"We have decided to obtain an ISO 9000/?? 16 949 Certificate for our automotive products by 2004. This certificate incorporates standards of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors," said Dmitry Goroshkov, Severstal's sales director, at a conference Severstal for the Automotive Industry, which opened today in Cherepovets

The conference aims at refreshing clients' knowledge of the Severstal production facilities and the company's future prospects, it will introduce new products and help improve company's image. Within the framework of the conference, the clients will meet Severstal engineers and take a tour of the plant. The program of the conference includes reports, lectures, and discussion groups and exchange of opinions, which will set a framework for future cooperation.

The conference is attended by Severstal employees, research centres and automotive companies, such as Avtovaz, GAZ, Izhmashavto, KAMAZ, MAZ Pavolovsky Avtobus, ZMZ, Volzhskiye Motori and others. Alexander Stepanov, Severstal's technical director, and Dmitry Goroshkov, Severstal's sales director spoke at the conference' opening.

Alexander Stepanov addressed the issue of improving quality of metal used in the production of cars. To meet the clients' requirements Severstal makes substantial investments into technical upgrading, reconstruction and modernization of equipment. Just in 2001, the company invested 2.5 billion roubles for these purposes.

According to Stepanov, automakers' main task is to collect customers' requirements and to pass down these requirements to steel-makers. This has taken place between Severstal and GAZ. Severstal mastered production of a special hot rolled brand of steel for beams of master bridges, which is hardened by induction heating. It is a more expensive substitute for another grade of steel, which is less manageable in stamping and welding.

Dmitry Goroshkov pointed out that in January-August 2002 Severstal supplied 19% of all domestic products to the carmakers in terms of monetary value. Over 8 months of 2002 Severstal supplied 440,600 tonnes to the carmakers.

Today Severstal supplies automotive steel to both Russian and foreign carmakers (Fiat-Auto is a good example). The company is in the process of negotiating with large automotive consortiums, such as Renault-Dacia and Ford. Over 8 months of 2002 export of automotive products increased by 63% as compared with the like period of 2001. A substantial increase is expected at the year-end and in 2003.

"Severstal's special program incorporates a comprehensive service of Russian and foreign clients. Customer service doesn't end with shipment of steel. We are prepared to offer supplementary service for the duration of products' lives. Our market strategy combines high quality with excellent customer service", said Goroshkov.