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Archived Press Releases
Press Notice 18th May 2007:
DTI appoints VCA as the distributor enforcement body for the WEEE Regulations
The Science and Innovation Minister, Malcolm Wicks, today (18 May) announced the appointment of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) as the enforcement body for the distributor obligations under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.
Mr Wicks said:
"This agency has an important role to play in ensuring that distributors comply with their obligations under the WEEE Regulations. Free-riding will not be tolerated, and a robust process will be in place to serve notice and ultimately prosecute distributors who are unwilling to become compliant".
From 1 July, distributors of electrical and electronic equipment will have to provide facilities for their customers to return old electrical equipment free of charge when they buy a replacement item. Distributors, including distance sellers, have two options:
1. They can either join the Distributor Takeback Scheme (DTS) which supports a network of primarily local authority collection points where customers can return their waste electricals.
2. Or they can allow customers to bring goods back to the store.
Whether members of the DTS or providing takeback in store, distributors also have to make information available to consumers on how they can dispose of WEEE and the environmental benefits of doing so.
From 1 July, VCA will make sure that retailers and distributors of electrical equipment play their part in helping household users dispose of WEEE at the end of life, as well as carrying out market surveillance and inspections.
Notes to editors
1. The WEEE Directive aims to address the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and to promote its separate collection when it becomes waste (WEEE). WEEE is a priority waste stream for the EU because of its growing volume in the municipal waste stream and its potential hazardousness following disposal.
2. The Directive introduces producer responsibility for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Producers will have to finance treatment and recycling/recovery of separately collected WEEE in the UK to specified treatment standards and recycling/recovery targets. Retailers have an obligation to offer take-back services to householders. The Directive does not place any obligations on householders, and they will be not be prohibited from throwing WEEE away with general domestic rubbish. It will however encourage more WEEE to be reused or recycled by ensuring that there is a network of facilities in place where householders can return their used equipment free of charge.
For further information:
Media Contact (UK) - Paul Cooke, VCA Group Press Officer (paul.cooke@vca.gov.uk or call +44 (0)117 9524126).
For more general information abour VCA, see our general Notes to editors page.
Press Notice 21st February 2007:
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA) sends clear message on quality
For Release: Immediate
Montgomery, Alabama, USA - Today sees Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC (HMMA) celebrate their achievement of certification to the highest level of the internationally recognised automotive quality standard ISO/TS 16949:2002. A formal certificate handover will take place between Hyundai's President and CEO, Mr J. S. Ahn and Rob Brayfield, President of VCA North America, the certification registrar responsible for the assessment. Also present at the handover event will be Alabama Governor, Bob Riley and the Mayor of Montgomery, Bobby N. Bright.
Speaking in the run up to the presentation, Rob Brayfield, said, "This achievement is worthy of note on a number of levels. Firstly, there are few OEM's who have implemented and certified ISO/TS 16949 management systems in their own component manufacturing and assembly plants, and few will have achieved this in such a short space of time. This is a clear indication of commitment at all levels within the company and sends a message that when it comes to quality, HMMA means business".
John Kalson, Director of Production said, "Before job one rolled off the assembly line, we committed ourselves to leading the industry in business management processes. And speaking of VCA's involvement Chris Susock, Senior Manager - Quality Control said. "After careful consideration of many qualified 3rd party ISO/TS 16949 registrars, HMMA believed that VCA North America's reputation for high integrity and the understanding for Automotive OEM Business individuality, unique business environment and corporate culture, would and did provide us with an extensive high quality independent audit review".
Notes to editors:
VCA North America- is part of the UK's Vehicle Certification Agency. Part of the UK Department for Transport, VCA is the UK vehicle type approval authority and also offers certification to ISO9001, ISO 14001, ISO/TS 16949 and OHSAS 18001. Part of a global operation, VCA has its HQ in the UK, with other offices in North America, Japan, Malaysia, China and most recently, India. VCA specializes in the automotive field and has an enviable client base ranging from SMEs to multi-nationals such as the Ford Motor Company, Visteon, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota, Tata Motors, Proton, Perodua, etc. To find out more visit www.vcana.com
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama - headquartered in Montgomery, Ala., is an independent manufacturing operation of Hyundai Motor Company, based in Seoul, Korea. HMMA currently produces the Sonata sedan and the next generation 2007 Santa Fe sport utility vehicle. At full capacity, HMMA will produce 300,000 vehicles annually. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 755 Hyundai dealerships. The $1.1 billion (2-million square foot) assembly plant began production 20th May 2005 and is thought to be one of the most technologically sophisticated automotive manufacturing facilities around.
(Certificate handover images available on request)
Media Contacts (UK) - Paul Cooke, VCA Group Press Officer (paul.cooke@vca.gov.uk or call +44 (0)117 9524126).
Press Notice 3rd November 2006:
Launch of VCA India
VCA's LATEST OVERSEAS OFFICE LAUNCHED IN THE PRESENCE OF HRH PRINCE ANDREW, DUKE OF YORK & UK SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INVESTMENT
For Release: Immediate
New Delhi - India's flourishing automotive industry will now have greater support from a leading European testing and certification partner as the UK's approval authority, VCA, opens a new office in India. Never far from the automotive news, India is thought to be second only to China in terms of overall growth and impact on the automotive industry. The Indian Government is playing a very supportive role in the growth of the Indian automotive sector and makes no secret of its desire to export more products to Europe and the wider world.
The launch, attended by HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York, in his capacity as UK Special Representative for International Trade & Investment and HE Sir Michael Arthur, British High Commissioner took place on the 30th of October in New Delhi. Speaking at the event HRH Prince Andrew spoke of the world-leading expertise that exists within the UK and the role companies like VCA could play in helping the Indian automotive industry to realise the aspiration to access the EU market.
VCA CEO, Paul Markwick went on to say, "VCA has supported the automotive industry for more than 30 years and as it has become more global in nature, we have evolved and expanded to meet the needs of an ever-changing client base. This expansion has led us into a number of overseas territories and our New Delhi base is the latest in our portfolio. There is no doubt in my mind that India is becoming a force to be reckoned with and we will be on hand to support the testing and certification of products to European and other standards. A local presence will also help us to support existing customers in a more flexible way as increasing numbers move to the region. I am pleased to say that our expertise is well known and valued, a fact clearly demonstrated by our recent invitation to enter into a MoU with NATRiP (National Automotive Testing & R&D Infrastructure Programme). Both myself and my team on the ground look forward to supporting local industry in the years to come"
Notes to editors:
VCA - is part of the UK Department for Transport and it the UK type approval authority. In addition, VCA offers certification to ISO9001, ISO 14001, ISO/TS 16949 and OHSAS 18001. Part of a global operation, VCA has its HQ in the UK, with other offices in North America, Japan, Malaysia and most recently, China. VCA has an enviable client base ranging from SMEs to multi-nationals such as the Ford Motor Company, Visteon, Honda, Toyota, Tata Motors, Proton, Perodua, etc. To find out more visit http://www.vca.gov.uk/editors-notes.asp
(Opening event images available on request)
Media Contacts (UK) - Paul Cooke, VCA Group Press Officer (paul.cooke@vca.gov.uk or call +44 (0)117 9524126).
NATRiP - The National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Programme plans to invest $360 mil in world-class test operations over the next 3-5 years. A consortium has been selected to specify, design and build the new facilities in the four regional industrial centres of New Delhi, Pune/Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. This process will also include the enhancement of the current ARAI test facility at Pune (ARAI is the Indian certification authority and approves product for the local market. A new purpose built test track, covering 4700 acres is planned for Indore, in the centre of the country.
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.
Notes to editors:
VCA, an executive agency of the Department for Transport, is the United Kingdom's national approval authority for new road vehicles, agricultural tractors and off-road vehicles. In addition, VCA offer management system certification and training services against the requirements of ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001, ISO/TS 16949, EMAS and OHSAS 18001. As an executive agency of the UK Department for Transport, VCA is closely linked with Government and European policy formulation and the enforcement of vehicle safety and environmental standards.
VCA provide expert international testing, training and certification services for vehicles, their systems and components. Type Approval is the testing and certification process applied throughout all the European Member States to ensure that a range of safety and environmental standards are met by both vehicle and component manufacturers before their products can enter into the market place.
With offices in North America, Japan, Malaysia, China, Korea and Taiwan, VCA is a recognised world player in the certification field.
All Media enquiries should be addressed to Paul Cooke - paul.cooke@vca.gov.uk - or Tel +44 (0) 117 9524126. Public enquiries to - enquiries@vca.gov.uk
Press Notice 1st December 2005:
INDUSTRY TO BENEFIT FROM IMPROVED WEBSITE
The 1st of December 2005 saw the introduction of an improved version of the VCA 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. Part of the UK Department for Transport, VCA has been supporting industry for more than 30 years.
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 Paul Cooke - paul.cooke@vca.gov.uk - or Tel +44 (0)117 9524126. Public enquiries to - enquiries@vca.gov.uk
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"
