Heartbreaking Compliance Roadblock

No Way Forward (Names removed)  Abilityclassifeds.com.au

Dear ....

I’m truly lost. I’ve run out of options, and it’s heartbreaking to be writing this. I don’t know what more I can say, I’m at a complete loss.

As you know, I’ve had countless conversations with Rover, the federal body responsible for motor vehicle imports, and with the engineer who submitted the new model report for the Ractis. But Rover has been utterly unresponsive. Every inquiry is met with the same cold reply: that model report details are protected by privacy. It’s like talking to a brick wall.

The engineer who submitted the report tells me Rover keeps asking for more information but offers no clarity. We’re at their mercy, and it’s devastating.

Since 2013, I’ve imported numerous Toyota Ractis Welcab WAVs and other mobility vehicles into Australia, including the one you purchased from Auto Portal Japan. At the time, the Rover website clearly listed the Toyota Ractis NCP122 series as eligible for import. It’s not a complicated process: if a vehicle isn’t eligible, Rover wouldn’t issue a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA). Your vehicle had a VIA. It was approved. It was shipped.

Then, without warning, Rover revoked the model report for the Toyota Ractis NCP122 Welcab series. Just like that, your vehicle, and many others, became ineligible for compliance and registration. No notice. No explanation.

This isn’t an isolated case. Rover has revoked multiple model reports without warning, leaving dealers in financial ruin. Some have gone into liquidation. I’ve been pushed to the brink myself. I’ve effectively been put out of business.

Meanwhile, conversion companies and engineers seem to manipulate the system for their own gain, while disabled Australians are left stranded. It’s clear that Rover isn’t protecting the vulnerable, they’re enabling profiteers. They don’t care.

Some model reports were reinstated after AIMVIA, the Australian Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association, threatened legal action, like with the Suzuki Jimny. Rover reversed their decision, claiming the chassis matched the Australian version. That logic is absurd. It implies Suzuki uses different chassis for identical models depending on the export market.

The same happened with Toyota Hi Aces. AIMVIA intervened, and Rover granted exemptions for vehicles already in transit with approved VIAs.

But for us, for you, there’s no resolution. No fairness. No accountability.

I wish I had better news. I wish I had a solution. But right now, I’m heartbroken and out of answers.

Warm regards,
 

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