New Age Caravans receive full ADR approval

New Age Caravans and Walkinshaw Group have achieved Vehicle Type Approval for their entire 2022 caravan range, ahead of the introduction of the Road Vehicle Standards Act (RVSA) that will apply to the entire caravan industry from 2023.

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs), which the Vehicle Type Approvals are associated with, are national design rules that mandate minimum safety standards, dimensional requirements, structural requirements, performance and emission targets for all vehicles registered to travel on Australian roads.

Vehicle Type Approval is a relatively new requirement for the caravan industry, but Walkinshaw Group (who purchased New Age Caravans in 2016) has over 30 years’ worth of experience working to these standards in the automotive industry, with brands like Holden, Chevrolet and Volkswagen.  
Whilst Vehicle Type Approval is not yet compulsory for caravans sold in Australia, New Age Caravans considered it essential for their range, ensuring a higher standard of safety and quality than their competitors.

New Age Caravans Managing Director, Chris Polites, is delighted that the company’s diligence and commitment has been recognised by the Australian Government.
“To have Vehicle Type Approvals for our entire range is something we are all extremely proud of. It speaks to the quality and safety of the process we undertake, from design to manufacturing, and the commitment from all our staff.

“While ADRs are not yet formally mandated, it’s something we believe is essential, and that’s why we’ve gone above and beyond what is required. We want all New Age owners to know that their caravan has met the national standards for wherever their journey takes them.   

"We categorically believe Vehicle Type Approvals should be mandatory across the entire RV and leisure industry, to ensure all caravans on the road are safe.
“Anyone who is in the market for a caravan should ensure it has Vehicle Type Approval, for their own safety and peace of mind.”

Embodying the work that has gone into achieving Vehicle Type Approval is a new rear mould design applied across the New Age range, as Rogy Mathew Karottu, Head of Engineering and Design at New Age Caravans, explains.

“Our all-new rear mould system that encompasses the spare wheel is the perfect example of the innovation in our range,” Karottu said. “It allows the spare wheel to be mounted to the body of the caravan, rather than attached separately, ensuring it is mounted in the most secure and safe way possible.
“This in turn reduces human error and any chance of geometric interference when installing rear signalling lights - just one of the many measures we have implemented here at New Age Caravans.”