In case you missed this article in our May/June 2024 edition.
If you carry out your own auto glass work then you should consider joining the Auto Glass Association (AGA). Hiliary Bradbury tell us why.
The Auto Glass Association was formed in 2013 to give all sides of the automotive glass industry a unified voice and to raise standards.
“We have a lot of support from the national industry members, but we need more independents and smaller business on board, as they are often most impacted by legislative changes,” says AGA Secretariat Bradbury.
“We undertake a lot of lobbying for the industry – particularly with the introduction of ADAS which has increased the cost and complexity of replacing windscreens. In the past there hasn’t been any industry consultation when legislation changes have been made, now Government is aware that there’s an association that speaks on behalf of the members.
“It’s an environment where technology is advancing all the time and that’s impinging on our members and their ability to do business – especially in NSW where it’s mandated that you need to be a mechanic or auto electrician to calibrate ADAS equipped glass after it has been replaced.”
The association has a code of conduct which is linked to Australian Standards and is working to raise its profile with the public so that consumers know that members work to high standards and its logo, which members can use, is synonymous with those standards.
AGA runs the Auto Glass Trade Show regularly where the trade can network and see all the latest equipment. The next Auto Glass Trade Show is on Saturday 9 November 2024 in Melbourne.
“We’re also a representative in Australian Standards,” Bradbury says. “So we are on the committee for any standards that are changed that are relevant to the work that involves autoglass. We represent members in New Zealand too.
“We’re also involved in talking with recycling solution providers in NZ and Government about end of life of the vehicles. Recycling and what the future potential options are going to be for that and what needs to happen in Australia and New Zealand. In that space a couple of entities have tried to enter and it’s all become too hard in Australia, and they’ve left, so we need to deal with that.”
Another tangible benefit of membership is training to keep fitters skill levels up to date. “We’re working very closely with the skills agency AUSMASA in regards to developing training that encompasses ADAS and bringing that into the training packages. We are involved in the development of ADAS training modules for the auto glass industry.
“The OEM expectation is that 100% of vehicles that have a camera will need to have it recalibrated after a windscreen replacement process. We’ve also been looking at whether Australian Standards should be involved in the ADAS process.”
The AGA is a not-for-profit association that has achieved many improvements for the Australia/New Zealand autoglass industry since inception and, with the support of its members, will continue to deliver positive outcomes for the entire industry and the consumer.
Find out more about the benefits of joining AGA, visit: autoglass.org.au