Thatcham has extended its programme of certified alternative parts and opened up the approval process to distributors such as Euro Car Parts.
The Thatcham programme is run in conjunction with TÜV and inspects parts to assure users of their quality and that they will take no longer to fit than an OE spare. The system also audits the manufacturing facilities of suppliers.
Distributors such as ECP are now able to put forward parts for approval as long as the manufacturer of them is accredited by Thatcham.
This is the case with the range of TYC Brother Industrial lights which ECP put forward and which have just been accepted onto the scheme.
Ian Curtis, Product Assessment Services Team Leader at Thatcham, said: “By adding lighting to our range of alternative proven quality cosmetic crash parts from a range of manufacturers and distributors, we are no providing insurers and repairers with a complete parts basket for most accident scenarios.”
ECP Chief Executive Officer Martin Gray said: “I congratulate Thatcham for devising such a comprehensive and rigorous testing process for vehicle lighting.
“ECP is currently introducing a wide range of headlight and other lighting products under our Platinum Plus brand, all carrying Thatcham/TÜV certification.”
Thatcham launched the TÜV certification programme in 2008 when it replaced the Thatcham Approved Parts scheme which ran from 2001. With the 40 new light additions to the range, the programme now offers more than 1000 spares.
“We are constantly looking at ways to extend the alternative pars service we offer. With the addition of the lighting category and the opening of the certification service to distributors, we will see the number of quality parts available grow to provide a wide choice for specification and use with confidence by insurers and repairers.”
A full list o the certified parts is available at www.thatcham.org/parts.
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