Dear Supplier:

I am pleased to inform you of an enhancement in quality processes which represent a major breakthrough in automotive industry quality system requirements. A new document, ISO/TS (Technical Specification) 16949, jointly developed by Ford and other automotive manufacturers details the harmonization of automotive supplier quality system requirements including QS-9000. This document is supported by a common global automotive registration scheme which will be accepted by Ford, and other automotive manufacturers (refer to the attached communiqué), as the international equivalent to QS-9000 3^rd edition when coupled with company-specific requirements.

The new Technical Specification is an optional document. Suppliers to Ford have the option of using either ISO/TS 16949 or Qs-9000 3^rd edition as the basis of their quality system. We will not require Q1 suppliers in good standing to obtain third party registration to ISO/TS 16949, consistent with QS-9000 practice (i.e., internal self-audit, gap analysis, corrective action effectiveness). We will only accept third party registrations to this new Technical Specification if achieved through the common automotive registration scheme - the approved certification bodies can be found on-line at "http://www.iaob.org".

For many suppliers, particularly those with multiple international automotive customers, ISO/TS 16949 may represent substantial efficiencies by allowing one audit to satisfy the quality system requirements of QS-9000. VDA 6.1, AVSQ, EAQF when coupled with individual company-specific quality requirements and the common automotive registration scheme. The new Technical Specification may become the single automotive industry quality management standard of the future.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Steve Walsh at 313-845-8442, fax: 313-845-6138, e-mail: 'swalsh@ford.com' or Mark Orosz at 313-845-5179, fax: 313-390-1080, email: 'morosz@ford.com'.

Best Regards,

Dave Villiky