'We want to be No. 1,' Ford's new Europe quality boss says
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Herrmann has been part of the Focus development team since the first-generation launched in 1998. |
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LONDON -- Ford of Europe's new head of quality, Gunnar Herrmann, said he wants the company to become the industry leader in that field.
"Ford's quality has improved significantly in recent years and now the next step is to move from good quality to the clear industry leader," Herrmann said in a statement.
Ford has promoted Herrmann, 52, to vice president of quality for its European operations, effective September 1.
He moves from his current job as line director of Ford's C-segment vehicles, a role in which he led the development of the new Focus compact car and C-Max minivan.
Herrmann, a German native, succeeds Kevin O'Neill, who has been appointed chief operating officer at Ford Getrag, a joint venture between the U.S. automaker and German transmissions supplier Getrag.
Herrmann will report to Ford of Europe CEO Stephen Odell and Ford's global head of quality, Bennie Fowler.
Herrmann has been part of the Focus development team since it was formed for the launch of the first-generation Focus in 1998. He joined Ford in 1986, working in body engineering at Ford's Merkenich engineering center in Germany.
He was one of the Automotive News Europe's 2011 Eurostars, winning the category for project leader/individual car.
You can reach Nick Gibbs at nick.gibbs@btinternet.com.
