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TS 16949 is the International Quality Management Standard specifically written by the Automotive Industry. Since 1999 the standard has provided a globally uniform set of regulations for the evaluation and certification of quality management systems in the automobile industry. The most recent update available is ISO/TS16949:2000.

VDA stands for Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. i.e. Association of automobile industries. The members of the association are both automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Europe. The VDA 6.1 certification is primarily for companies that produce material or tangible products. For Service companies, VDA 6.2 is the applicable certification.

In connection with the competing international quality of products and services in the automotive supply industry, high-value QM systems have become more important. For many companies, certification as per VDA 6.1 is already a prerequisite for being approved as a supplier in the automotive sector.

Since it takes the specific requirements of customers in the automotive sector into consideration, it achieves greater customer satisfaction. Another important effect is the optimisation of internal processes.

TÜV NORD CERT is your acknowledged and reliable partner for certification services and provides you with

• qualified, independent auditors with relevant "automotive" experience;
• a high level of acceptance around the world of our certification activities and certificates;
• support in the further development of your company-specific QM system.

In contrast to VDA volume 6.1 and ISO/TS 16949, VDA volume 6.2 defines special requirements especially for service providers for everything to do with automobiles. It is an important building block for the whole modern management of services provided. Structured, manageable processes and defined responsibilities ensure that the quality demands can be systematically satisfied. This certification can be combined with other management systems, e.g. ISO 14001.

VDA volume 6.2 is recommended for:

• Companies which market vehicles and services in the automotive sector;
• Internal and external service providers;
• Commercial enterprises, companies for development and configuration, repair shops.

TS 16949 is the International Quality Management Standard specifically written by the Automotive Industry in a concerted effort to improve quality and assure the integrity of supplies to the industry. Subscribers to the standard include BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, PSA, Renault and Volkswagen.

The introduction of TS 16949 has resulted in substantial improvements in all aspects of quality, delivery and overall efficiency throughout the supply chain. It has also reduced the requirement for multiple audits of manufacturers.

The International Automotive Task Force (IATF), which members include nine major OEMs, is committed to ensuring that TS 16949 remains the automotive quality systems standard for the future.

The standard is applicable to any organisation within the automotive supply chain that manufactures and / or adds value to parts for supply to the automotive industry.

• Global recognition as a reputable supplier - certification is recognised and accepted throughout the automotive supply chain as an industry benchmark;
• Customer satisfaction - through delivery of products that consistently meet customer requirements;
• Reduced cost of compliance with customer specifications - through implementation of a single management system and reduced audit requirements;
• Reduced operating costs - through continual improvement of processes and resulting operational efficiencies;
• Improved stakeholder relationships - including staff, customers and suppliers;
• Legal compliance - by understanding how statutory and regulatory requirements impact the organisation and its customers;
• Improved risk management - through greater consistency and traceability of products and services;
• Proven business credentials - through independent verification against recognised standards;
• Ability to win more business - particularly where procurement specifications require certification as a condition to supply.