The automaker wants trial impressi...

The automaker wants trial impression that prospective designers have - and maintain - a quality operating a whole

In a push for greater consistency of outcome and service, Ford Motor Co is asking that its suppliers - including facilities designers - comply with its quality assurance program.

Known as Q1 the program was first launched in the early 1980 as a means of evaluating production parts suppliers. In late 1993 the Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker expanded the program to include suppliers of nonproduction-related services. We called in the five largest A/E firms that we do