> News > New AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026 Published
> News > New AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026 Published
AIAG and VDA have published the new harmonised SPC Manual. For the first time, the international automotive industry now has a joint standard for Statistical Process Control.
The new AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026 has been published. Following the Yellow Print and feedback phase, the final edition of the jointly developed standard for Statistical Process Control (SPC) is now available.
With the new SPC Manual, AIAG and VDA harmonise previously different approaches used in North America and Europe. The aim is to create a common basis for the application of statistical methods in quality management – particularly for evaluating, monitoring and continuously improving manufacturing processes across global supply chains.
After the jointly developed AIAG & VDA FMEA Handbook, the SPC Manual is the second Automotive Core Tool to be harmonised by AIAG and VDA. This marks another important step towards more consistent global quality requirements and more efficient cooperation between manufacturers and suppliers.
Statistical Process Control, or SPC, is a statistical method used to monitor and control production processes. The aim is not only to evaluate quality at the end of production, but to identify deviations at an early stage and ensure long-term process stability.
SPC helps companies gain a better understanding of manufacturing processes, make process variation visible and derive appropriate improvement measures. Especially in the automotive industry, SPC is an important part of effective quality management and is closely linked to IATF 16949, Automotive Core Tools and customer-specific requirements.
The new SPC Manual provides a common basis for companies that need to apply, evaluate and further develop statistical methods in series production. Key topics include:
This means that SPC is increasingly understood as part of an integrated quality management approach. The new manual also establishes links to established methods such as FMEA, Control Plan and MSA/VDA 5.
International supply chains face the challenge of efficiently implementing different customer requirements, regional standards and methodological expectations. This is precisely where the harmonisation by AIAG and VDA comes in.
The new AIAG & VDA SPC Manual creates a common reference for companies that need to evaluate, approve, monitor and continuously improve production processes. For OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and companies throughout the automotive supply chain, this means greater consistency, better comparability and fewer parallel interpretations.
The new manual is particularly relevant for companies that operate internationally, work according to IATF 16949 or systematically apply Automotive Core Tools in their quality management system.
The AIAG & VDA SPC Yellow Print was already published at the beginning of 2026. It served as a draft version and as the basis for the international feedback phase.
With the final publication of the AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026, the next important step has now been completed. Companies can now focus on the final requirements, terminology and application approaches and assess the impact on existing processes, training materials, forms and management system documentation.
The publication of the new SPC Manual raises important questions for companies:
→ Are existing SPC applications still up to date?
→ Are machine capability and process capability evaluated consistently?
→ Are control charts and reaction plans implemented effectively?
→ Do internal requirements, customer requirements and audit evidence align with the new harmonised approach?
→ Do training materials, forms or management system documents need to be updated?
→ Is the connection to FMEA, Control Plan and MSA/VDA 5 sufficiently considered?
Addressing the new manual at an early stage helps companies assess requirements in a structured way, adapt existing processes in good time and integrate SPC effectively into their quality management system.
TopQM-Systems supports companies in the practical implementation of automotive quality methods – from FMEA, APQP, Control Plan, MSA/VDA 5 and SPC through to integration into existing management systems.
We help you understand the requirements of the new AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026, review existing processes and implement Statistical Process Control in a practical, auditable and customer-oriented way.
Whether training, gap analysis, implementation support or integration into existing quality management systems: TopQM-Systems helps you apply Automotive Core Tools not only formally, but sustainably in practice.
Do you have questions about the new AIAG & VDA SPC Manual 2026 or would you like to review your SPC application?
Please contact us at:sales@topqm.com
