Yamaha and Suzuki follow suit in ATV withdrawal threat
More ATV giants step up to oppose the ACCC’s recommendations, especially on OPDsFollowing Honda’s announcement that it will withdraw its quad bike products from the local market if ACCC’s proposal becomes law, Yamaha and Suzuki have announced they will do the same if the fitting of OPDs (operator protection devices) on quad bikes become mandatory.
Under ACCC’s proposed changes to laws governing the use and sale of ATVs, manufacturers who continue selling ATVs in Australia will need to ensure they come ready with OPDs, which usually come in the form of a hairpin shaped bar or a flexible arc mounted on the back of the vehicles.
Both manufacturers strongly oppose the idea of making engineering changes to their products to conform to regulations, refuting claims that OPDs are effective in preventing injuries.
“The science behind the draft is both faulty and selective,” said Yamaha Motor Australia Director, Brad Ryan.
“Yamaha Motor Australia has advised the ACCC that behaviour is easily the biggest contributing factor to ATV safety. We pointed out that three successive coronial inquiries have concluded that enforced behavioural standards rather than product modification are the solution. And that our industry is actively trying to change behavioural attitudes and would greatly appreciate support in achieving this.”
“Unfortunately the ACCC Quadbike Taskforce continues to push for engineering changes and product modifications which look to be political rather than scientific decisions. And now the federal government is making a decision that will make no utility ATVs our new reality.
“If ACCC recommendations in their current state are passed as law, Yamaha Motor Australia will be forced to cease selling utility ATVs in Australia.”
Suzuki has also taken a strong stance against the fitment of OPDs on their ATVs, citing leading US vehicle safety research firm Dynamic Research Inc’s work as a solid reason against the installation of the devices.
“Internationally significant research conducted by US-based firm Dynamic Research Inc. has determined that OPDs can cause as many fatalities and injuries as they may save,” Suzuki said in a statement.
“Such devices cannot be considered safety products when they may cause injury and pose a detriment to safety. Due to the proposed timeline for the mandatory application of OPDs to all new ATVs, and considering the quantity of ATVs currently in the Australian market, it will be many years before the benefits of OPDs are sufficiently tested, and, devastatingly, there will be more deaths and injuries in the intervening period.
“Under the proposed ACCC recommendations, Suzuki would be required to fit or integrate OPDs into the design of our ATVs. This would not make the vehicle safer and would potentially make it less safe.
“No country in the world other than Israel requires this. Other countries have recognised these safety concerns. Product safety is of primary concern to Suzuki. As a result, if the ACCC's recommendations are implemented, Suzuki will withdraw its ATV product from the Australian market.”
The public can still make submissions to the ACCC for its ‘Quad Bike Safety, Final Recommendation to the Minister’ until June 10, 2019.
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FCAI calls for ATV safety intiiatives
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