Every Limousine operator probably knows what the three magic letters ‘QVM’ stand for — but why is the ‘Qualified Vehicle Modifiers’ badge so important when buying a limousine?
The QVM is run by the Ford Motor Company to ensure its vehicles meets safety standards when it is stretched by a coachbuilder. There are seventeen QVM approved coachbuilders across the USA and Canada which include companies such as Royale, Coastal Coachworks, Federal Coach and Krystal Enterprises amongst others.
Ford says the program represents its approach to helping improve the integrity and quality of conversions based on its vehicles. This guide answers the most popular questions about the QVM programme:
What Qualifies a Coachbuilder to Become a QVM?
To qualify as a QVM, a coachbuilder must be successfully evaluated by Ford Motor Company on criteria such as engineering, the manufacturing process, quality control, and adherence to Ford and Lincoln Divisions guidelines. Specifically, the QVM Program requires the following from coachbuilders:
Compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Conformance with all Ford and Lincoln industry guidelines for vehicle conversions. Annual facility inspection and review and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What Does This Mean to You as a QVM Customer?
Because the Ford Motor Company QVM Program assists approved manufacturers in developing a high-quality conversion process, you can feel confident that the finished product will meet your high expectations. And while Ford doesn’t actually produce the finished converted product you receive, the Town Car and Excursion packages used in the conversions are specifically designed by Ford to meet the unique demands of your industry.
What Does This Mean to Consumers Renting a Limousine?
If you are planning to rent a limousine, the Ford Motor Company and U.S limousine associations strongly recommend that you only hire limousines that are built by manufacturer certified Coachbuilders.
QVM rules state that only Lincoln Town Cars, Ford Excursions and Lincoln Navigators are approved for conversion into a stretch limousine. In addition, QVM rules specify that a Town Car can only be stretched 120” or Navigator and Excursion 140”.
In addition the maximum passenger capacity for a stretch Town Car under the QVM guidelines is nine plus a driver and the Navigator and Excursion it is fourteen plus a driver.
Ford Motor Company Qualified Vehicle Modifiers:
Accubuilt, Inc.
Coastal Coachworks
Commerical Transportation Mftg Corp.
DaBryan Coach Builders
Eagle Coach
Executive Coach Builders
Federal Coach
Image Coaches
Krystal Enterprises
LCW Automotive Corp
Limo’s By Tiffany
Picasso Coach Builder
Royale Limousine Manufacturers
Springfield Coach Builders
Viking Coachworks
National Speciality Cars – Canada
