Automotive Industry Response to its Global QMS Standard ISO/TS-16949

Singh, Neelam (2013): Automotive Industry Response to its Global QMS Standard ISO/TS-16949.

Abstract

With increasing globalization, the intense competition and customer-pressure have spurred many producers from developing/ emerging countries to adopt the best management and organizational practices. The quality issues are paramount for automotive manufacturing. The multiplicity of Quality Management System (QMS) Standards prevalent till the 1990s finally gave way to development of a harmonized automotive industry-specific QMS, namely ISO/TS-16949. This paper analyzes the major factors motivating firms to adopt this Standard: its quality signaling function, especially in international business, and facilitative role in moving up the supply chain. We investigate the inter-national and inter-regional concentration of ISO/TS-16949 certificates and relate those changes to the automotive industry dynamics. Among the top certifying nations - China, India and Brazil included - these certificates and ‘cars and commercial vehicles’ produced are highly correlated. A moderate-to-high worldwide growth of this certification is probable in near future with its gaining popularity among Tier-2 suppliers and for two/ three-wheeler automotive production. The Indian evidence indicates a sizeable proportion of car and commercial vehicle plants being ISO/TS-16949 certified and a high certification incidence among large and medium-large auto component firms. We suggest the creation of a Centre to encourage and prepare SMEs and provide financial assistance for ISO/TS-16949 certification.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Quality Management System, QMS; ISO/TS-16949 Standard; automotive industry; international QMS Standard; India
• Subjects: F - International Economics > F2 - International Factor Movements and International Business > F23 - Multinational Firms ; International Business; L - Industrial Organization > L1 - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance > L15 - Information and Product Quality ; Standardization and Compatibility; L - Industrial Organization > L6 - Industry Studies: Manufacturing > L62 - Automobiles ; Other Transportation Equipment ; Related Parts and Equipment

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