Pro Installer May 2018 - Issue 62 | Page 43

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