This
article was published in the February 2023 edition of NTEA News.
Formed in
1992, Van Body Manufacturers Division (VBMD) represents companies that
manufacture commercial van bodies. It was created to promote and serve common
interests of van body manufacturers in the development and sale of safe,
efficient and useful vehicles. Its mission is to provide a neutral forum that
fosters open communication among active members, suppliers and chassis OEMs on
design and manufacturing matters relating to the work truck industry. The group
typically meets annually in conjunction with Work Truck Week.
VBMD’s
main focus is keeping up-to-date with chassis and regulatory changes to help
forecast effects on future vehicle products. The group regularly includes
chassis OEM liaison personnel in its meetings. Areas of interest include
electric chassis adaptation and opportunities to commonize chassis electrical
connections.
Offices
are Chair Marlin Hacker, Morgan Corporation; Vice Chair Tony Lista, Unicell
Body Company; and Treasurer Nick Pfeifer, Mickey Truck Bodies Inc.
Learn more
at ntea.com/vbmd or
contact Steve Spata, NTEA technical assistance director, at steves@ntea.com.