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First bodyshops in Ireland get certified

The first bodyshops in Ireland have been awarded the new ‘Certified Steel Standard’ (CSS) which is a new voluntary standards programme for professional bodyshops in Ireland. The standard, the first of its kind, was developed by the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) and is supported by the RSA (Road Safety Authority).

The first bodyshops in Ireland have been awarded the new ‘Certified Steel Standard’ (CSS) which is a new voluntary standards programme for professional bodyshops in Ireland. The standard, the first of its kind, was developed by the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) and is supported by the RSA (Road Safety Authority).
The first bodyshops in Ireland have been awarded the new ‘Certified Steel Standard’ (CSS) which is a new voluntary standards programme for professional bodyshops in Ireland. The standard, the first of its kind, was developed by the SIMI (Society of the Irish Motor Industry) and is supported by the RSA (Road Safety Authority).

To achieve CSS certification, a bodyshop must pass an independent audit of their personnel, equipment, the suitability of their repair methods and the quality of their repair materials, which are inspected against set criteria.

Today, Wednesday, May 1,the newly awarded bodyshops were presented with their accreditation in DIT (Dublin Institute of Technology) by SIMI President, Alan Lyons who commented: “These bodyshops should be commended for their efforts in raising the standards in their industry. They have invested in state-of-the art equipment to repair crashed vehicles to the highest quality.”

The bodyshops receiving CSS accreditation represent a variety of counties, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Tipperary, Wicklow and Wexford. SIMI expects that this new standard will become best practice in the sector. As more and more bodyshops receive their CSS accreditation, there should be a nationwide network of certified CSS bodyshops by early next year.

Alan Lyons President of SIMI and Noel Brett CEO of the Road Safety Authority present at the CSS Certificate Presentation
Alan Lyons President of SIMI and Noel Brett CEO of the Road Safety Authority present at the CSS Certificate Presentation

Speaking at the event today, Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA said, “It is vital that all crash damaged vehicles are repaired professionally to the manufacturer’s specification. CSS provides written assurance that the vehicle has been professionally repaired to the manufacturer’s specification using certified parts.”

“I want to compliment the SIMI for their initiative in introducing this new voluntary standard. I look forward to its implementation and evolution over the next few years.”

He added: “I also wish to congratulate the eight professional bodyshop repairers who achieved certification today. They are setting a path for others to follow and I urge them and the others who follow them, to display their certificates clearly in their premises so that customers, insurance companies and other bodyshop repairers can see their commitment to the delivery of the highest standards of service and professionalism.”