This research purported to evaluate the level of capability maturity of organizations in their product development processes, based on the CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) criteria. The theoretical reference used here was the capability maturity model for integrated product and process development of Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute - SEI. Based on the literature about the subject and on a research questionnaire applied at two automaker plants in southern Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, the study revealed the existence of a planned, executed, measured and controlled product development process. It was also found that the existing practices are maintained even during periods of crises and that the experience can be replicated in new projects.
automotive vehicles; product development; CMMI
