Automobili Lamborghini SpA has achieved further recognition for corporate excellence, gaining the quality certificate ISO 9001:2000, issued by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), an international certification leader. This acknowledgement follows a careful audit carried out by DNV specialists, which confirms the company’s compliance with all the requisites provided for by quality management system regulations.
More specifically, the certification covers design and production, as well as after-sales services, in conjunction with luxury cars. The certificate was presented today by Claudio Coltelli, DNV’s Bologna Unit Operation Manager, to Stephan Winkelmann, President and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini SpA, at a ceremony held at the car manufacturer’s Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters.
The automotive sector, characterised by increasing competition and continuous technological development, is undergoing drastic transformation that exposes companies operating in this market to new risks. In order to address new challenges, the automobile industry is using a continuous improvement process, aimed at managing and reducing risks.
Lamborghini’s product range is synonymous with quality and reliability all over the world, and the decision to obtain recognition based on international standards illustrates how this remains a continuing priority for both Lamborghini and the automotive sector in general.
“Obtaining the ISO 9001 certification is an important achievement for us,” commented Stephan Winkelmann, “because it gives us an essential tool to optimise and constantly control the management of all corporate activities. Due to the clear identification of processes, the certification allows us to be more transparent in our activities, whether internally or in respect of the international Audi – Volkswagen Group to which we belong. ” We consider, concluded Winkelmann, “that this milestone is a starting point to increasingly improve corporate performance, in a manner that complies with the Group’s high quality standards.”
“With the Lamborghini brand already famous and appreciated throughout the world, the need to obtain certification is certainly not due to the necessity of enhancing visibility on the international market, but reflects a willingness to increase value inside the company and support process control and system audit,” said Massimo Berlin, Market Manager of DNV Italy.
“DNV is honoured to certify one the most famous automakers. We are proud that Lamborghini chose to collaborate with DNV, a certification organisation that has qualified experience in the automotive sector.”
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. has closed the first half of this year (1 January-30 June 2006) with positive results. Sales increased during the first six months: the house of the Raging Bull sold 952 vehicles (Gallardo Coupé and Spyder, Murciélago Coupé and Roadster), 45% more than in the same period last year. The ISO 9001:2000 standard sets out the requirements that quality management systems must meet, to demonstrate an organisation’s ability to deliver products and services that comply with customer and regulatory requirements.
The certified management system defines requirements, sets measurable parameters and documents performance results, thus providing a framework for continuous improvement and helping to minimise the risk of failure in meeting customer expectations.
The ISO 9001:2000 standard adopts a process-based approach to quality management, whereby the organisation manages its operations by mapping and controlling processes and interactions in a systematic, organic fashion. DNV (Det Norske Veritas) is an independent international foundation headquartered in Oslo. Established in 1864, its objective is to “safeguard life, property and the environment”, by providing clients with the benefit of its experience and expertise in managing risk in the most disparate sectors.
An international organisation with 300 offices in 100 countries and 6,100 employees, DNV is one of the world’s leading certification bodies, with more than 65,000 certifications and revenues of 835 million euro in 2005. DNV has been operating in Italy since 1962, providing nationwide coverage through a network of 10 branches and more than 200 employees. DNV is number one on the Italian certification market, where it has issued more than 16,000 certifications: it is the leading certifier of Quality Management Systems (ISO 9000) with a market share of 17%, and of Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14000) with a 25% market share.
Revenues in 2005 totalled 36 million euro, of which 4% reinvested in personnel education and training.
For more information:Â www.dnv.it.
