CQI Standards Matrix

📊 Automotive CQI Standards Matrix

(Key Processes, Implementation Steps, Supplier Tiers, and OEM Focus Areas)

CQI Standard	Key Process	Implementation Steps	Tier 1 Supplier	Tier 2 Supplier	OEMs Requiring It
CQI-9 (HTSA)	Heat Treating	1. Validate furnaces (TUS/SAT) 2. Train staff (AMS 2750) 3. Document controls	✅ Critical	✅ (If heat treating)	Ford (Q1), GM (BIQS), Toyota, VW
CQI-11 (PSA)	Plating	1. Monitor bath chemistry 2. Conduct adhesion tests 3. Waste compliance	✅ High Impact	⚠️ (If plating)	Stellantis, Honda, Nissan
CQI-12 (CSA)	Coating/Painting	1. Pretreatment checks 2. Cure oven validation 3. Thickness/gloss control	✅ Mandatory	❌ Rare	Ford, GM, VW (TL 226)
CQI-15 (WSA)	Welding	1. Weld lobe studies 2. Monitor parameters 3. AWS-certified operators	✅ Critical	⚠️ (If welding)	GM (BIQS), Toyota, Ford
CQI-17 (Soldering)	Electronics Soldering	1. Reflow profile validation 2. IPC-A-610 compliance 3. AOI/X-ray checks	✅ (For ECUs)	✅ (PCB Suppliers)	Tesla, Ford, Bosch
CQI-23 (MSA)	Injection Molding	1. Cavity pressure monitoring 2. Scientific molding 3. Dimensional validation	✅ (Plastic parts)	⚠️ (Molders)	Toyota, Stellantis, BMW

🔧 Implementation Roadmap for Suppliers

Step	Action Item	Tier 1 Focus	Tier 2 Focus
1	Gap Assessment	Full CQI compliance audit	Process-specific checks (e.g., CQI-9 if heat treating)
2	Training & Certification	AIAG/OEM-approved training	Limited to critical processes
3	Process Validation	PPAP, MSA, FMEA	Basic process controls
4	Documentation & Records	Full traceability (IATF 16949)	Key parameter logs
5	Audit Readiness	3rd-party or OEM audits	Customer-specific checks

🏭 OEM-Specific CQI Expectations

OEM	Key CQI Standards	Supplier Tier Focus	Additional Requirements
Ford	CQI-9, CQI-12, CQI-20	Tier 1 (Q1 Certified)	MMOG/LE for logistics
GM	CQI-9, CQI-15, CQI-21 (Lean)	Tier 1 (BIQS Level 4+)	GM 1927-21 (Welding)
Toyota	CQI-9, CQI-23, CQI-21	Tier 1 & 2 (Jishuken audits)	TPS (Kaizen focus)
Stellantis	CQI-11, CQI-12, CQI-14 (Warranty)	Tier 1 (SQAM compliance)	VDA 6.3 process audits
VW Group	CQI-12, CQI-17, CQI-24 (Automation)	Tier 1 (Formel-Q)	TL 226 (Paint standards)

🎯 Key Takeaways

1. Tier 1 Suppliers must comply with multiple CQIs (e.g., heat treat + welding + coatings).

2. Tier 2 Suppliers focus on process-specific CQIs (e.g., CQI-17 for PCB soldering).

3. OEMs enforce different CQIs (e.g., Ford → CQI-12 coatings, GM → CQI-15 welding).

4. Implementation Steps are similar, but audit rigor varies by tier.