SMMT News

Jaguar and Land Rover set the quality standard for UK automotive manufacturing

08 April 2003 #SMMT News

  • First in Europe to meet rigorous global quality standard
  • Recognition of customer satisfaction and global competitiveness
  • All automotive companies should aim to achieve this by 2005

  • Jaguar and Land Rover were today singled out as world leaders in the field of global competitiveness as they were awarded the coveted international quality standard known as ISO/TS 16949:2002.


    By meeting the rigorous requirements of international assessors, the two Premier Automotive Group companies have set the standard for all companies in the sector from component suppliers through to car manufacturers. The achievement underlines their commitment to quality, leading edge management systems and customer satisfaction.


    SMMT is the appointed global partner in the UK for the certification to the quality standard, and today’s news is the first public recognition of the work that has been underway since 1996 to improve the competitiveness of the industry.


    Working with the SMMT Industry Forum, the SMMT Quality Panel will later this year publish a practical guide to process management that will assist all companies in meeting this standard which is expected to become a global requirement for suppliers and manufacturers alike.


    Commenting on the news Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive said, ‘Jaguar and Land Rover are to be congratulated for their vision in being the first to achieve this standard. The UK motor industry must now make similar rapid progress to ensure that all companies are in a position to compete on the global stage. It is worth noting that in the UK less than ten per cent of suppliers have achieved this recognition, compared with a figure of nearly 50 per cent amongst French companies’.

    Note to editors

    • Further information on the global quality standard ISO/TS 16949 is available at www.smmt.co.uk
    • The SMMT Quality Panel is a specialist group within the society dedicated to improving process management and quality systems.
    • SMMT Industry Forum offers training courses for industry ¡V more information available at www.industryforum.co.uk

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