# McLaren’s Commitment to Quality: Aiming for Supercar Supremacy


*Quality team is embedded at every stage of a car’s development*

## Introduction: A New Era for McLaren

In the world of high-performance supercars, quality is paramount. McLaren, the iconic British manufacturer, has set its sights on elevating its quality standards to surpass those of industry giants like Ferrari and Lamborghini within the next five years. This ambitious goal was articulated by McLaren CEO Michael Leiters upon his arrival in Woking in 2022, emphasizing the need for significant improvements in quality.

## The Importance of Quality in Supercars

While thrilling performance and cutting-edge technology often steal the spotlight, the reality is that a supercar’s allure can quickly diminish if reliability issues arise. As Leiters pointed out, “Quality must be improved.” A vehicle that frequently triggers warning lights or experiences malfunctions undermines the very essence of what makes a supercar desirable.

## Leadership in Quality: Jochen Schnez Takes Charge

To spearhead this quality transformation, McLaren has appointed Jochen Schnez as its Chief Quality Officer. Schnez, who previously spent over two decades at Mercedes-Benz, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His background as a former German navy commanding officer has instilled in him a deep understanding of the consequences of decision-making, a skill he honed while overseeing the Bremen plant, where both high-volume and specialized models are produced.

## Defining Quality: Exceeding Customer Expectations

For Schnez, quality transcends mere aesthetics; it encompasses the entire customer experience. He defines quality as “meeting or exceeding customer expectations,” which includes not only the fit and finish of the vehicle but also the seamless operation of all hardware and software components. Delivering cars that meet the exact specifications ordered by customers is a fundamental aspect of this quality commitment.

## Setting Ambitious Goals

When asked about McLaren’s current position in its quality journey, Schnez diplomatically states, “You can always improve.” However, he has set clear objectives: to have McLaren vehicles performing at their peak by the end of next year and to achieve the status of being the best in the segment—outperforming Ferrari and Lamborghini—within five years.

## Cultivating a Quality Mindset

Schnez is actively fostering a ‘quality mindset’ throughout McLaren and its supply chain. This initiative is described as a “marathon, not a sprint,” with a focus on continuous improvement leading up to 2026. The strategy includes company-wide awards and training programs to reinforce the importance of quality at every level of the organization.

## Building a Robust Quality Team

To support this initiative, Schnez has assembled a dedicated quality team of over 100 professionals, many of whom have joined from other prestigious automotive brands such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Mercedes. This team is integrated into every facet of the business, from production lines to design and development teams, ensuring that quality is a fundamental consideration at every stage.

## Designing for Quality: A Proactive Approach

A key principle in Schnez’s quality strategy is the concept of “designing for manufacture.” This approach aims to prevent complications by ensuring that components are created with scalability and quality in mind. By addressing potential issues early in the design process, McLaren can avoid the “world of pain” that arises from transferring problematic parts to production.

## The Quality Loop: Preventing Issues Before They Arise

Central to McLaren’s quality strategy is the establishment of a ‘quality loop’ designed to catch faults as early as possible. Schnez emphasizes the importance of “passing on zero faults,” aiming to produce quality vehicles rather than merely inspecting them for defects. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining the high standards that McLaren aspires to achieve.

## Conclusion: A Bright Future for McLaren

As McLaren embarks on this ambitious journey to elevate its quality standards, the commitment to excellence is clear. With a strong leadership team, a dedicated quality workforce, and a focus on proactive quality measures, McLaren is poised to redefine what it means to be a supercar manufacturer. The next five years will be critical in determining whether McLaren can indeed surpass the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, but the groundwork for success is firmly in place.