The International Automotive Task Force (IATF) is a group of automotive manufacturers and their respective trade associations, formed in 1996 to improve the quality of products for automotive customers worldwide. It focuses on enhancing quality within the automotive supply chain through international consensus on quality system requirements.

One of the IATF's key achievements is the development of IATF 16949, an automotive quality management system (QMS) standard that aligns with ISO 9001. This globally recognized standard emphasizes customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and waste reduction while harmonizing quality requirements across the automotive industry.

Members of the IATF include leading car manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, General Motors, Volkswagen, and their respective trade associations, including AIAG (U.S.), ANFIA (Italy), SMMT (U.K.), and others. The organization oversees certification bodies that conduct audits and reviews, ensuring compliance and fostering consistent quality improvement across the industry.

The IATF operates under detailed rules for achieving and maintaining recognition, with regular updates to ensure relevance and robustness. Oversight Offices in France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., the U.S., and China monitor certification activities, provide guidance, and manage global certification data to ensure the effectiveness of the IATF 16949 scheme.

For more detailed information about the International Automotive Task Force, its standards, and its impact on the automotive industry, please visit their official website.