Abstract

The automobile industry must meet high requirements related to safety, environmental norms, price and, too, brand name. Quality is a major lever for being competitive, since it acts on production costs and helps meet consumer expectations. It is important for joint specifications to be adopted since they can decisively improve the competitive edge of those who know how to position themselves in the process of drawing up internationally recognized standards. Public authorities play a key role by supporting procedures for ongoing improvements (essential to increasing a company’s competitive advantage) and implementing a strategy of standardization in the service of public policies, in particular for France to reconquer its industry.