Road transport sector gears up for Whole Vehicle Type Approval

Commercial vehicle suppliers face a major challenge with the introduction of EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) legislation next Spring.

The new regime is designed to produce common standards for EU commercial vehicles, but as a side-effect it is likely to significantly increase the cost and complexity involved in manufacturing and procuring bespoke vehicles. As a result, customers are likely to see a dramatic reduction in the variety of commercial vehicles on offer.

Representatives from Department for Transport, VOSA, SMMT, DVLA, VBRA, VCA, RMIF and the goods vehicle manufacturing, rental and leasing sectors met recently to discuss ways of raising awareness of the new legislation and its impact. After the meeting at the offices of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, all parties agreed that a great deal of work was needed to communicate the changes to the road transport industry.

ECWVTA will ensure that new trucks, vans and special-purpose goods vehicles are safe for all EU roads and conform to all environmental standards, without the need to inspect and test every single one. Because of the complex multi-stage build process involved with some vehicles, the new legislation will be phased in over five years.

Although many producers are prepared or well on the road to compliance, there is growing concern that some companies within the vehicle supply chain are behind with their planning or even unaware of the commercial and practical implications for their business.

“Once this new legislation goes live, new commercial vehicles and trailers made, adapted or imported for sale in the UK or across other EU member states, cannot be sold or used on the road without either a Type Approval or Individual Vehicle Approval,” said David Farbon, chairman of the BVRLA’s Commercial Vehicle Committee.

“Companies involved in the multi-stage build process of goods vehicles face a unique set of challenges because cooperation on Type Approval will be required throughout the production and supply chain. By implementing a strategy now rather than later on, businesses will have enough time to put these changes into practice.”

Communication challenge
ECWVTA legislation will have a particularly large impact in the UK, which has around 1100 body builders and vehicle operators that are used to tailoring the size and shape of their vehicles to suit very specific business needs.

With 20% of UK body builders carrying out 80% of the work, there is a major education challenge in communicating the changes to the smaller end of the industry, and its customers.

For example, it is estimated that the new certification and compliance process could add up to ten weeks to the build time for bespoke vehicles, not to mention the associated testing costs.

“It is vital to ensure an adequate flow of information between all parties in the supply chain so that a vehicle does not arrive at the test station for final certification in a non-compliant condition or with incomplete paperwork,” said David Farbon.

To account for the wide range of companies involved in the commercial vehicle supply chain – from volume producers down to specialist converters – three Type Approval avenues have been developed.

ECWVTA for volume producers and exporters

National Small Series Type Approval (NSSTA) for low volume concerns who see the UK as their primary market

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for very low volume producers who make bespoke vehicles to order and who see the UK as their primary market

Further information on Type Approval can be found on the Department for Transport website at dft.gov.uk/typeapproval