Ford joins Van Excellence Code
Ford is one of the first manufacturers to sign up to a new voluntary Van Excellence Code (VEC) to improve working practices in industry.
The VEC was launched at the end of April by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) to raise standards in the van industry beyond the legal requirements.
Ford, manufacturer of the Transit van - UK’s best-selling van, has signed up to the code and will now submit an independent audit each year to show standards are being maintained.
Richard White, the FTA's van project leader, says: "Businesses and consumers rely heavily on the van industry, which already boasts many shining examples of well-honed and proven working van practices.
"There is a genuine enthusiasm from within the industry to share best practice and improve standards wholesale."
White concludes: "The VEC has been designed by the van sector, for the van sector, and having manufacturers on board will allow us to explore the art of the possible."
Ford will now adhere to any rules set under the VEC code, which may include speed limits or other ideas to improve safety for van drivers and other road users.
Ford is one of the biggest van suppliers in the UK, with the Ford models accounting for over a quarter of the LCV market.