OEM Membership Scope & Eligibility
Defines which manufacturer activities are covered by IAF OEM membership, who may apply, and how eligibility is confirmed through member documentation and committee review under IAQC oversight.
What OEM membership covers
IAF OEM membership is intended for organizations that design, manufacture, and place complete vehicles or vehicle platforms into market channels under their own brand or contractual manufacturing arrangements. The scope focuses on how an OEM manages product definition, production control, and post-production feedback across its vehicle programs and supply network.
Membership provides a structured way to participate in IAF technical and quality discussions, align internal practices with shared industry expectations, and contribute to committee work. IAF is membership-based and does not act as a regulator; any manufacturer recognition is only considered after membership and follows committee review with IAQC (International Automotive Quality Council) oversight.
Eligibility criteria and typical evidence
Eligibility is assessed using practical indicators of OEM responsibility and control. Applicants should be prepared to show how they govern vehicle programs, manufacturing execution, and supplier interfaces across relevant sites and brands.
OEM role and accountability
Demonstrates responsibility for vehicle program decisions (e.g., product definition, release governance, manufacturing authorization, and change control) for one or more complete vehicle lines or platforms.
Documented management systems
Provides core documentation such as organizational profile, site list, product portfolio overview, quality and safety governance structure, and procedures for configuration management, incident handling, and corrective action.
Manufacturing control and traceability
Shows how the OEM controls production directly or through contract manufacturing, including process oversight, conformity of build to released specifications, traceability expectations, and escalation paths for quality concerns.
Supply chain interface and governance
Describes supplier selection and monitoring practices, requirements communication, change notification expectations, and how supplier issues are assessed, contained, and resolved across tiers.
How scope is set for multi-brand and multi-site OEMs
Scope is defined to reflect the applicant’s real operating footprint. For groups with multiple brands, joint ventures, or contract manufacturing partners, IAF will document which entities, sites, and vehicle programs fall within the membership scope and which remain out of scope.
Where responsibilities are shared (for example, platform ownership in one entity and final assembly in another), the membership record should clearly state governance boundaries, escalation responsibilities, and which organization is accountable for program-level decisions. This clarity supports consistent committee engagement and avoids misrepresentation of roles.
Governance and review pathway
OEM membership eligibility and scope are confirmed through submitted member information and committee review. Any recognition or approval outcomes, where applicable, occur only after membership and are subject to established review steps and IAQC oversight. IAF does not provide regulatory determinations and does not claim legal authority over manufacturers.
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