Back in the '90s, when car manufacturers made airbags standard on passenger vehicles, there was an uproar from fleets because they weren’t compatible with bull bars, which were considered critical for safety in regional areas. Manufacturers wanted to improve driver safety with better vehicle designs and new technology, but fleets were hesitant to give up their bull bars.
The aftermarket accessories industry quickly adapted so fleets could fit bull bars and towbars that worked with the new technology. This meant, however, that there was always a delay when new vehicles were released.
Suppliers needed to purchase a vehicle and then get to work with their engineers to develop new products that complied with the electronic safety systems.
Vehicle manufacturers get on board
Vehicle manufacturers had lost control of the accessory market as the ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit of smaller businesses flourished. This created potential risks for motorists, though, because not every aftermarket supplier did the same level of development and testing on their accessories.
For business fleets that themselves need to be a safe workspace, fitting non-genuine parts can be a safety minefield. Working with suppliers to understand their processes can reduce some of the concerns, but without an endorsement from the vehicle manufacturer, there will always be some risk.
Over time, manufacturers began to see the sales opportunities in accessories and invested more resources into the development of products such as tow bars, bull bars and canopies that could be released with the new car.
Moving with the technological times
More recently, light commercial vehicles such as the top-selling Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-MAX have been launched with safety technology to match the 5-star ANCAP safety rating of passenger cars.
While the changes made fleets safer, they created a new issue for fleet managers because the suppliers of aftermarket accessories had to quickly adapt their products. This time, manufacturers were more willing to work with the aftermarket industry to co-develop a range of accessories that suited the needs of both fleet and private buyers.
Early collaboration is key
To encourage collaboration, vehicle manufacturers now start discussions earlier in the model development cycle and are more open about the specifications and engineering requirements of popular accessories.
Aftermarket suppliers must still go through the rigorous testing and compliance process of the manufacturers to get a product endorsed. It’s easier, though, when there’s transparency in the process and open communication.
Partners in safe accessorising
In 2022, a new model of the Ford Ranger is being launched. The old model has been a top seller in Australia for several years and its variety of aftermarket options exploded to suit every taste and possible application.
At the recent Australasian Fleet Management Conference held in Sydney, both Ford Australia and ARB, the leading supplier of aftermarket 4X4 accessories, displayed the new model Ranger with a bull bar, sidesteps and towbar that had been developed in collaboration between the two.
These changes in approach are positive signs for better industry partnerships going forward. Combining the skills of local manufacturers with the knowledge of global car manufacturers, fleet buyers and consumers will give more choice and greater safety.
