Archived Press Releases

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Press Notice 28th June 2006:

Greater choice for Tractor Manufacturers

For Release: Immediate

London, UK - This week sees Transport Minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, announce that VCA is to be the UK's National Designated Authority for OECD. The move comes following the closure of the Silsoe Research Institute and now means that UK based tractor manufacturers do not need to leave the country to have this work done. VCA's CEO, Paul Markwick said, "I am delighted by this announcement and feel that it is an endorsement of our technical and certification ability. VCA has been involved in testing and certifying tractors to European standards for some time but having the ability to assess machines against the additional requirements of the OECD standard means that we can really offer a 'one-stop' shop, which must be good for the competitiveness of the sector".

Background:

EC Directive 2003/37/EC introduced the concept of a European-wide system of testing for agricultural and forestry tractors, their trailers and interchangeable towed machinery, together with their systems, components and separate technical units. The principal benefit of the system is that it effectively provides a level playing field for manufacturers wishing to access the European market. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) oversees a series of Codes that apply to the testing of agricultural and forestry tractors, the codes are applied in addition to other forms of testing and are required in a number of countries around the world, such as the USA, Canada, Russia etc.

VCA has had an office in Detroit for more than 10 years and during that time local staff have helped numerous tractor manufacturers through the approval process. President, Rob Brayfield said, "Having the ability to certify product to OECD Codes is great and will be of great benefit to industry as it will potentially allow them to address all of their certification needs in one place".

All Media enquiries should be addressed to Rob Brayfield in the first instance (rob.brayfield@vcana.com) - or Tel +1 248 468 151. Public enquiries to - general@vcana.com.

Press Notice 1st February 2006:

Industry to benefit from improved website

The 1st of February 2006 saw the introduction of an improved version of the VCA North America website. Designed to provide an enhanced user experience, the site draws on a lot of contemporary thinking whilst taking account of the relevant accessibility issues.

VCA is the designated UK approval authority, providing internationally recognised testing and certification for vehicles, their systems and components. In addition to this, VCA is a leading management systems certification body, providing certification to ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, QS-9000 and EMAS.

VCA has had a presence in North America for more than 10 years and in that time local staff have been able to help a number of American manufacturers through the approval process; giving them access to lucrative overseas markets.

VCA's CEO, Paul Markwick said "I am delighted with our new improved site and I feel sure that it will provide visitors with the information they want. VCA is committed to providing the highest level of service, a fact recognised by our truly enviable client base".

All Media enquiries should be addressed to Rob Brayfield in the first instance (rob.brayfield@vcana.com) - or Tel +1 248 468 151. Public enquiries to - general@vcana.com.

Press Notice 3rd November 2004:

VCA BECOME AN APPROVED BODY UNDER THE RECREATIONAL CRAFT DIRECTIVE 2004

On the 1st of November 2004, the Department for Trade and Industry confirmed the appointment of VCA as an Approved Body under the Recreational Craft Directive 2004.

VCA recently made an application to become an approved body after the Directive was extended to include noise and exhaust emissions testing for the first time. As an organisation, VCA has been involved in automotive testing for more than thirty years and are highly respected around the world as a certification body.

VCA's Chief Executive, Paul Markwick said "The directive extension offered us a great opportunity to become involved in this area work. Our considerable expertise in the automotive arena translates very well into the marine field and we look forward to supporting industry both in the UK and abroad, from our office network around the world. VCA has a top grade team of professionals, with a great deal of experience in related fields, I am very proud of my team and the way in which they approached what is a very rigorous assessment process on the part of UKAS and the Dti".

All Media enquiries should be addressed to Rob Brayfield in the first instance (rob.brayfield@vcana.com) - or Tel +1 248 468 151. Public enquiries to - general@vcana.com.