Ford 'Takeback' Network Expands To 25 Sites

The Ford network of 'takeback' and treatment facilities currently being established to meet the European Commision's End of Life Vehicles (ELV) directive, has now grown to 25 sites across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Earlier this year Ford was the first manufacturer to announce a comprehensive plan to meet ELV legislation and it is now also the first company in the automotive sector to establish 'takeback' points in all four countries of the United Kingdom.

Working in partnership with Cartakeback Limited, Ford's newly-appointed sites will provide customers of the Ford group brands sold in the UK - Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda - with a free 'takeback' service for all ELVs from January 1, 2007.

From that date the ELV directive will require motor vehicle manufacturers and importers to:

• Take back vehicles - regardless of the date of a vehicle's first registration - that they put on the market at the end of their life ensuring that they are treated in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Meet recycling and recovery targets of 85 per cent by weight in 2006.

This service will be available to the last owners of all Ford group brands qualifying vehicles that have reached the end of their lives when presented at a Ford-appointed facility.

All the Ford contracted sites are fully licensed by the Environment Agency as authorised treatment facilities. They also meet additional Ford professional quality standards for the receipt, treatment and recovery of end of life vehicles and have been appointed with immediate effect.

Ford will increase the number of facilities in the network to meet the criteria set down in the UK ELV (Producer Responsibility) Regulations 2005 in time for the 31 August, 2005, deadline set by the Department of Trade and Industry.

Last owners of Ford Motor Company qualifying ELVs which were first registered on or after 1 July 2002 can now obtain free 'takeback' by contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Centre on 0845 8411111 or by e-mailing elvgb@ford.com.

Further details and information on Ford's End of Life recycling initiatives can be obtained on the Ford website at www.ford.co.uk under the 'Environment' section.

Ford Motor Company's brands sold in excess of 487,000 new cars in the UK in 2004. The company has over eight million vehicles in the UK car parc - approximately 25 per cent of the total.