Ford Mustang news

From Dockside to the Road. The SVA maze

All current and aspiring owners of vehicles of non British origin, no doubt begin the search for their ultimate acquisition by conducting research via a myriad of sources. Magazines, Clubs, Internet and Exhibitions all contribute to the the car of your dreams. Indeed this process is often repeated as newer models arrive, older ones becoming available or the hobby turns into a business.

The next phase of research is usually with the Shipper or a UK ports Handling Agent, what is the cost? How long does it take?.. and the beginnings of… what do I have to do to make my car fit for the EC roads? The SVA.

Not many Shippers or Handlers/Agents are very forthcoming with advice with SVA, VOSA and DVLA processes and that’s where an experienced Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) company can and should provide reliable, up to date advice and services both before and after a successful test pass. The process from the dock to registration should be available from one SVA company, providing continuity.

There are many pitfalls and possible delays in the DVLA and VOSA world prior to the successful registration of your dream, even for the most experienced operator. These agencies wield much power to recall vehicles for inspection, fail tests for apparently trivial reasons or paperwork anomalies and staff do not always assist with resolution of problems. Your local garage usually can’t help either.

Preparation of your pride and joy for the SVA test is also at the mercy of the SVA engineer, a lot can be, and alas sometimes is, covered up by a panel or tape but the story usually falls into two camps.

Firstly, you will deliver your car to the SVA engineer who will simply prepare the vehicle and get it through the SVA test at often a not inconsiderable sum, you collect it and that’s it… beware if the conversion work goes wrong at a later stage especially is the SVA company is along way away. This is becoming a real problem as defective work does not become apparent immediately and is often dangerous. Some owners of late model Mustangs can testify to this.

Secondly, there is the SVA service which we employ at Sigma Automotive and which several Mustang owners have experienced.

You can call Sigma for advice, from shipping to dockside to road registration procedures.

Sigma can collect vehicles from ports of UK entry and deliver to the customer.

Sigma offer an end to end service, from dockside to MOT and Registration and on to customer as necessary.

Sigma offer an SVA preparation service at your premises if required

Sigma continue to be available post SVA and offer an attractive UK rear light cluster for post 2005 Mustangs as well as all electrical modifications to customer specification

Sigma has prepared several reports for Mustang owners on defective SVA preparation workmanship, as evidence for Court Claim purposes and corrected such work

Owners may have started a light conversion themselves which needs reworking, this is not a problem either.

Sigma Automotive, through its “SVA to you” service has also forged working relationships with key SVA examiners at Test Centres across the UK, often saving the customer time and money.

The Mustang that you deserve has to be well prepared, presented and look good. The work involved in achieving road worthiness has to represent value for money and at Sigma Automotive, that is our aim.

www.sigmaautomotive.co.uk

01603 881122