Mercedes-Benz has opened its first IVA bay

Mercedes-Benz has stolen another march on the competition and further extended the range of services it offers operators, by opening its first Individual Vehicle Approval bay. Located at the company’s Wentworth Park complex in South Yorkshire, the new facility is now being used by inspectors from the Driver and Vehicle Services Agency (DVSA) to test single vehicles not covered by the European Whole Vehicle or National Small Series Type Approval schemes. Typically, that means those which are custom-built, have an unusual specification or bespoke bodywork.

Waiting times for such tests at the DVSA’s own centres can run into several weeks, so the advantage for Mercedes-Benz customers is clear – by arranging to have a new vehicle tested ‘in-house’, their Dealer can save them time and money, while also making the whole acquisition process smoother and less of a headache.

“DVSA inspectors can test up to four vehicles per day in our new bay,” says Workshop Operations Manager Peter Colbridge. “We frequently fit ancillary equipment and make other modifications to new vehicles that might result in a requirement for an IVA, at Wentworth Park, so it makes sense for testing to be done here too – that way our customers can deal with a single supplier for everything including the Pre-Delivery Inspection. It’s a ‘one-stop shop’ approach that saves them a great deal of hassle and makes their lives much easier.”

Since the staged introduction of laws covering type approval was completed, in October last year, all new vehicles in the classes covered by the IVA scheme have required a test before they can be registered. Its launch of the testing facility underlines the commitment of Mercedes-Benz to supporting customers for its award-winning vehicles with the broadest and best possible range of services.

www.gov.uk/contact-dvsa

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

Photo: Impact