ECG publishes good practices document for vehicle protection

ECG publishes good practices document for vehicle protection

ECG — 2026-04-29

News from ECG

ECG has published a new document on protection measures applied within the vehicle supply chain. The developed document outlines good practices applied by OEMs at the end of the production line to safeguard vehicles prior to transport. It also highlights the key role played by Logistics Service Providers, which have introduced effective operational measures to reduce the risk of damage. 

The manual was developed “through close cooperation within a dedicated working group of industry stakeholders; logistics service providers and OEMs,” says Guido Olbrechts, Director for Quality, Safety, Security, and Environment at ICO Terminals. “This comprehensive manual puts focus on practical measures and best practice for damage prevention.” 

During the discussions, the vehicle parts most prone to damage were identified. These are the driver’s door and side panels; front and rear bumpers; rims and tyres; driver’s door sill and bonnet and roof. From this list the driver’s door and side panels, as well as the front and rear bumpers account for the majority of damages due to their exposure at the times of loading and the entry-exit of the driver. 

Where possible, practical measures have been proposed for temporary implementation within the supply chain by the LSPs. In parallel, suitable vehicle protection solutions have been recommended for OEMs, which equip vehicles with foam, wrap-guard or other protective materials. The Full Body Cover, while considered a universal solution, is not included in this manual as it has its own dedicated document. 

The discussions in the sub-group were led by Gaëlle Fleurigeon, Leader of Quality Logistics at Renault. “As a vehicle manufacturer, we have a responsibility to ensure the integrity of our vehicles well beyond their exit from the plant. The definition of shared best practices for vehicle protection, developed jointly with ECG and transport carriers, represents a crucial step forward in safeguarding product quality throughout the entire logistics chain, for the benefit of the whole industry,” she noted.

Guido Olbrechts concluded: “We believe the manual is another step forward in supporting all stakeholders and reflects everyone’s shared commitment towards quality and damage prevention.” 

The topic of the vehicle protection emerged from the discussions under the Quality Working Group, ECG’s longest standing group. Szilvi Kiss, Senior Project Manager at ECG, who has facilitated the drafting of this manual said: “The work carried out in this group, as well as in many others, is driven by ECG members: their observations, questions or concerns will lead to the development of manuals, guidelines, good practice documents or even industry-wide projects where there is sufficient support. Members effectively shape the association’s work and ECG works with the member, for the members.”