(AIAG: Detroit) -- New guidelines developed by the Automotive Industry Action Group aim to improve the quality of automotive parts, helping to lower warranty claims and reduce recalls.  The automotive industry spent almost $12.8 billion in warranty claims in 2006, according to Warranty Week.

AIAG has specified standard audit requirements for special processes—heat treat, coatings, and platings—because original equipment manufacturers and suppliers are experiencing quality issues in these areas that are affecting product performance on parts such as seat belts, steering gears, and interior and exterior painted parts.

Developed by automotive manufacturers and suppliers, the guidelines are written for automotive suppliers or any organization performing these processes. Completion of coating, heat treat, and plating assessments, as detailed in the guidelines, will assist companies in meeting ISO 9001, ISO/TS 16949, and OEM customer-specific requirements related to internal audit and effectiveness of the organization’s manufacturing special processes.

The guidelines, “Coatings System Assessment,” “Heat Treat System Assessment, Second Edition,” and “Plating System Assessment” are available now.

 …