General Motors’ Oshawa Car Plant in Oshawa, Ontario, was presented September 26 with the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates “Founder’s Award” in recognition of their commitment to quality and a solid track record of industry-leading performance.
The Founder’s Award is a discretionary award presented by J.D. Power and Associates, recognizing individuals or companies that demonstrate dedication, commitment and sustained improvement in serving customers. In the 40-year history of J.D. Power and Associates, only 22 companies or individuals have previously received the award .
According to J.D. Power and Associates, the award was presented in recognition of the Oshawa Car Plant’s long history of producing vehicles of excellent quality, “During the past seven years, the General Motors Oshawa Plant has received four Gold and two Silver Awards for plant quality in North America in the annual J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study and a string of segment leading vehicle models.” J.D. Power and Associates indicated that this is far more awards than any other plant has received in the region over this period, and is a testament to the hard work of all GM employees at the facility as well as to GM management and suppliers.
"This recognition helps GM get closer to aligning perception with reality," said Jamie Hresko, GM vice president, global quality. "Sharing best practices across our global operations is key to continuous improvement and this industry leading plant here in Oshawa continues to raise the bar across the entire organization. We've upped our game and we're determined to bridge the gap by continuing to deliver products with great quality, reliability and fuel economy."
Dan Hermer, Oshawa plant manager said, “The Founder’s Award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our employees and our consistent commitment to building the best quality cars for our customers. This recognition comes at a pivotal time as we apply our long history of manufacturing excellence and quality leadership to building the highly anticipated Chevrolet Camaro.”
Chris Buckley, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 222, said, "This award is a testament to the CAW men and women who should be proud of their track record for leading the industry in quality.”
The Oshawa Car Plant currently builds the Chevrolet Impala and Buick Allure and will be home to the highly anticipated Chevrolet Camaro later this year. GM has also recently confirmed three new product mandates for Oshawa Car, including a hybrid variant in 2011.
Oshawa Car Plant’s Quality Track Record:
· 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as the Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality
· 2007 Line #2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Silver Plant Quality Award, North/South America
· Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality
· 2006 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Award for the Best Quality Assembly Plant in North and South America
· Pontiac Grand Prix was recognized as the Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality
· Chevrolet Monte Carlo was recognized with a J.D. Power APPEAL Award
· 2005 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America
· Line #1 received the J.D. Power and Associates Silver Plant Quality Award, North/South America
· Oshawa swept the Premium Midsize segment, with the Buick Century recognized as “Best in Segment”
· Buick LaCrosse/Allure was recognized as the “Best Launch Vehicle”
· 2004 Buick Century recognized as the Highest Ranked Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality
· 2003 Line #1 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America
· 2002 Line # 2 received the J.D. Power and Associates Gold Plant Quality Award, North/South America
· Buick Century recognized as the Best Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality.
