Ford & Slater has become the first DAF dealer in the UK to obtain Stage Two Approvals from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

The dealership group, which has 11 locations throughout eastern and central England, obtained CoP accreditation from VCA last year as a precursor to applying for Stage Two Approvals.

CoP is a means of evidencing the ability to produce a series of products that exactly match the specification, performance and marking requirements outlined in the type approval documentation.

The Approvals apply to items installed on new vehicles prior to registration, for example camera systems, anti-siphon devices and proximity sensors.

The approvals cover the fitment of more than 100 commonly specified components across the DAF LF and DAF XF product range and ensure the dealership can maintain consistency, traceability and quality of installations without the need for costly and time consuming IVA’s.

Tim Strevens, joint managing director of Ford & Slater, said: “We have always had the highest confidence in the quality control and working methods of our technicians, so obtaining CoP and Approvals is really about having those standards accredited and recognised.

“Customers will also benefit from all fitments being carried out in line with DAF’s recommended installation methods reducing the likelihood of any failures or rework post-delivery.”

“We have been very fortunate to have received excellent support from TruckCert, VCA and DAF trucks throughout the accreditation and application processes.”

Ford & Slater is in the process of applying for nine further Stage 2 Approvals.