Hidrive is proud to announce its selection among six inaugural members of Ford Australia’s new Ford Pro™ Convertor program.
Hidrive is proud to announce its selection among six inaugural members of Ford Australia’s Ford Pro Convertor program. This certification recognises our engineering excellence and quality assurance in delivering fit-for-purpose, compliant conversions for Ford Ranger fleets across Australia. Applying to the Essential Services and Mining categories, it reflects Ford’s confidence in our ability to engineer, produce and install service bodies that meet stringent safety and performance standards.
To achieve Ford Pro Convertor status, Hidrive underwent comprehensive evaluation by Ford Motor Company, confirming that every step of our design and installation process aligns with Ford’s global expectations for quality, durability and reliability.
“We’re proud to continue our relationship with Ford under the new Ford Pro™ Convertor program,” said David Maddon, Chief Revenue Officer at Hidrive. “This certification reinforces our engineering and installation standards, ensuring customers can continue to rely on fully compliant, factory-integrated fitouts for their Ford Ranger fleets.”
Key Takeaways
- Hidrive selected as one of six inaugural Ford Pro Convertors in Australia.
- Certification validates our compliance with Ford’s stringent standards.
- Applies to the Essential Services and Mining fleet categories.
- Reinforces confidence in Hidrive’s Australian-made, fit-for-purpose designs.
Summary Table
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
| Ford Pro Convertor Certification | Official recognition by Ford Motor Company for quality and compliance | Assurance that every Hidrive fitout meets Ford’s standards |
| Co-bonded Aluminium Bodies | Lightweight, durable construction engineered for Ford Ranger platforms | Increased payload capacity and long-term reliability |
| Modular Fitouts | Precision-engineered components tailored to fleet requirements | Faster installation, safer operations and improved productivity |
| Essential Services & Mining Application | Certification extends to demanding fleet sectors | Confidence in compliance and performance under tough conditions |
What the Ford Pro Convertor certification means for fleets
The launch of the Ford Pro Convertor programme represents a major advance for fleets seeking reliably converted vehicles that align with manufacturer standards. Approval under this programme means approved convertors have undergone a comprehensive audit by Ford to confirm their engineering, installation and quality-assurance practices meet
factory-level expectations.
For fleet decision-makers, benefits include peace of mind that conversions maintain warranty integrity, meet ADR and Ford compliance and reduce the risks associated with standalone aftermarket fit-outs.
This means fewer compliance headaches, smoother delivery and a vehicle ready for work straight off the forecourt. Ultimately it supports improved productivity, lower downtime and stronger return-on-investment for fleets in demanding sectors.
How we achieved certification — our engineering and production standards
At Hidrive, achieving Ford Pro™ Convertor Program status has been the culmination of years of focused engineering, robust production systems and installer expertise. As a certified convertor, we underwent a comprehensive evaluation by Ford Motor Company Australia — assessing everything from design compliance and ADR-certification to welding quality, electrical integration and warranty alignment.
Our national facility in Goulburn leads the manufacture of our Australian-made co-bonded aluminium service bodies, ensuring every build aligns with our lightweight strength, durability and fleet-efficiency ambitions. From sheet bending to modular fit-out assembly, quality checks are embedded at each stage. As a certified Ford Pro Convertor, we align our processes with Ford’s stringent standards for production, installation and finish — meaning our service bodies fully integrate with Ford Ranger vehicle systems without jeopardising compliance or warranty.
Moreover, our installation network spans major cities across Australia — allowing for timely, professional fit-outs with controlled lead times. Detailed engineering drawings, payload calculations and chassis assessments ensure we deliver a vehicle ready for work from day one. This disciplined approach is central to the engineering assurance fleet-managers expect when specifying a Ford-approved build.
Impacts for Ford Ranger service body solutions: what fleet managers need to know
For fleet managers specifying the Ford Ranger, the launch of the Ford Pro Convertor programme offers meaningful benefits when paired with our at Hidrive certified service bodies. The programme is designed to link fleets with certified convertors whose fit-outs retain integration with vehicle systems, warranty support and regulatory compliance — rather than relying on purely aftermarket modifications.
Given that our service bodies are engineered in-house in Australia, this certification means your fleet deployment can proceed with confidence. With a Ford-recognised convertor, you gain assurance that modifications to the Ranger chassis will not compromise ADR compliance, safety systems or the vehicle’s new-vehicle warranty.
In operational terms, this simplifies procurement. Rather than source the ute, send it off for later up-fit, and manage multiple suppliers, fleet managers now have a single pathway: select the Ranger, specify our certified body and schedule install at our national network. That reduces vehicle downtime, streamlines logistics and enhances productivity. Moreover, the certified fit-out means that total cost of ownership improves— fewer interventions, adhered payload ratings and reliable performance in tough fleet conditions.
In short, the programme enhances the alignment between the Ranger and our aluminium service bodies, making fleet roll-outs more efficient, compliant and work-ready from day one.
Why Australian-made co-bonded aluminium service bodies matter in fleet applications
In today’s demanding fleet environments, the material and manufacturing origin of service bodies is more than just a specification—it is a key differentiator. At Hidrive, our co-bonded aluminium service bodies are manufactured in Australia and engineered for lightweight strength, and this brings meaningful advantages to fleet managers, procurement officers and tradespeople alike.
By using co-bonded aluminium panels and reinforced extrusions, we reduce tare weight without compromising structural integrity. This increases usable payload, improves vehicle handling and braking, and ensures compliance with GVM limits—critical when operating in commercial or off-road applications.
Australian manufacture adds another layer of value. Local production allows for tighter quality control, faster lead-times and easier aftermarket support. Our national facility ensures consistency, and every build aligns with stringent standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
Durability is a further benefit. Aluminium offers excellent corrosion resistance for Australia’s harsh conditions—from salt-laden coastal environments to red dust inland—and our co-bonded construction is optimised for long-term service.
When fleet managers specify our Australian-made co-bonded aluminium bodies, they’re choosing a solution that reduces downtime, enhances payload capacity and supports total cost of ownership—all while delivering a high-quality, fit-for-purpose build.
Final Thoughts
Achieving Ford Pro Convertor certification reinforces our commitment at Hidrive to delivering service body solutions that are lightweight, durable, compliant and highly efficient. This milestone allows us to offer fleet managers, procurement officers and tradespeople a turn-key, factory-approved build with confidence in every detail — from engineering and installation to long-term support and payload optimisation. Whether you’re specifying a Ford Ranger for essential services, mining or trade applications, our certified Australian-made co-bonded aluminium service bodies ensure your vehicles are ready for work from day one. Partner with us and experience the assurance that comes from aligning with a manufacturer-recognised fit-out solution.
FAQs Answered:
1. What is the Ford Pro Convertor programme?
The Ford Pro Convertor programme is a global certification initiative introduced by Ford Motor Company to recognise conversion partners who meet its highest standards for design, engineering and quality assurance. For fleet operators, the manufacturer guarantees that vehicles fitted by a certified convertor maintain full alignment with Ford’s engineering requirements, safety protocols and compliance regulations.
As one of the inaugural Ford Pro Convertors in Australia, Hidrive underwent a comprehensive technical assessment of our manufacturing, installation and quality processes. This independent certification confirms that our co-bonded aluminium service bodies are engineered to the same quality expectations as Ford’s own vehicles. For our customers, that means total confidence — knowing your Ford Ranger is equipped with a body designed and installed to perform, protect and comply right from day one.
2. How does this certification benefit my fleet?
Ford Pro Convertor certification gives fleet managers peace of mind that every Hidrive service body fitted to a Ford Ranger is built under strict manufacturer-approved processes. It ensures your vehicles retain full warranty coverage, meet all Australian Design Rules (ADR), and deliver the same performance, safety and reliability as an unmodified Ranger.
For large-scale fleet operators, this simplifies procurement and deployment. Certified installations are fully integrated, eliminating the compliance risks and downtime that come with aftermarket modifications. With our certified builds, you gain efficiency, reduced lead times, and the assurance that each vehicle leaving your depot is safe, consistent, and work-ready. In practical terms, it means higher uptime, predictable maintenance, and a stronger return on investment across your entire fleet.
3. Does Hidrive’s certification apply to the Ford Ranger service-body builds?
Yes. Hidrive’s certification specifically covers our co-bonded aluminium service bodies engineered for the Ford Ranger platform. Every certified build is designed, manufactured and installed in accordance with Ford’s stringent standards. This ensures seamless chassis integration, correct weight distribution, maintained vehicle safety systems and full warranty alignment.
Our team has worked closely with Ford to validate fitment processes and ensure our modular designs perform under real-world conditions. The result is a fleet-ready Ranger that delivers all the benefits of Hidrive’s lightweight strength, durability and compliance — backed by manufacturer recognition.
4. What fleet segments are covered by the certification (Essential Services, Mining)?
Hidrive’s Ford Pro Convertor certification applies to the Essential Services and Mining categories — sectors where reliability, safety and compliance are paramount. These industries demand vehicles that can operate in harsh environments, carry specialised equipment and meet stringent regulatory standards.
Our certified service bodies are purpose-built for these conditions. From emergency response and utilities to maintenance and field operations, every fit-out is engineered to deliver durability, payload efficiency and operational readiness. This certification ensures your fleet meets both industry and manufacturer standards without compromise.
5. What changed when transitioning from Ford QVM accreditation to Ford Pro Convertor?
The Ford Pro Convertor programme represents an evolution of the previous Ford QVM (Qualified Vehicle Modifier) accreditation, introducing even higher benchmarks for compliance, integration and quality control. Under the new programme, convertors are subject to enhanced audits across design, electrical integration, installation and documentation.
For Hidrive, this transition underscores the maturity of our engineering systems and our ability to deliver manufacturer-aligned conversions at scale. Fleet managers benefit from tighter warranty continuity, streamlined ordering through the Ford network and greater assurance that their vehicles meet both Ford and national compliance requirements.
6. How can I order a certified service body from Hidrive for my Ford Ranger?
Ordering a certified Ford Ranger service body from Hidrive is straightforward. Simply contact our team or your Ford dealer to specify a certified fit-out during the vehicle procurement process. Our engineering specialists will confirm configuration requirements, payload specifications and any trade-specific needs before scheduling installation through our national network.
All manufacturing is completed at our Goulburn facility, where each build undergoes rigorous quality inspection before installation. Once your Ford Ranger is fitted, you’ll receive full documentation verifying Ford Pro Convertor certification and warranty alignment. It’s a complete, turnkey process — designed to get your vehicles on the road faster, with total confidence in performance and compliance.
Ford dealers and fleet operators are encouraged to contact Hidrive’s Mobile Workspace Specialist team on 1300 350 625 or visit hidrive.com.au/ford-pro-convertor to learn more about our certified Ford Ranger fitout solutions.
