Bevan throws Type Approval lifeline to bodybuilders02 August 2011

Ahead of EU legislation around vehicle type approval, Bevan Group is inviting commercial vehicle bodybuilders to secure their futures by becoming licensees.

The transport industry is predicting that UK bodybuilding is on the brink of a massive cull, as a direct result of the introduction of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval legislation.

Pundits argue that the upcoming conformity standard places such onerous demands on bodybuilders that many, and particularly small outfits, will be unable to comply. One report has suggested that today's total of 1,500 UK bodybuilders could plummet to as few as 150 in 10 years' time.

Key to Bevan's offer is the firm's own European Whole Vehicle Type Approval Certification – the West Midlands-based company became the first UK bodybuilder to be accredited in the spring of 2009, more than five years ahead of the mandatory deadline for 'second stage' bodybuilders.

Bevan says that licensees trading under its Quality Management Systems could be covered automatically by its own Whole Vehicle Type Approval Certification.

The first stage of the new legislation covers chassis cabs but excludes bodies. From 2014, however, entire vehicles will have to meet Type Approval. As a result, all bodybuilders will have to be certified.

Bevan Group managing director Anthony Bevan says the very considerable demands placed on bodybuilders by the impending legislation are sure to defeat many companies that do not have the resources to achieve compliance.

"We know of bodybuilders who are having sleepless nights because of the threat that Whole Vehicle Type Approval presents," he states.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Bevan Group Bodies Ltd

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