MAY 2018 | 43
Motoring
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
FORD’S QUALIFIED VEHICLE MODIFIER
PROGRAMME GROWS STRONGER
Ford is continuing to expand its
Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM)
programme, bringing the total
number of vehicle converters to 15.
QVM converters must meet
set standards in manufacture and
quality control, which are assessed
regularly. These converters must
also prove that their vehicles have
followed Ford’s Body and Equip-
ment Mounting Manual (BEMM),
follow quality control processes
and offer a warranty for the con-
version that matches Ford’s own
warranty terms.
Ford has since worked closely
with several new body converters,
ranging from refrigerated vehicles
to police cell vans, to ensure they
meet Ford’s rigorous QVM accred-
itation, first introduced in August
2017.
CoolKit, which builds fridge,
freezer and chiller van conversions
for temperature-controlled trans-
port, using 3D software designs
and state-of-the-art machinery fab-
rication, built to match individual
requirements.
Cold Consortium, which has
been converting vans into refriger-
ated chillers, fridges and freezers
since 1994, able to develop its
product range to keep up with
changing market requirements. All
conversions are finished in envi-
ronmentally-friendly epoxy resin
and food-safe sealants and uses
Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobial Protec-
tion as standard.
Cartwright Conversions, which
produces welfare vehicles de-
signed to take care of a workforce
on the move. The Ford Transit
conversion is designed to carry
up to seven people and includes
standard messing facilities, as well
as a uniquely designed section in
the rear, incorporating a toilet and
storage area.
Safeguard SVP, established ex-
clusively to meet the sophisticated
and complex requirements of Blue
Light fleets and the Emergency
Services..
Bri-Stor, which builds type-ap-
proved welfare solutions, includ-
ing modular storage systems and
roof equipment. These are de-
signed to maximise vehicle space
for those working off site for
extended periods. Lightweight and
high-strength storage systems can
be tailored to suit requirements.
GRP Group, based in Leeds, spe-
cialises in temperature-controlled
panel van conversions, as well
as seam -free, hygienic washable
linings. The company was estab-
lished in 1973 and is synonymous
with high quality, durable and
waterproof single or multi-com-
partment builds, designed to
withstand pressure washing and
pallet loading.
Strongs, which offers alterna-
tives to traditional fibreglass body
and internal racking through
lightweight designs for the Ford
Ranger. Copolymer bodies are
designed to reduce maintenance
costs and down time and are
developed to work in the harshest
environments.
Wellhouse Leisure, designers
of luxurious campervans based
on the Ford Transit Custom, was
formally handed its accreditation
by Hans Schep, General Manag-
er, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of
Europe, at the CV Show.
A total of seven companies
were the first to be announced as
fully-accredited QVM converters,
including:
Allied Vehicles, based in Glas-
gow, which offers wheelchair
accessible conversions such as the
Ford Freedom, based on the Tran-
sit Connect, and the Ford Inde-
pendence, based on the Tourneo
Custom. These can accommodate
driver, two wheelchair passengers
and up to six additional passen-
gers. CoTrim Conversions, of
Salisbury, Wiltshire, which offers
a range of Ford-based vehicles
including crewvan conversions
based on the Transit and Transit
Custom, mobility conversions with
lifts or ramps for easy wheelchair
access, minibus and taxi conver-
sions, and specialist adaptations.
CPD Bodies, in Stockton-on-Tees,
which specialises in Tippers,
Dropsides, lightweight Luton bod-
ies and bespoke commissions, es-
pecially for highway maintenance
and management. CPD Bodies
also has its own PDI (Pre-Delivery
Inspection) facility on site.
Paneltex, of Hull, which special-
ises in thermally-efficient Transit
vehicles, offering simple refriger-
ated vans to frozen or deep-freeze
specifications. A Ford Transit with
a multi-temperature environment,
which accommodates both frozen
and heated foods at the same time,
is also offered.
GM Coachworks, of Newton
Abbot, Devon, which creates
wheelchair-accessible vehicles de-
signed to offer the best in space,
comfort and safety. These vehicles
feature a lowered floor to optimise
headroom. The ‘Connect Flame’
provides seating for four plus a
wheelchair passenger, while the
‘Grand Connect Flame’ can accom-
modate five plus wheelchair.
McElmeel Mobility Services, in
Armagh, which boasts a variety of
Ford-based convers