Who Are VBRA

VBRA membership empowers commercial vehicle bodybuilders to gain industry influence, enhance credibility, share best practices, and future-proof their operations.

VBRA are proudly part of the Retail Motor Industry Federations (RMI)

The Elite Standard in Commercial Vehicle Repair

The modern bodybuilding landscape is a complex crossroads of engineering, safety legislation, and liability. VBRA simplifies this environment by providing the representation and technical intelligence your business needs to stay ahead. We bridge the gap between evolving regulations and workshop reality, ensuring your team has the credibility and insight to deliver consistent, high-standard results with total peace of mind.

Setting Standards

Setting industry standards for quality and safety.

Providing Accreditations

Providing accreditation and recognition for workshops that meet those standards

Training & Advice

Offering technical advice and training to improve skills and keep up with new vehicle technology.

History Timeline

The VBRA History

Over 100 Years of Industry Excellence

Since its establishment in 1914 as a regional body, and its formal incorporation as the VBRA in 1959, the association has evolved from a traditional guild of vehicle builders into the UK’s leading authority on technical standards, safety, and consumer protection within the vehicle repair sector.

Early 19th century

Origins

The roots of the association began around 1914, eventually leading to the formation of the National Master Wheelwrights’, Smiths’, Coach and Motor Body Builders’ Association.

1919

Regional Body

The VBRA was formed back in the early 19th century when the trade association was involved in building wheels for coaches, which is where the name “coach builders” derives. That's when the trade association was formed

1959