Thatcham BSI Kitemark for Auto Repair Marks First Birthday, Receives BBC Coverage

March 13, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

Introduced in February 2007, the Kitemark scheme sets out standards for the vehicle crash repair process, including the methods and materials used by technicians, across the entire U.K. crash repair industry.

According to BSI, achievement of the Kitemark certificate ensures motorists that the standard of crash repairs they receive from the Kitemark-certified bodyshop will restore the vehicle to its preaccident condition.

"It's a proven fact that by putting the measurable systems and processes that the Kitemark certificate requires focuses the bodyshop to do a quality job," Quentin Willson, spokesperson for BSI, said.

"Therefore, the standards rise across the board, the consumer has confidence in the service that the bodyshop delivers and the industry gets the best practice performance levels it's seeking," Willson said.

Kitemark recently received live media exposure before 10 million people on BBC Breakfast TV and BBC Radio 5 when Willson was interviewed about the certification.

Willson spoke about how the U.K. garage sector is not thoroughly regulated and emphasized how poor standards are affecting the safety of drivers and their passengers. He also highlighted the fact that U.K. motorists are often overcharged for the repair of their vehicles.

According to Kitemark Services, the largest automotive insurers in the U.K. have agreed that their approved bodyshops will embrace the scheme.

Steve Hamon, general manager - Kitemark Services, said, "With the decision made by insurers that they require their approved repairers to achieve Kitemark, the high standards are set to become the norm for the crash repair industry. This decision supported by repairers will ensure the U.K. motorist receives safe, quality repairs."

Ian Harper, BSI sales and marketing director, who participated in the BBC radio interview, said, "We want to get to the point where consumers walk into their local garage and are in the position to make an educated decision about whether it is capable of repairing their vehicle to the correct standard.

"The fact that an organization like the BBC recognizes the power of the Kitemark and the importance of the message that we are trying to get across puts us and all of the businesses that have become Kitemark accredited in an excellent position moving forwards. This is an initiative to really believe in because it is trying to make a serious difference," Harper said.

Source: BSI Group.