Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier Programme Reaches 35 Approved Converters For The Commercial Vehicle Show 2019

April 30, 2019 by Ford

•Qualified Vehicle Modifier programme adds more accredited conversions specialists

•Malcolm Wilson's MS-RT brings number of QVM companies to more than 35

•Additional 20 converters have been announced since last year's CV Show

NEC, Birmingham, Apr 30, 2019 – Ford's Qualified Vehicle Modifier programme continues to grow at a strong pace, with the total number of accredited vehicle converters now totalling 35.

Among the latest organisations to be QVM accredited is MS-RT, a joint venture established between Malcolm Wilson – the driving force behind M-Sport - and specialist converter Van-Sport, bringing together experienced designers, advanced production techniques and skilled craftsmen to produce exciting and distinctive conversions based on products including the Transit Custom and Ranger.

In order to attain QVM accreditation, converters must meet set standards in manufacture and quality control, which are assessed regularly. They must also prove that their vehicles have followed Ford's Body and Equipment Mounting Manual (BEMM), meet established quality control processes and offer a warranty for the conversion that matches Ford's own warranty terms.

'The QVM programme is one of the driving forces behind Ford's record-breaking commercial vehicle sales in 2018', said Hans Schep, general manager, commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe. 'The ever-growing network of Ford-accredited vehicle converters gives our customers unrivalled options when it comes to seeking conversion specialists who can meet their business needs in terms of design and manufacture them to an accredited standard.'

Last year Ford recorded 133,000 commercial vehicle registrations, an increase of more than 8200 on 2017, which was Ford's previous best sales year. In March this year, Ford also achieved its best-ever sales month, registering more than 21,000 commercial vehicles – almost a third more than its nearest rival.

In addition to MS-RT, the latest QVM accreditation holders are:

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Bespoke Bodies Ltd - a commercial vehicle bodybuilders founded in 1999 with the sole intention of offering a bespoke service to customers with particular 'one-off' requirements; the company began life in Wigan and is now based at Woolston Grange, just off junction 21 of the M6.

Alfred Bekker API Ltd, which specialises in the design and manufacture of Patient Transport, Rapid Response, Minibus and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, whilst supplying Wheelchairs, Scooters and Vehicle Adaptations. Its bespoke vehicles are converted onsite at its purpose-built factory based in Driffield, East Yorkshire, which includes innovative hand controls and accessories for disabled drivers.

Ingimex builds dropside, tipper and Luton van conversions at its purpose-built factory in Telford, Shropshire. The Ingimex tipper is a lightweight but robust body with a high payload, available to fit a variety of Ford Transit chassis cabs and chassis crew cabs; the dropside is a low cost, versatile, lightweight vehicle with a high payload; and the Luton van has a payload designed for dry freight or transportation of secure loads.

Clark Vehicle Conversions Ltd, specialists in welfare vans, racking systems and lifestyle vehicles requiring extra seating or storage. The company is based in Doncaster and was founded in 1985, and prides itself on investing in its people and technology to transform thousands of vehicles every year, whilst staying dedicated to its roots and values.

Truckcraft Bodies Limited, established in Greater Manchester in 2003, which is founded upon many years of experience in the manufacture of commercial vehicle bodies. Its team of highly skilled technicians work on a brief, from design to delivery, to ensure a vehicle body meets the customer's precise needs. This includes a walkthrough delivery van on the Ford Transit skeletal chassis for a major delivery company.

Lunar Campers, which established in 1969 as Lunar Caravans, naming the business after inspiration from the 1969 mission to land on the moon. It manufactures award-winning lightweight and luxurious caravans and stylish, high specification motorhomes. It has gone on to create 'Lunar Campers', offering an innovative and luxurious conversion for the Ford Transit – the Custom Terrier.

Voyager MPV Ltd, one of the UKs leading specialist vehicle manufacturers, producing taxis, minibuses, mobility vehicles and specialist vehicle conversions for customers throughout the UK, from its purpose-built facility in Crewe, Cheshire.

The above companies join a further 13 converters, which have all become part of Ford's QVM programme since last year's CV Show. These include:

Bott Ltd, which offers a comprehensive 'one-stop' van conversion solution for fleets of all sizes. The Leicestershire-based company provides a full range of services including tailored specification design, van racking manufacture and installation, electrical systems, in-vehicle technology, van graphics design and decal fitting, plus specialist vehicle builds. Bott has a strong reputation for high product quality, service excellence and value for money.

Brit-Tipp Ltd, a long-established designer and manufacturer of steel tipper bodies up to 18 tonnes GVW, and the Warrington-based concern has gained a reputation for supplying quality products to public utilities, environmental agencies, major fleet operators and retail companies across the UK. Brit-Tipp is able to offer a complete service, from bodywork specification through to delivery of a completed vehicle.

JC Payne (UK) Ltd, which can, in addition to building standard van and truck bodies, offer a bespoke design and build service in specialist bays at its Aldridge, West Midlands, base and a team of craftspeople experienced in building using traditional methods. As well as commercial vehicle bodybuilding.

Lyndon Systems, which works in conjunction with local authorities, utility companies, the NHS, Government organisations and major PLCs to design and create unique vehicles suitable for any large – or small – organisation. The Doncaster-based firm has mobile engineers to cover van conversions and custom interiors across the UK at dealer sites.

Mackworth Vehicle Conversion Specialists, which provides customers with hi-tech conversions and body building solutions to include modular racking, innovative power generation installations and are able to offer individually tailored solutions to trade users and the construction industry.

PPS Commercials Ltd, which has a reputation for manufacturing well engineered, durable and reliable products. The company specialises in bodywork products to suit a wide a range of industry sectors, from distribution and manufacturing to waste management. Each vehicle body to leave the PPS factory at Bury is designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of its buyer.

Sortimo International, one of Europe's largest manufacturers and suppliers of van racking equipment for light commercial vehicles, operating an extensive network of UK partner agents working alongside its head office and fleet conversion centre at Warrington. Sortimo is able to assist clients from design to delivery and can offer rapid installations to help keep costs down.

Stanford Coachworks Ltd, which has established a solid reputation for well-built minibus conversions, luxury mini coaches, wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances. Based in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, the company serves the public and private sector with products of exceptional quality built employing traditional skills allied to the latest developments in technology. Stanford's customers include The Lord's Taverners.

System Edström, which sells van racking systems. Founded more than 60 years ago, the Corby-based firm designs, manufactures, supplies and fits commercial vehicle racking, shelving and storage solutions in addition to delivering full vehicle conversions.

TGS (UK) Ltd, which is, with more than 45 years' experience, one of the country's longest established vehicle converters. From its Bristol base the company can offer conversions for a variety of customers including service engineers, healthcare operators, utility companies and emergency services.

Vanliners Ltd, offering tailored conversions from design stage through to installation including specialist racking systems, van linings, roof racks, safety ladder loaders and safety steps. Customers of Bolton-based Vanliners include utility companies and the public sector.

VFS North - the newly opened purpose-built conversion facility of VFS Ltd, the first UK converter to achieve Ford's QVM accreditation. Located near Wakefield, the 15,000 sq m plant provides the company's northern England and Midlands customers with access to its range of Transit tipper, dropside, Luton and box van conversions.