SOUTHFIELD, MI—Developed jointly by Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp., the “Advanced Product Quality Planning & Control Plan Reference Manual Second Edition” (APQP) provides common guidelines for a product quality plan and control plans leading to product that satisfies customer expectations.

Exclusively available from the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), the APQP explains steps for planning a successful product approval submission and common communication of program status between the supplier, organization and OEM. The manual employs the process approach and provides recommendations for a reduction in the complexity of product quality planning, including developing and implementing control plans.

The APQP contains guidelines that support the requirements as described in ISO/TS 16949 and applicable customer specific requirements. The manual has been updated to incorporate the customer-focused process approach; present lessons learned and best practices; address all requirements of the production part approval process (PPAP); and update the control plan form to reflect appropriate terminology.