Thatcham has launched ReMAG, its Repair Methods Assessment Group, to drive progress towards a standard for crash repair methods.

Since the introduction of the Vehicle Body Repair Kitemark this year, the accident repair sector has argued that comprehensive, timely and accessible repair methods information is a crucial aspect of safe, quality repair.

Thatcham said ReMAG will ensure that the standard reflects the needs of all those concerned with vehicle repair.

ReMAG will comprise representatives from all sectors involved in vehicle manufacture and crash repair, including insurers and wider stakeholders such as BSI. A first draft of the standard has already been prepared.

The inaugral meeting of ReMAG is on the December 12 with the first priority to complete and agree the standard, which will then be circulated to a wider consultation group, including motor organisations, trade bodies, Government and consumer groups for additional comment before sign off for a 2008 launch.

Once the standard is published, vehicle manufacturer methods will be assessed against the standard criteria.

Andrew Miller, Thatcham’s director of research, will chair ReMAG.