Automotive Engineering Services

At Differential Design and Engineering, we provide specialised automotive engineering services. Our expertise spans through design, analysis, certification, and representation, supporting the automotive sector with innovative solutions. As a licensed testing facility, we specialise in Vehicle Type Approvals (VTA) and Component Type Approvals (CTA), ensuring full compliance with Australian regulations. We strictly adhere to the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) and Australian Design Rules (ADR) to guarantee that all engineering work meets safety, performance, and regulatory requirements. Our team is composed of highly qualified professionals, including motor mechanics, automotive electricians, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers. With diverse expertise, we ensure comprehensive solutions tailored to the complexities of modern automotive and mechanical systems.
Reach out today for expert Automotive Engineering solutions tailored to your next project!
Contact Us

Automotive Engineering

We develop professional, cost-effective Automotive Engineering solutions, designed to enhance durability, longevity, and efficiency while ensuring strict regulatory compliance. By integrating comprehensive analysis at every stage, we refine concepts, mitigate risks, and optimise systems for superior quality. From conceptualisation to final engineering, our approach guarantees reliable, innovative results that meet the highest industry standards. Our team consists of highly skilled motor mechanics, automotive electricians, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers, bringing unmatched expertise to every project. With a diverse and specialised skill set, we go beyond industry standards, delivering precision, efficiency, and excellence in automotive design and engineering. Unlike our competitors, we combine hands-on experience with advanced technical knowledge, ensuring superior solutions that are both innovative and reliable.

Automotive Design

We specialise in Automotive Design, covering motorsport, vehicle modifications, and compliance solutions. Our expertise ensures that every design meets performance, safety, and regulatory standards, delivering innovative and practical solutions tailored to your needs. Whether it's engine development, suspension design or chassis engineering, we focus on your project to help achieve reliable road-worthy results.

Automotive Electrical Design

We provide Automotive Electrical Design services tailored to custom vehicle applications, ensuring efficient, reliable, and innovative electrical systems. Specialising in custom wiring solutions, electrical modifications, and the creation of detailed electrical diagrams, we develop a design to suit your application. Whether designing new electrical layouts or refining existing systems, our solutions enhance functionality, safety, and efficiency for optimal vehicle operation.

Custom Trailer Design

Our Custom Trailer Design service ensures that every design is fully compliant with Australian regulations, including ADR standards and approved drawbar configurations with CTAs. From concept to completion, our structured approach guarantees that each design is ready for Vehicle Type Approval (VTA). While we do not handle manufacturing directly, we can connect you with our trusted partner who specialise in building compliant trailers to match our designs. This allows you to move forward with a professionally built trailer while ensuring it aligns with all regulatory and safety requirements.
Our Partners

Current Trailer Projects

  • ATM4500kg VCT Side View
  • ATM4500kg VCT Rear View
  • ATM4500kg ISO Front View
  • ATM4500kg VCT ISO Rear View

Low ATM Trailer Type Approvals (RVSA)

Before a trailer can be legally introduced to the Australian market for road use, it must be registered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). There are two primary ways to achieve this: 1. Concessional RAV Entry Approval 2. Vehicle Type Approval Manufacturers who produce more than four low ATM trailers (4.5tonnes or less) within a year must comply with Road Vehicle Standards (RVS) legislation by securing a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA). Once granted, this approval enables the manufacturer or an authorised representative to register the trailer type on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), allowing unlimited distribution of that model across Australia. Ensuring Compliance & Approval Vehicle Type Approval holders must ensure their trailers comply with all relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) and meet all national road vehicle standards before being registered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). Additionally, certain components must have a Component Type Approval (CTA) to verify their compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring the trailer is manufactured with approved components that meet the required safety and performance standards. Differential Design and Engineering has helped manufacturers obtain Vehicle Type Approvals for their complete trailer line-ups, ensuring compliance with Australian regulations. Our efficient and customised approach is designed to support each client’s unique requirements, making the approval process smooth and hassle-free. By following our structured process, we guide clients through every step, from initial setup and documentation to technical verification, component compliance, and final approval. Our process includes: 1. Initial Setup & Authorisation Understanding Your Needs: Understanding your trailer requirements and specifications is the first step, this ensures a clear path to approval. We ascertain all trailer models you intend to bring to market to plan your approval requirements. Terms of Agreement: A detailed document outlining the scope of services, deliverables, and costs ensures full transparency. Authority to Act & ROVER Access: with permission, we will act on your behalf in the ROVER system to initiate the approval process smoothly. 2. Technical Data Compilation & Design Verification Once initial setup and authorisation is complete, we move into the technical assessment phase, ensuring all trailer variants are correctly documented and aligned with approval requirements. Specification Collection: We collect comprehensive data for each trailer variant, including dimensions, load capacities, lighting layouts, and Component Type Approvals (CTAs). Once gathered, we conduct a thorough analysis to ensure the complete trailer design aligns with all relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs), guaranteeing compliance and roadworthiness. Variant Grouping: Trailers are categorised based on specific attributes like GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), we identify the different categories of each trailer to ensure the correct Vehicle Type Approval is aligned to your trailer. 3. Drawbar Engineering and Compliance (Optional) Drawbar Design: Using advanced engineering software, we design and engineer your trailer drawbar in conformance with ADR 62/02 approved calculations. This requires generating a precise 3D model and conducting FEA simulations taking into account both strength and fatigue resistance. Drawbar safety chain attachment point: Through physical testing, we ensure compliance and structural integrity for safety chain attachment points. Our team can design and provide fully compliant attachment solutions, ensuring they meet safety and regulatory standards for dependable trailer performance. As a licensed testing facility, we ensure that drawbar engineering meets all regulatory and safety standards. Once the engineering process is completed, we submit a Component Type Approval (CTA) application to ROVER for evaluation. Upon approval, this CTA can then be incorporated into your Vehicle Type Approval application, guaranteeing compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. 4. Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation Manufacturers must demonstrate either full control over all aspects of design, component selection, and production, or have access to detailed design and manufacturing information to ensure compliance. To simplify this process, we can offer a custom Quality Management System (QMS) template, which helps streamline regulatory requirements and ensures manufacturers meet their obligations efficiently. 5. Application Submission & Final Approval We handle the entire Vehicle Type Approval application process in ROVER, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Throughout the process, we promptly address any requests for additional information from the relevant department, providing the necessary documentation and technical details. Final approval is achieved once the client receives their Vehicle Type Approval certificate, allowing their trailers to be officially registered and supplied to the Australian market. Our expertise ensures that every manufacturer receives the guidance, technical support, and documentation needed to achieve full compliance and approval, making the process efficient and hassle-free.

Our Partners

We proudly collaborate with KRB Engineering and Trailers to support the manufacturing of Low ATM trailers that meet strict compliance and regulatory standards. Through this partnership, we provide expertly designed trailer solutions that prioritise efficiency, durability, and reliability. KRB Engineering and Trailers brings industry-leading expertise to ensure each trailer is manufactured to the highest standards, ready for registration and road use.