Driving continuous improvement

	For U.S. automakers, ISO/TS 16949 has replaced QS-9000 as of December 14, 2006. If your QS-9000 certificate has expired, request a quote for an upgrade to ISO/TS 16949 or ISO 9001:2000.

ISO/TS 16949:2002 is a common automotive quality system requirements catalog based on the ISO 9001:2000, AVSQ (Italian), EAQF (French), QS-9000 (American), and VDA 6.1 (German) standards. With ISO/TS 16949, suppliers and subcontractors in the automotive industry can now use a single document to comply with these international quality management standards.

As the automotive industry continues to refine its quality requirements, more companies are discovering the benefits of enlisting Intertek for their certification.  With our extensive experience in the automotive industry, Intertek offers expertise, insight and know-how no one else can deliver.  Your quality system's conformity with ISO/TS 16949 can help you reap the rewards of:

• Streamlined QMS management
  Your certification to a widely-accepted standard streamlines and simplifies the management of your quality management system (QMS), by reducing the complexity and overhead required to administer separate proprietary programs for individual customers.  This leads to a reduction in both second- and third-party system audits and, ultimately, a common quality system approach among all suppliers and subcontractors in the supply chain. 
  
  
• Improved product and process quality
  The requirements of ISO/TS 16949 promote a process approach for the design and development, production, installation, and service of automotive products. This approach can result in a reduction in variation and increased efficiency.
  
  
• Reduced cost of sales
  Your certification establishes your company's credibility and commitment to quality from day one.  Because the task of explaining the specifics and demonstrating the effectiveness of your QMS is more straightforward, it takes less time to earn your prospective customers' trust and confidence.
  
  
• ISO 9001 benefits, and more
  Since ISO/TS 16949 exceeds the requirements of ISO 9001, your company gets automotive industry-specific guidelines in addition to ISO 9001's anticipated benefits of reduced transaction costs, reduced costs of sales, expanded market access, and improved overall performance.  Plus, if you're already ISO 9001 certified, you're well on your way to ISO/TS 16949 certification.

Intertek - We've been down that road before
When you're pursuing certification to ISO/TS 16949, you need a certification body who knows the twists and turns that may lie ahead.  Intertek has the knowledge and expertise required to deliver a cost-effective solution that suits your needs.  Our extensive experience with automotive manufacturers - both in quality and product safety testing and certification - translates into know-how that makes for a quick, smooth certification. Here are just a few of the advantages of choosing Intertek:

• Industry-leading experience
  Intertek has considerable experience in certifying companies to automotive quality standards, beginning with QS-9000 in 1994 and then continuing on to issue the first certificate to ISO/TS 16949 in North America. Additionally, we are a founding member of the IASG (International Automotive Sector Group) for QS-9000, and founder and chair of the IACBA (International Automotive Certification Bodies Association).
  
  
• Worldwide recognition
  Intertek was the first registrar in North America to be contracted and approved by the IATF (International Automotive Task Force) to perform ISO/TS 16949 certification.  Of all the certification bodies worldwide, only about 20% are recognized by the IATF for this standard. You'll immediately experience the international acceptance that comes with an Intertek certification.
  
  
• Dedicated account managers
  With their extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, our account managers quickly get up to speed on the specifics of your business and your quality system.  In addition to overseeing your certification, your account manager will provide status updates and market information whenever you need them.
  
  
• Personal and insightful service
  Our network of accomplished and experienced lead auditors ensures professionals dedicated to serving your needs, regardless of your country, industry or market. Our auditors are knowledgeable, objective, and thorough, and they excel on the shop floor.
  
  
• A single source for all your testing and certification needs
  Intertek delivers the added benefit of more than 100 years of testing and certification experience. We can provide a wide range of testing and research services for automotive-related industries - including engines, components, fuels, lubricants, chemicals, and engineering - through Intertek Automotive. Whether it's your product or your process, you can rely on Intertek for all your testing and certification needs.

The Intertek advantage
Our knowledge, expertise, experience and industry insight promote an efficient certification process from start to finish.  We'll use our know-how to help you achieve your quality system's certification smoothly and cost-effectively.