QS 9000 means one quality standard for Big Three automotive suppliers
Described as ISO for autos, QS 9000 replaces existing quality standards for the Big Three automakers [Chrysler, Ford and General Motors] and for major truck manufacturers.
The new standards must be met by companies supplying parts to the Big Three. "Essentially, the standards parallel ISO 9000 standards with some additional requirements," said Marty Skjordahl, an automotive services coordinator at Underwriters Laboratories, which registers QS 900 companies. The Big Three automakers adopted the uniform standards in September 1994 after meeting for 3 years to hammer out the requirements that suppliers must meet to become registered QS 9000 companies.