The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders just launched the first phase of its commercial vehicle body-builder best practice recommendations, according to Transport News Brief. Based on self-certification, these practical guidelines aim to help the industry raise its standards and prepare for future whole-vehicle type-approval law.
“Basically, to follow these best practice recommendations a body-builder needs to say what it what it will do, do it and then prove it,” said Peter Rotherham, chairman of the SMMT's Commercial Vehicle Body-builder committee. “These straightforward steps mirror the principles that underlie whole-vehicle type-approval proposals.”
Most of the UK's major CV body-builder firms already work along lines very similar to those recommended by the SMMT, but some small firms may need help and encouragement to adopt the practices they will need for the future. The SMMT is working closely with the government, commercial vehicle body-builders and chassis makers and invites all commercial vehicle body-builders to sign up to the scheme, whether or not they are SMMT members.
“We expect formal consultation on this new law early next year and plan a series of seminars for commercial vehicle body-builders across the country later this year to help them prepare,” said Robin Dickeson, manager commercial vehicle affairs for the SMMT.