DaimlerChrysler is first automaker in India to have dealer network ISO 9001: 2000-certified

All its 15 authorised showrooms and 18 authorised workshops have been successfully awarded the ISO 9001:2000 within 15 months from December 2003 to February 2005.

The Mercedes-Benz dealer network in India is the first within the DaimlerChrysler Group in Asia to have been awarded the ISO 9001:2000 dealer certification and the fifth market in the world within the DaimlerChrysler Group to have achieved this credential.

Hans-Michael Huber, CEO and managing director, DaimlerChrysler India, said, "Our business philosophy clearly says that we have to meet and exceed customers'' expectations in our products and services. This certification will go a long way in fulfilling this objective by focusing on international dealer standards and customer oriented processes."

"From producing unique, sophisticated and technologically cutting-edge cars, to ensuring a smooth interface with the customer through high-quality customer focused processes, we will continue to ensure the highest degree of customer delight," Huber aded.

Explaining the company''s emphasis on quality standards, Suhas Kadlaskar, member of the board of management and director of corporate affairs and finance, says, "All system suppliers of DaimlerChrysler India have received either the ISO 9000 or TS 16949 certificate and with the successful completion of the ISO 9001: 2000 certification at the dealers'' end, this is yet another important step towards ''total quality management."

DaimlerChrysler India has been conferred the prestigious quality award for the ''Best Mercedes Benz production plant'' outside Germany and within the DaimlerChrysler Group four times since operations commenced in India in 1994. The company has upgraded its Quality Systems from ISO 9000, VDA6.1 to the latest TS 6949/ 2002 and has been certified ISO 14001 in 2001 for implementing the Environmental Management System and putting in place environment protection systems, procedures and practices. The company has integrated all these under its Integrated Management System (IMS).