Supplier
Quality
Assurance
Our objective is to procure the highest quality and cost effective components for assembly into our vehicles delivered consistently on time. This will be achieved through open, honest and clear communication with our suppliers and a philosophy of working in partnership to address problems quickly and robustly to protect the end consumer.
This webpage has been designed to provide suppliers of production materials to Lotus Cars Limited with our quality requirements and procedures and all associated documentation for download and review. Please note that this is the primary location for this information and it should be checked periodically for updates. Any other copies on media or hard copy are uncontrolled
Supplier Handbook
The purpose of the Supplier Handbook is to document all of the requirements and associated processes for the development, approval and supply of production materials to Lotus Cars Limited. All existing, new or potential suppliers should familiarise themselves with this manual as its contents form part of our standard contractual terms and conditions.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Supplier Handbook supersedes the Supplier Quality Manual which is now obsolete and should not be used for suppliers to Lotus Cars Limited.
Part Approval Process
The Parts Approval process has been developed to provide a simple and effective focused activity for developing parts and processes within the supply chain that can consistently deliver the requirements of Lotus Cars Limited at serial production volumes.
Key objectives of this process are:
- Drive early identification and robust resolution of problems
- Ensure a plan is in place and agreed to deliver a smooth launch of new parts using a standardised reporting and project management toolset
- Detail all activities required to demonstrate that the supplier can manufacture parts to agreed quality requirements at production volumes
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This Lotus PPAP Workbook supersedes the Part Approval Process which is now obsolete and should not be used for suppliers to Lotus Cars Limited.
Supplier Deviation Request
In the case where the supplier wishes to request a concession to supply parts that do not fully comply with LOTUS requirements, the supplier shall submit a Supplier Deviation Request prior to shipment of affected parts. This is a formal request by an existing supplier for a proposed acceptance of a specified number of components and/or time period (max 90 days) that deviate outside the tolerances or specifications stated on the drawing, approved master sample or deviate from the approved manufacturing process.
Concessions may be applied for to cover one of the following two circumstances:
- Short term deviation to cover an unforeseen manufacturing concern.
- Permanent design change required