The 'Drive for Total Quality' symposium, organised by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and attended by over 200 delegates, did more than address itself to why there has been such a dramatic loss of sales of UK manufactured motor vehicles and components. Various speakers, from government ministers and senior executives in the automotive and component industries to financial advisers and consultants, all suggested that as far as Britain's future prospects in this field were concerned, it was necessary to make changes. A report is presented on the views expressed during the symposium held to discuss major implications for many sectors of UK industry.