australia, the peak body for Australia’s RV manufacturing industry, believes it has set a new benchmark for product compliance with the launch of the RV Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP).

More “robust and comprehensive” than the accreditation program it replaces, RVMAP will be mandatory for all 88 RV manufacturers that are currently members of RVM Australia, although not top-selling Jayco which isn’t a member.

It also won't cover the ever-growing number of imported RVs, including European-built Adria, Bailey and Swift caravans as well as Chinese and American-sourced RVs, although RVM Australia hopes to include non-Australian RVs in the audit process in the future.

As with the previous compliance program, it will allow members who comply with all safety rules and standards to display the RVM Australia ‘seal of approval’ on their vehicles. ?? ??

The tougher program is part of a wide-ranging overhaul of the often-criticized, Melbourne-based organization, which has been labeled a ‘toothless tiger’ in the past.

Other changes include adopting the organizational structure of a public company with a board of directors and constitution, and changing its name from the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia (RVMAA) to RVM Australia.

RVM Australia CEO David Duncan said RVMAP, which was officially launched in Melbourne by the Federal Minister for Road Safety, Catherine King, was also a crucial step in making RVM Australia a true peak body.

He said it would raise the bar substantially for compliance of Australian RVs and ultimately provide consumers with greater confidence when purchasing a caravan endorsed by RVM Australia.

“Its systems and processes will provide greater support to manufacturer members in complying with the law and maintaining comprehensive documentation to verify their compliance,” he said.

“It will enhance the already substantial value of the RVM Australia badge as the symbol of a high quality RVs, and will help establish a level playing field for all RVs sold in Australia.”

Developed with input from RV manufacturers, component suppliers, and government representatives, Duncan said the program “is designed to give RVM Australia members everything they need to keep abreast of regulations, ensure they are compliant, and document the compliance of every vehicle they build”.

He said it was built on a foundation of communication, education and training, plus the creation of tools such as checklists and the appointment of staff to apply them.

“A key element is the creation of new assessment checklists, but just as importantly, every company will appoint a Compliance Officer and a Designated Vehicle Inspector to run the program.

“Accreditation of a Member’s business will confirm the compliance of the member’s products and adherence to the RVM Australia Codes of Practice and Compliance Standards.”

Duncan said RVMAP should be fully operational by April 2014.

“Over the next six months, our technical team will visit every member’s premises to help them implement the program,” he said.

“Soon after the first of those visits, we will begin the first round of physical vehicle inspections at manufacturer’s premises, to be followed by a second round some six months later.

“At the conclusion of the second inspection the frequency cycle of each Member’s inspections from then on will be determined, and RVMAP will be fully up and running.”

RVM Australia has also launched a new website, where the latest RV Owner's Handbook can be downloaded.