Low Volume Vehicle Certification » Motorcaravan

EMISSION LEGISLATION WILL FORCE CAR PRICES UP, DO NOTHING FOR AIR CLEANSING, SAY DEALERS:

Global Online Cars.com — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 04:11:52 +0000

The National Government’s proposed emissions rule legislation has so upset the second-hand motor vehicle industry that they’re going to seek signatures for a petition nation-wide, using social media to make their point to the politicians.

One importer — Global Online Cars — is producing The Car Info Show for YouTube, and its promotional video asks National party politicians three questions about the consequences of the legislation. They are:

‘How do you think this new emission rule will clean up the quality of air in NZ and benefit the NZ public?’

‘Why are we not considering an annual ‘In service emission testing’ at WoF when there are 20 major cities up and down the country geared up with certified equipment and proven research ready to improve NZ’s quality of air?’

‘Stephen Joyce — will you be willing to accept responsibility for the expected increase in the price of cars?’

The Car Info Show is aimed at showcasing the progress of the motor vehicle industry in New Zealand over the past 30 years but host Chris Jellie’s main focus over the past six months has been on the downside of the Emissions Rule, and its subsequent inability to achieve its desired result.

Importers and second-hand dealers agree the Emissions Rule fails because it limits 85% of fresh imports from Japan, says Jellie, reducing the majority supply of fresh cars to New Zealand. And it includes all imports no matter the country of origin.

‘People are just going to hold onto their old, clapped-out hunks of junk’ he quotes Liam Graham of Wanganui Car Centre as saying, after pointing out over 95% of his stock would be banned by the Emissions Rule.

‘The Emissions Rule is going to make the air quality worse,’ said Jellie. ‘It’s just going to restrict fresh imports, push the prices of available imports up, and force the average New Zealander to keep their old, beaten cars because they can’t afford to upgrade.

‘These fresh imports are vital for New Zealand — we scrap 150,000 cars a year.” he said. “With the decrease of fresh imports proposed by the Emissions Rule, there just won’t be enough cars to fill demand.

‘You, the buyer, will be facing the stupid Emissions Rule. You won’t be able to buy these cars in these price ranges again’ was the view of Rod Milner, Rod Milner Motors, Auckland.

‘The average age of our national fleet is about to become older than 15 years,’ said Jellie. ‘NZTA’s own web site now states the average age a vehicle gets scrapped is 18. As a result the average price of cars, for the Kiwi family, is going to jump between $4000 and $10,000 because of the Emissions Rule.

‘So watch the “3 questions for the National Party” video and click on the petition after watching, to have your say New Zealand.” Jellie said.

The video link is The Emission Rule – Latest News – Government Ignores Proven Emission Test For NZ

Motor-home warning

johnbrett — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:42:46 +0000

Burstner, Adria, Arrantea and similar European makes of motor homes may NOT be legal for New Zealand roads.

Burtner Camper- non compliant for NZ

The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association has decided that seat structures made of wood or fibreglass DO NOT MEET THE LOW VOLUME VEHICLE STANDARD 185-00.
Even if the vehicle has been approved for use in Great Britain or other EU Country, it may not meet the requirments for New Zealand.

If the vehicle is a HEAVY VEHICLE, (over 3500kg GVM) this ruling does not apply.
If the vehicle has a “Whole of Vehicle” Compliance document or plate, this ruling will be avoided, since the Low Volume Vehicle process is avoided.

Here are examples of Camper Van seat construction:

This is the seat structure in a Burtner Motorhome, the MDF seat structure is sunstantial, and fixed to the steel Seat Belt Anchorage frame. The water-tank is also mounted into this structure.

This is a side-berth in a Toyota Hiace Camper Van. The weakness of this is obvious- the frame is only fixed down with small woodscrews to the false floor. This is NOT SUITABLE for a seat, a seat-belt SHOULD NOT be fitted in this vehicle.

If a Camper Van or Motor Home has to go through the New Zealand Low Volume Vehicle system, it will need :

1 A Seating position with a seatbelt for each sleeping berth- (e.g. If 4 berth, this means two seats ADDITIONAL to the two front row seats.)

2 Evidence that the Seat-Belt Anchorages have been tested to the required standards.

3 Seats made from wood, plywood, MDF, Fibreglass etc REPLACED OR FRAMED OUT in steel.

Low Volume Vehicle Seatbelt Anchorage Standard
Low Volume Vehicle Seat Standard

Motor Homes, Caravans

johnbrett — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:21:04 +0000

Hi-top Caravan

Most motor caravans and motorhomes need LVV Certification, or Heavy Vehicle Certification if the GVM is over 3500kg.

The Toyota Hiace pictured needs certification because it has had a roof-chop, and a fibreglass hi-top fitted. The Certifying Engineer has to be satisfied that the structural integrity of the vehicle is not compromised by the modification.

Caravan Seatbelt Anchorage

Seats and seatbelts- There needs to be a seat, and seatbelt for every sleeping berth in a motor-home. A typical Van chassis might have 4 berths, but only two front seasts. This means that two additional seating positions will have to be provided.

Side-facing lap-belts are legal, but not a good option, because of the poor protection that they provide. The picture above shows a typical Seatbelt Anchorage frame for two occupants with 3 point lap and diagonal belts. This structure is concealed by the caravan furnishings.

Note that rear facing seats also need to be able to restrain occupants in a frontal collision, so a suitable back and headrest is required.

Caravans heavier than 3500kg require Certification by a HV Engineer, and we can provide that Certification also.

By John Brett Technology Ltd ph 0800 LOWVOLUME (0800 569865)