Allan Whiting was trained by Volvo Trucks in the 1970s as a military vehicle demonstration driver and for many years was a qualified 4WD instructor. Allan is widely known for his past role as 4X4 Australia Magazine’s Technical Editor of 15 years.

Allan is passionate about providing accurate, unbiased and interesting information for the benefit of all visitors to this website. The OTA Team regularly tests new 4WDs of all sizes, from small wagons to 4×4 light trucks. We don’t rely on one-day press release drives at manufacturers’ functions, but insist on taking vehicles on real bush trips and take them through our test track. The OTA Team travels into remote areas just about every year, evaluating vehicles, aftermarket accessories, tyres and camping equipment.

We enjoy a privileged status with some scientific bodies and with many Aboriginal traditional land owners that allows us to visit areas that are generally off-limits to most people, so we’re able to report on sites that are difficult to access. We have also escorted scientists on journeys of exploration and discovery that have led to some ground-breaking finds.