Automotive

The automotive supply chain sets demanding requirements for quality, product safety and reliability. This page introduces IATF 16949 certification – the sector-specific standard many vehicle manufacturers require from suppliers – and complementary management systems.

What the automotive industry demands

A car is assembled from tens of thousands of parts made by several tiers of suppliers. A small defect in a single component can trigger a large-scale recall, with significant costs and damage to reputation. Vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) therefore expect more than good products: suppliers must prove that their management system prevents defects, reduces variation and drives continual improvement.

At the same time, growing cost pressure forces companies to optimise processes at every stage, from product development to series production and sub-supplier management.

IATF 16949 and complementary systems

The core service in this group is IATF 16949 certification, the quality management standard that many IATF member vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers require from their suppliers. IATF 16949 builds on ISO 9001 and adds automotive-specific requirements. IATF 16949 certificates may only be issued by IATF-recognised certification bodies; the list can be checked on the IATF website.

Automotive suppliers often combine IATF 16949 with other systems to meet customer expectations in full, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management and sustainable production, ISO 45001 for occupational safety, or a TISAX assessment for information security in the automotive supply chain.

Our services

IATF 16949 CertificationIATF 16949 is the automotive quality standard many vehicle makers require. Learn about its requirements, the core tools and the IATF certification rules.

Benefits for your organisation

Access to automotive supply chains

Meet a common requirement of vehicle manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers when selecting suppliers.

Defect prevention at source

A risk-based approach can help reduce defects, scrap and warranty costs.

Optimised processes

Standardised development and production can help you cope with the industry's cost pressure.

Frequently asked questions

Which automotive companies need IATF 16949 certification?

IATF 16949 applies to sites that manufacture parts, assemblies or materials for new vehicles, or service parts specified by vehicle manufacturers. It is a common requirement for Tier 1 suppliers and is increasingly cascaded down to Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, depending on each customer's specific requirements.

We already hold ISO 9001. Do we also need IATF 16949?

If your customer is a vehicle manufacturer or a Tier 1 supplier that requires IATF 16949, ISO 9001 alone is not enough. IATF 16949 incorporates ISO 9001 and adds sector requirements such as product safety, warranty management, core tools and customer-specific requirements. An existing ISO 9001 system is a good foundation for the upgrade.

Should automotive suppliers also implement ISO 14001?

It is worth considering. Vehicle manufacturers increasingly look for sustainable production throughout the supply chain, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. ISO 14001 provides a framework for systematically managing waste, wastewater, emissions and other environmental aspects, and it integrates smoothly with your existing quality management system.

Talk to our experts

Contact TÜV NORD Vietnam in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Vung Tau for detailed information on Automotive and a quotation for your organisation.