Lovells has become the first manufacturer to gain post registration modification approval for vehicle GCM revisions in Western Australia

Lovells Automotive Systems has become the first Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) to gain approval for the fitment of its Australian designed and engineered suspension enhancements for post registration GCM Revisions under new Western Australian (WA) legislation.
The new legislation brings WA in line with the rest of the nation, allowing owners of vehicles in WA to legally undertake Lovells’ Gross Combination Mass (GCM) upgrades on already registered vehicles when conducted by Lovells approved fitment and production facility centres.
Lovells says its kits boost a vehicle’s standard load capacity in some cases by 15 percent – including passengers, cargo, fuel and accessories – and build off Lovells’ existing Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Upgrades.
Lovells says the new standards – outlined in the WA Department of Transport’s (DoT) Vehicle Technical Bulletins VTB-180A and VTB-181A – set clear, safe, and legal pathways for increasing the GVM and GCM capacities of light vehicles, which has become increasingly important for Western Australians involved in recreational four-wheel-driving, caravanning, and fleet applications.
“The new DoT rules will result in safer, more capable vehicles in Western Australia, with Lovells’ Gross Combination Mass Revision available to trades, travellers and fleet operators seeking to boost their vehicle’s load carrying abilities,” Lovells Automotive Systems General Manager, Mike Davison, said.
“These new rules validate Lovells’ long-standing commitment to developing legislation with State and Federal Regulators and designing safe, durable and high-performance upgrades.
“Being the first company nationally to comply highlights a commitment to safety and technical excellence, while giving WA drivers a legal and reliable way to upgrade their vehicles for work or recreation – without compromising safety.”
Available immediately, the first vehicle to benefit from Lovells’ GCM upgrades and comply with Western Australia’s new VTB-181A rules is the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.
In the coming months, Lovells will also introduce GCM solutions for many popular utes, SUVs and cab chassis vehicles from Toyota, Ford, Isuzu, and Mazda.
The new legislation also means vehicles already fitted with Lovells’ Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) solutions under VTB-180A, which boost vehicle carrying capacity excluding trailers, will now be able to have GCM Revision undertaken irrespective of registration status – meaning older vehicles will benefit also.
In instances where customers are seeking to upgrade an existing GVM to a GCM Revision, Lovells says vehicles will need to undertake a full inspection at an authorised Lovells fitment centre to ensure that all existing components are in
good working and serviceable condition. The inspection and reapproval of the GVM solution prior to GCM upgrades will be offered starting from $400 plus GST.

For further information on pricing, fitment locations and vehicle suitability, visit www.lovellsauto.com.au/gvm-upgrades