BSI steers a simpler course around the industry standards

PRESS RELEASE

9 May 2003

Help is at hand for Midlands' beleaguered automotive suppliers struggling with the plethora of requirements demanded by major manufacturers.

Suppliers in Coventry and Birmingham, already reeling from the tough economic conditions, are being bombarded with all manner of technical requirements from vehicle manufacturers such as DaimlerChrysler and Renault in order to compete effectively in the global automotive market.

BSI Management Systems (BSI MS) says that standards such as QS 9000, VDA6, AVSQ and EAQF can all be replaced by the global quality standard ISO/TS 16949, designed specially by the automotive industry, for the automotive industry. As vehicle manufacturers worldwide approve this, it provides acceptance into the global market place.

Errol Taylor of BSI says: "We support the efforts of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Industry Forum and the major vehicle manufacturers in the Midlands, including PSA Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Renault in their efforts to encourage suppliers to consolidate quality management into one standard. Many of these VMs are writing to suppliers asking them to achieve certification to ISO/TS16949 by December 2004. While this may seem far off, implementation of the new version of ISO/TS16949 can take up to 12 months.

BSI was one of the first certification bodies to be accredited to register customers ISO/TS 16949 by the IATF and has audited automotive clients throughout the world to this standard. BSI sees certification as an opportunity to bolster the Midlands' manufacturing prowess, as it is the bedrock for sound business practice, globally.

The updated ISO/TS 16949 incorporates all the elements and philosophy of ISO 9001:2000. With its focus on continual improvement, the process approach and customer requirements, ISO/TS16949 should help automotive supplier compete more effectively. Companies that fail to transfer before the deadline may miss out on the clear benefits the standard brings.

Companies requiring further information should contact BSI MS Helpdesk on 020 8996 7720.

- Ends -

 

Media Enquiries:

Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330

Notes to editors:

ISO 9001:2000 was created after feedback from UK business illustrated the shortcomings of the old standard, introduced in 1994. ISO 9001:2000 has three distinct new advantages:

  • less red tape
      - companies will find it easier to show that they meet the requirements of the updated standard
  • focus on customer satisfaction
    - the updated standard helps companies ensure that customer satisfaction is central to their operation, making them more competitive
  • more flexible
    - the updated standard is more flexible, enabling companies to run quality management systems the way that is most relevant to them

BSI GROUP INFORMATION

BSI Group believes in the universal adoption of best management practices, reduction of risk throughout the trading process and the harmonisation and acceptance of international standards by consent as a means of achieving economic prosperity and releasing the potential in all businesses to deliver excellence.

Founded in 1901 in the UK the BSI Group is now a global company made up of five complementary business units:

  • British Standards, the UK's national standards body, is based in London, UK. It creates and updates national and international standards, reflecting the needs of stakeholders, including UK businesses and consumers.
  • Business Information, a provider of information on standards and associated material.
  • Management Systems, a provider of certification to management systems is based at BSI's headquarters in the UK. Following the 2002 purchase of the North American systems assessment business of KPMG, BSI Inc, based in Reston, Virginia, is the largest company providing management systems certification in North America. Management Systems also has regional headquarters in Hong Kong to service the network of offices in the Asian-Pacific region.
  • Product Services, based in Hemel Hempstead, UK, provides product-testing and awards Kitemark registration and CE marking. The Kitemark is a BSI registered trademark.
  • Inspectorate, the leading independent inspection and analysis company, joined the BSI Group in 1998. Inspectorate has its main offices in Witham, UK; Houston, Texas and Singapore.

BSI Group is an international provider of services to businesses and other organisations. All our business units are working to the same vision of supporting business improvement and trade world-wide. Through provision of standards, technical information, systems assessment, product testing and commodity inspection services, BSI supplies vital third-party services that enable its customers to trade effectively and to improve their operations and products.

In 2001 the Group's turnover was £229.2 million ($360 million).

Sir David John KCMG, group chairman BSI Group, was appointed in July 2002.

For further information about BSI, please visit our website:

www.bsi-global.com