Jaguar Named As First Vehicle Manufacturer In Europe To Achieve New Global Quality Standard (2003)

As Jaguar’s new flagship XJ goes on sale in the United Kingdom, Jaguar and Land Rover have been granted a landmark accolade recognising their quality standards.

The two companies, both members of the Premier Automotive Group, have received ISO/TS16949:2002 certification from the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

They are the first vehicle manufacturers in Europe to achieve certification to the new global automotive quality system standard and the second in the world.

In a short presentation ceremony, VCA’s Chief Executive Derek Harvey handed over a certificate and plaque of recognition to Jaguar and Land Rover’s Chairman and CEO Bob Dover. Recognition for the two organisations of their system’s rigid adherence to the latest version of the automotive sector scheme standard comes at an important point in the company’s history. It follows an intensive period of work covering not only the introduction of systems for the new requirements but also the critical run up period to the launch of Jaguar’s new XJ.

The achievement of these two world class marques underlines Jaguar and Land Rover’s commitment to quality, leading edge management systems and customer satisfaction. It also demonstrates to their supply chain partners that this standard is recognised by major vehicle manufacturers as providing business benefits. The ISO/TS standard is now being accepted as a baseline for the automotive supply chain.

Certification to the new standard followed a series of system reviews and on-site audits by VCA’s experienced auditors. The certificates follow an intensive period of review not only of Jaguar and Land Rover by VCA but also of VCA by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The SMMT is the appointed oversight body in the UK for the ISO/TS 16949 certification scheme and VCA is one of a handful of UK certification bodies recognised to award certificates against the latest version of the standard.

In presenting the certificate, VCA’s Derek Harvey congratulated Jaguar and Land Rover sites on their success in becoming the first in Europe in gaining certification against the new requirements.

Jaguar and Land Rover’s Chairman and CEO Bob Dover said: "I am delighted to receive the certificate and plaque on behalf of Jaguar and Land Rover. This reflects the outstanding commitment of our workforce to produce high quality products and to excellent customer satisfaction."