THE Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association has pulled out of a proposed alliance arrangement with the Confederation of British Bodyshops, blaming both the Scottish Motor Trade Association and the Retail Motor Industry Federation.

In a statement the VBRA said talks had gone on for six months with high expectations that never materialised. The VBRA team expected to align membership standards, costs and inspection procedures in a joint move that would be cost-effective to all. They are also expected to be able to integrate the various services being offered by each individual association.

But by January the VBRA concluded that assurances it had been given would not be honoured and that the RMI in particular wished to retain its own inspection structure and procedures.