Originator: Stephen I. Dains/sdains
Page 1 of 2
Date Issued: January 8, 2002
Common section intro letter spring 2004.doc
DateRevised: 5/6/2004
May, 2004
To:
All Participants inFordTruckQualityPrograms (FTQP)
Subject:
Updatedprogramguidelines
Background:
Ford Motor Company's vehicle modifier programs started in the mid-1980s with the
ambulance Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program and the rest of the Ford Truck Quality Programs
(FTQP) derived from that strong start. Although the industries represented by the individual programs are
different, the quality programs' content and assessment process are very similar. In order to introduce
consistency to the different programs and to take advantage of potential internal efficiencies by publishing
a commonguidebook, the following sections contain thenewFordQualityProgramGuidebook.
What's New:
With the efficiencies inherent in publishing on the internet, Ford will no longer be shipping
binders and printed materials. All updates will be on the web at this website:
Select 'Publications' on the pull down menu. If a builder wishes a new
binder, contact the appropriate program engineer listed in Appendix XIII. We will send them out as long
as they last, but newoneswill not beprinted.
Each complete guidebook will contain the same common section and all the same appendices. Each
unique industry need only download the unique section that applies to that industry. The engineering
assessment rating form will combine the results of the common section and the unique section and is
found at the end of the unique section of each guide. The layout of each section of the guide is similar to
what youhave seen in the individual guidebooks in thepast.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, there have been several changes to the individual and common
program contents. For changes to the individual programs, see that section of the guidebook. In the
common section of the guidebook, a few of criteria have been "upgraded" in importance – usually from a
"2-pointer" to a "MR" –MinimumRequirement. Also, several new criteria have been incorporated based
on industry experience. Page 2 of this letter describes the upgraded sections of the guidebook since its
publication in the spring of 2002. It is anticipated that modifierswho are currentlymeeting their individual
program requirements will have little problem complying with the revised requirements. However, it is
strongly suggested that your engineering, compliance, quality, service, and production personnel carefully
review the guidebook for compliance with the requirements and recommendations of both the common
andunique sections.
What's Expected:
Each builder should initiate and implement programs to assure compliance with the
guidelines. When it is time for your company to receive an engineering assessment, you will be
contacted by the administrator of your program. You may be requested to submit specific data
demonstrating compliance with program requirements ahead of the visit. Note that the assessment will
cover the whole guidebook, not just the revised sections. Feel free to contact your administrator to
scheduleanengineeringassessment or toget clarificationonany issues.
Sincerely:
DanSnyder –Supervisor
Alex Jowa - Supervisor
SVEQualityPrograms
SVEQualityPrograms
