ed leadership, and a shared vision for the future.
The Vehicle Recyclers’ Association (formerly known as the Motor Vehicle Dismantlers’ Association—MVDA) was formed in 1943, and has been representing the interests of UK vehicle recyclers ever since. VGA members are spread throughout the UK, in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A key highlight of the AGM was the celebration of the individuals whose leadership and dedication have shaped the VRA’s journey.
Graham Hall, the outgoing President, was recognized with lifetime honorary membership and a special presentation for his years of service, guidance, and unwavering support. His legacy is woven into the association’s fabric.
Long-standing Treasurer Jason Bishop was presented with a well-deserved trophy marking more than a decade of committed service—his financial stewardship has been central to the VRA’s stability and growth.
In his absence, the immediate past Chairman, Ray Kirk, was also honored with an award for his significant contribution and leadership.
These individuals have laid the foundations for the next phase of the VRA.
Members voted in a refreshed leadership team committed to driving the association
forward with energy and focus.
• Chair: Andy Latham
• President: Terry Charlton
• Treasurers (shared role): Rob Austin & Savo Vavan
The full committee remains in place to ensure continuity, and the VRA signaled a commitment to broadening representation by welcoming more expertise, diverse voices, and industry engagement as the association grows.
At the heart of the AGM was the unveiling of what we are calling VRA 2.0—an ambitious plan to modernize how the association operates.
This new vision for VRA centers on four strategic priorities critical to the future of the industry:
To deliver on these priorities, the VRA will adopt a more structured, accountable governance model. An executive committee, supported by a wider management committee and a dedicated administrator, will ensure each area receives focused attention. Clearly defined roles, measurable progress, and transparent use of resources will underpin this transformation.
The goal is simple: to create a proactive, future-ready trade association that supports its members with professionalism, credibility, and purpose.
Members were unequivocal in calling for continued transparency and strong governance. The association’s reserves belong to its members, and every decision must respect and protect that responsibility.
There was also widespread recognition that the VRA’s drive for professional standards in recent years has elevated the entire sector. The ambition now is not just to maintain that momentum—but to accelerate it.
With stronger governance, a broader base of expertise, and a sharper focus on the issues that matter most, the association is positioning itself—and its members—to stay ahead of emerging regulations, evolving technology, and new commercial opportunities, and now the real work begins as we come together to build a VRA that is more resilient, more influential, and more valuable to every member.
NEW—CHECK OUT ARA’S PODCAST!
ARA UNSCRIPTED is a candid, open-format podcast where ARA Executive Director, Vince Edivan sits down with interesting people from across the automotive recycling industry and beyond. We dive into real conversations about work, life, leadership, challenges, wins, and everything in between. No scripts. No filters. Just authentic stories and insights that inspire, educate, and connect.
Representing ARA at SAE’s Government/Industry Meeting
Emil Nusbaum, Vice President of Strategy, Government & Regulatory Affairs for the Automotive Recyclers Association, attended SAE’s Government/Industry Meeting (GIM) in Washington, D.C. January 20th – January 22nd. GIM provides a unique, neutral forum where policymakers, regulators, academia, OEMs, and industry leaders come together to share perspectives on critical mobility issues, including safety, emissions, and environmental policy. Emil’s participation helps ensure automotive recyclers are part of these important discussions—supporting the kind of informed dialogue that leads to practical, effective policies and a stronger future for our industry.
Urgent NHTSA Industry Alert: Two More Deaths from Substandard, Dangerous Chinese Air Bag Inflators
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns all vehicle suppliers, dealerships, mechanics, distributors, and law enforcement agencies that ruptured replacement air bag inflators made by China’s Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. (DTN) have killed or injured vehicle occupants in at least 10 crashes. NHTSA urgently advises to not install substandard inflators from this company and to ensure any used vehicles that have been in a previous crash where the air bag deployed now have air bags that are legitimate replacements. All parties should be extremely cautious about sourcing air bag modules and utilize verifiable vendors.
NHTSA is now aware of eight drivers who were killed in otherwise survivable crashes, while two other drivers suffered severe injuries. Each vehicle had its original equipment air bag replaced after a previous crash. Although all known crashes have occurred in Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, NHTSA does not have information to suggest the risk is limited just to these makes and models. The agency is issuing a Consumer Alert to used car buyers and owners after the two most recent crashes in December claimed the lives of two more drivers of vehicles with DTN replacement air bag inflators likely illegally imported from China.
These dangerous, substandard air bag inflators have malfunctioned in crashes, sending large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes, and faces, killing or severely injuring people in otherwise survivable crashes. NHTSA has an open investigation into these DTN inflators.
As DTN has acknowledged on its website, the inflators are prohibited from sale in the United States. Whoever is bringing them into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger. The auto repair industry should be on the lookout for these dangerous inflators and should alert NHTSA immediately with any additional information.
Your customers trust that you are providing quality components that comply with the highest safety standards. Use reputable vendors and be on the lookout for any dubious transactions that could involve DTN replacement air bag inflators. For dealers, it is important to know the history of vehicles in your inventory. If a vehicle has been in a previous crash where the air bag deployed, it should be inspected immediately for one of these inflators, especially if it has a salvage or rebuilt title.
If you find a DTN inflator, the vehicle should not be driven until the inflator is replaced with genuine parts. If you know of the sale or distribution of DTN inflators or encounter a vehicle with one of these suspect parts, contact the local Homeland Security Investigations office or FBI field office to report it, or submit an online complaint to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
Also, report it to NHTSA online or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
