The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is the peak industry association representing the importers of passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles in Australia. The FCAI’s members represent international automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their products within the Australian market. In addition to distribution, FCAI members support in-service vehicles in the Australian market through their respective authorised dealer networks.
Motor vehicle standards in Australia and international harmonisation
Motor vehicles sold in Australia are required to be compliant with the current Third Edition Australian Design Rules (ADRs), as specified under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989. The Act requires that all road vehicles comply with the relevant ADRs at the time of supply to the Australian market. The Australian Government’s policy is to harmonise national vehicle safety standards with international regulations where possible and consideration is given to the adoption of the international regulations of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Australia is a signatory to the UNECE 1958 Agreement and the 1998 Agreement – which is consistent with Australia’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreements.
Collision repair to vehicles
FCAI members provide official guidance on repair procedures to automotive collision repair providers to ensure correct processes when repairing damaged vehicles. Given the global nature of the automotive industry, motor vehicles imported into Australia are designed for multiple international markets, with necessary variations to account for Australian market and environmental conditions.
Issuance of Collision Repair Statements
Australian OEM representatives work with parent companies to develop and provide correct repair procedures to automotive repairers in order to restore the integrity of the vehicle. In many cases, this information is issued in documentation by the parent company. These international collision repair statements apply to the Australian market except where advised and issued separately by the Australian distributor. In such cases, the international documentation may bear branding, livery and contact details for another market (such as the OEM’s home country).
FCAI members undertake to:
- Ensure that all Collision Repair Statements issued or authorised by the FCAI member account for the specifics of relevant ADRs;
- Ensure that all the above Collision Repair Statements are correctly translated into English language; and
- Provide adequate and efficient means for collision repair businesses, and insurance companies, to verify the correct and official Collision Repair Statement for ADR-compliant vehicles in Australia.
Coverage
The terms of this industry-led undertaking apply to motor vehicle models approved for supply by OEM’s into the Australian market after 1 January 2020. Where a repairer has not been able to access a relevant Collision Repair Statement for a particular circumstance/s, the repairer should contact their nearest authorised dealer to discuss the matter further.