AFN founded its Portugal operation in 1995 to supply vehicle protection equipment for their military and the United Nations. From this base the brand has grown and expanded its market to the point where it is one of the best-equipped manufacturers dedicated to the production and commercialisation of protection accessories for off-road vehicles anywhere in the world.
In turn AFN 4×4 Australia has worked tirelessly with AFN Portugal to produce a range of premium products that are particularly suited to the Australian and New Zealand markets. Every AFN Bullbar is tested to meet all ADR (Australian Design Rules are national standards for vehicle safety) requirements. This same approach is carried through to their rear bars, side steps, guard bars and unique aluminium underbody protection plates.
A cut above
These days, of course, there are all sorts of companies making and selling bullbars but not many apply the design philosophy AFN does. A well-designed bar is a fine balance between strength, overhung weight and aesthetics and AFN puts a lot of effort into getting this balance correct.
For instance, the company’s European trained automotive engineers take into consideration the natural lines of the vehicle to give it a look and feel it so rightly deserves; that’s right, there’s no outdated, traditional ‘one style fits all’ products in the AFN range. The four-wheel-drive market has been crying out for something different and new, and AFN has seen this gap in the marketplace and filled it with vehicle specific, cutting-edge modern products.
AFN also knows that getting to the front takes a lot of investment, and as such it is important to ensure the latest manufacturing techniques are utilised. From full 3D vehicle scanning to complex tooling, AFN is dedicated to ensuring it stays aligned with the demands of modern vehicle manufacturing techniques. This, together with a desire to combine aesthetics with functionality has resulted in a product range that will ultimately change the way front and rear protection systems are seen, especially in the New Zealand market.
Key products
Key protection products AFN manufactures and sells include full looped bullbars, loopless bullbars, rear step bars, side steps and side rails plus aluminium underbody protection plates. All are ADR-compliant and as well as constituting full bumper replacement front and rear, all AFN Bullbars come with full GVM-rated recovery points and with LED sequential indicators & daytime running lights included in the purchase price (where applicable).
Vehicles covered include VW Amarok, Ford Ranger 2015+, Isuzu D-Max and Mu-X, Toyota Prado 2014+, Toyota Land Cruiser 70 & 200 Series, Toyota Hilux 2015+, Nissan Navara 2015+, Suzuki Jimny 2019+ and Mitsubishi’s MQ Triton.
AFN New Zealand is a division of Kaizen Works, a Wellington-based 4x4 shop with a special interest in 4WDs and the NZ 4WD scene. As well as AFN’s full bumper replacement and bar range, the company also supplies and fits the premium Safari range of snorkels and products, EFS suspension and Feldon Shelter rooftop tents. To find out more head to the company’s website at www.afn4x4accessories.co.nz , Instagram (afn_4x4_new_zealand_) or Facebook page (\facebook.com/AFN4x4NZ page or simply get on the phone – 04-568 2796 – or the email – to sales@afn4x4accesoreis.co.nz – and ask!
AFN 4x4 New Zealand. Unit 6/141 Hutt Park Rd, Gracefield, Lower Hutt 5010
