Covering refrigerated load carriers and tipper trucks, Ford has launched its new Qualified Vehicle Modifier programme to accredit converters modifying Ford vehicles.
The scheme – which follows the announcement last week of VW’s new converter recognition scheme – is intended to ensure the quality of converted vehicles on offer and has been introduced in the UK after some 30 years in operation in the US.
Vitally, it will see participants required to offer a warranty for the conversion to match Ford’s own warranty when it comes to mileage and duration. Converters also need to have adequate liability insurance and are required to meet standards on manufacture and quality control.
Participants must also prove their converted vehicles have followed Ford’s Body and Equipment Mounting Manual (BEMM) and that they follow quality control processes.
According to MVRIS, the UK’s medium conversion market will grow by over 15% in two years, from 42,000 vehicles in 2015 to 46,000 last year and topping 50,000 in 2017.
The first seven QVM converters to join the scheme are: Allied Vehicles, GM Coachwork and McElmeel Mobility Services – all of which cover wheelchair-accessible vehicles; CoTrim Conversions – which offers a range of Ford-based vehicles including crewvan conversions; CPD Bodies – which specialises in all builds; Paneltex – covering multi-temperature, frozen and refrigerated conversions; and VFS – which offers a range of bespoke Ford conversions including tippers.
“The introduction of more QVM converters will give buyers the peace of mind that the specialist they are buying from is accredited by Ford,” said Dave Petts, Ford Transit product manager. “The Transit range now offers customers an even wider choice of vehicles to meet their individual business needs.”
