The auto industry's push to ISO/TS 16949 was slow in coming. ISO/TS 16949:1999 did not represent a significant difference to most QS-9000 shops and clients were generally not pushing for a transition. But while both ISO/TS 16949:1999 9000 and ISO/TS 16949:2002 use the ISO 9001 Standard as the basis for their development (and include the requirements from these Standards with specific additions for the automotive supply chain), the 1999 revision uses the 1994 revision of ISO 9001 as its baseline while the 2002 revision builds off the ISO9001:2000 document and includes a process -approach based methodology, as well as other improvements.

And the industry has made it clear that ISO/TS 16949:2002 is where they want their second and third-tier suppliers to go:

• Ford and GM announced that as of Dec 14, 2006, the QS 9000 standard will expire and be replaced by ISO/TS 16949:2002 - this was revised to extend the date until 12/06.
• DaimlerChrysler has issued a July 1, 2004 mandate for their suppliers.  This al;so was revised to extend the date until 12/06.
• PSA Peugeot Citroen announced a July 1, 2004 deadline for the ISO/TS 16949:2002 upgrade for EAQF certified suppliers and a December 15, 2004 deadline for ISO/TS 16949:1999 suppliers.  This was revised to extend the date until 12/06.

While most of the big three havegranted an extension until December of '06, their supplier should, at that time,  be able to at that time provide a timeline for implementation - if they intend on to remain in the supply chain... 

ISO/TS 16949 will soon be the primary standard for the automotive industry, and whether you're there already, just trying to get there (or just starting to think about it), RH ANDERSEN can help you realize the process.

We have also embraced Chrysler's process audit methodology and can show you how to implement this progressive idea..

Or, if you lack the time, staff or desire to audit your quality management system? "Call us" - we can help!