Experience, quality and innovation – EMG and VfmP signal automotive conversion company quality

The automotive industry is always in motion, as are the countless vehicle conversion experts on the market. They always have to stay on the cutting edge of technology, have creative solutions for the individual needs of the customer at the ready, while simultaneously staying within the legal limits of what is allowed when it comes to conversions. That’s why many companies in this industry sector trust the motto: Better together. REHACARE.com has asked the European Mobility Group (EMG) and the Association of Vehicle Converters for People with Restricted Mobility (VfmP) about the advantages associations offer and how this also predominantly benefits people with disabilities.

An association is an alliance of several organizations, companies or corporations aimed at implementing projects of common interest. However, associations are also a sign of quality in a way, since the candidates must meet the interests and share the values of the members. If you know an association’s objectives, you also know what you can expect from its members. This is also the case when it comes to the European Mobility Group (EMG). This non-profit organization is a union of leading European automotive adaptation and conversion companies.

Meanwhile, the EMG logo is also a seal of quality and approval. "EMG provides information about companies working to the same standards of quality and customer service, so that customers seeking specialists in this sector can be reassured that any company bearing the EMG logo can be trusted to deliver the highest standard of service and expertise", according to Campbell McKee, President of the EMG. 

The reasoning behind this is clear: Apart from adding an influential voice to the automotive sector and being a quality guarantor for customers, their focus is also on boosting and advancing each other with expertise and developing technical innovations and solutions to customer problems and concerns. EMG was formed in 1987 and now includes nearly 50 European companies under one roof. Approximately 30 of them will also be showcasing the diversity of this industry sector as exhibitors at this year’s REHACARE in Düsseldorf.

Yet despite its 30th anniversary, the group still has many big plans. As McKee says, "Key issues for EMG regarding the future of the sector include understanding and benefitting from major automobile trends, including the potential for autonomous driving in relation to disabled drivers, and the major changes in fuel and battery technologies which are coming fast."

The VfmP, the German-based Association of Vehicle Converters for People with Restricted Mobility, has several EMG member companies within the Association. Frank Rösner is the Chairman and Managing Director of mobility manufacturer KADOMO GmbH (an EMG Member). We talked to him about the mission of the VfmP, as well as the vehicle conversion market and the quality characteristics that are shared by all of the association’s members.

Mr. Rösner, what are the goals of the Association of Vehicle Converters for People with Restricted Mobility?

Frank Rösner: Our priority objective is to help people with restricted mobility - especially people with disabilities and elderly persons - to regain mobility or render it a possibility in the first place. Improving the quality of life of those affected is only possible if the implementation is based on expertise and experience. That’s why the VfmP includes vehicle conversion experts who want to guarantee an optimal level of quality thanks to a collaborative and competent work environment. This is only possible in a transparent network.

What specific tasks does this entail?

Rösner: Custom car conversions present a very complex challenge that involves many areas – there are technical, scientific and legal concerns to consider, but obviously also the wishes and abilities of the users. Considering the dynamics of these issues, we focus on continuously improving our services and options. That’s why we have regular meetings, analyze and discuss important topics to subsequently implement and represent the association in unison to the outside world.

In what ways does the VfmP represent the vehicle conversion industry?

Rösner: Based on the estimated total sales, we represent more than three-quarters of the market. In view of this fact, the VfmP has a big say. Having said that, it’s far more important that we only allow companies that meet certain criteria, such as many years of experience or a DIN EN ISO 9001 certification, to become members and join us. That’s why a VfmP membership is also a sign of quality.

What is the current market development?

Rösner: Our business segment has always been very dynamic. Just take a look at the evolution of cars over the past ten or twenty years! Added to this are medical advances and breakthroughs and – more recently - digitization. All of this provides many new opportunities but also exciting challenges. To enable people to be mobile on a custom level, we often have to think outside the box and break the mold. We are happy to rise to this thrilling challenge.

What do you think the future holds for this market and industry sector?

Rösner: Demographic change and globalization are also major future trends that will affect us. If people live longer, they also want to stay mobile for a longer time. We have to offer solutions to accommodate this request. Economic globalization is also becoming increasingly important in our industry sector. But we are fully aware of this and actively embrace this challenge. That’s why I have confidence in the VfmP and its members.