At Minibus World we have been specialists in Minibus conversions since 2007. Years of experience has enabled our team to perfect the conversion process, ensuring consistent quality, efficient manufacturing and competitive prices. Anyone can convert a van to a Minibus, but understanding how they have manufactured it is essential to purchasing a long lasting and trouble free vehicle.
When a van or vehicle is converted into a Minibus, in order for it to be road legal it has to be approved. This is based on criteria set by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). For an individual vehicle it requires inspection at an approved testing agency and passing an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval). At this point it is worth pointing out that an IVA relates to one specific vehicle.
Type Approval refers to a conversion process which has been overseen by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). Once granted the manufacturer can produce multiple vehicles under the same approval. To obtain Type Approval a manufacture not only supplies vehicles for testing, but receives regular audits to check on quality, safety and conformity.
The majority of our Minibuses are manufactured in line with the GB Small Series Type Approval (GBSSTA) which covers up to 250 vehicles per annum. As a result Minibus World hold a Conformity of Production (CoP) issued by the VCA, acknowledging and confirming we manufacture repetitively to the required specification.
Nothing is stopping you buying a van and converting it into a Minibus. However, if there is a problem will the manufacturer still honour the warranty? Will insurance cover be difficult to get? Will the build affect the performance of the base vehicle?
At Minibus World we are a Stellantis Pro-One partner with ‘recommended product’ status. That means not only have the VCA given us Type Approval but the base vehicle manufacturer has also given us a thumbs up. Stellantis manufactures Peugeot, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep.
When you buy a new or used vehicle manufactured by Minibus World it comes with the CVM World Advantage. That is, 12 unique features that set our Minibuses apart from the competition. These include a full three year warranty on new vehicle conversions. Floor to ceiling carpets provide durability, soundproofing and heat insulation. A reflective white roof provides additional insulation and lighting. Colour coded seatbelts and seat piping reflect our customers brand. And so the list goes on.
The CVM Advantage is a sign of quality and each feature has been designed to enhance the Minibus experience.
Some Minibus conversions are bespoke by nature, so may have to be IVA rather than Type Approved. The team at Minibus World are highly skilled at bringing customer visions to life, whether in a new vehicle or adapting an existing one. Over the years we have created one off Minibuses for Schools, Charities, Emergency Services and more. If you can’t see the vehicle you are looking for – rest assured we can build one!
Not all minibus conversions are equal. Type approval, manufacturer approval, conversion warranty, driving licences and conversion quality are all important. If you want a Minibus that lasts and holds onto it’s value, do your homework before you buy. At Minibus World we believe we manufacture the very finest vehicles. Feel free to visit our factory in the heart of Staffordshire to learn more and see for yourself.