The Autodistribution Group, the French and European leader in the independent distribution of car and heavy goods vehicle parts, is providing its AD PL garages with the equipment and training necessary for the installation of alcohol ignition interlock devices on vehicles designed to carry more than nine passengers, which has been made compulsory by new legislation.
New legislation brings new challenges for the AD PL network
A ministerial order dated 13th October 2009 now requires all vehicles designed to carry nine or more passengers and equipped with a tachograph to be fitted with an alcohol ignition interlock device. Between now and 2015, all buses and coaches must have the device.
Installation of the devices is subject to quality and traceability standards, and is to be carried out by manufacturers for new vehicles and dealers for older vehicles. Coaches and buses put into circulation in 2009 and earlier - a total of 60,000 vehicles - therefore represent an opportunity for the AD PL network. "By the end of June, most of our workshops specialising in the installation and checking of tachographs will be equipped to install alcohol ignition interlock devices", confirms Serge Portay, Autodistribution's Technical Manager.
To install these devices, the workshops must first obtain approval, in addition to training their staff and complying with the quality and traceability standards. The AD PL network is demonstrating its desire to adapt to a sector undergoing continual development, and is committed to offering its customers a quality service matching their highest expectations. Having built a strong partnership with SIRAC, the company that distributes the Alcolock alcohol ignition interlock device, AD PL has implemented a huge workshop outfitting and staff training programme. Receiving training from equipment manufacturers, staff will be able to install alcohol ignition interlock devices on buses and coaches directly on the customer's premises for added convenience. The services they offer will include installation of the equipment, repair and yearly servicing.
A long-term investment
It costs around 5,000 euros (excl. tax) to equip one workshop, including training. This represents an investment for the AD PL network and also responds to a market demand: "Local authorities will be quick to impose this standard on large fleets responding to tenders from school transport services in order to make the transportation of children safer", explains Serge Portay.
It is a long-term investment.Moreover, alcohol ignition interlock devices could soon be made compulsory on vehicles designed to carry hazardous materials, and it is likely that they will eventually be used on private passenger vehicles.
The Autodistribution Group in brief
The Autodistribution Group is a French and European leader in the independent distribution of car and heavy goods vehicle parts. Alongside its distribution activities, the Autodistribution Group is also the number one independent car repairer via its Garage AD, Garage Expert, AutoPrimo, Staff Auto, Auto Service AD, Carrosserie AD and Centre Technique Automobile brands, and the number one HGV repairer with its AD PL Garages and Outlets.
The Autodistribution Group was established in 1962, employs a staff of 5,500 and is projected a turnover of 1.2 billion euros for 2009. The company also has a presence in Poland via its subsidiary AD Polska and in Italy via its subsidiary Parts Distribuzione Italia, and holds minority interests in Morocco.
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Nathalie Dunoir
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