VTF A - Product Development Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To assist the manufacturer in identifying high quality car company service parts for tooling and fixture development. This VTF is not required by CAPA.

Process: The Validator purchases three car company service parts from the market, fits them on an undamaged vehicle, and assesses their overall fit and finish quality. If the car company service parts meet the CAPA requirements for fit and finish, they are designated as Master Parts (Fixture, Tooling, and Appearance) and are sent to the Participant. A detailed report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website for use in their product development processes.

VTF B - New Part Approval Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To verify part fit prior to certification. This test is required by CAPA and the part must pass before becoming certified.

Process: The manufacturer sends two candidate parts. The Validator purchases one car company service part from the market. All parts are fit on an undamaged vehicle and assessed for their overall fit and finish quality. Once the VTF is complete, regardless of outcome, a full report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website.

COM VTF - Complaint Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To verify the report of part complaints in the market, and provide CAPA and the manufacturer with the opportunity to analyze and correct any problems reported on a certified part.

Process: Upon receipt of a Quality Complaint form, CAPA will contact the complainant in order to review the complaint and if applicable, secure the complaint part for the purpose of conducting a COM VTF at the Validator’s facility. In addition to purchasing the complaint part, the Validator purchases a car company service part from the market. Both parts are fit on an undamaged vehicle and assessed for their overall fit and finish quality. If no defects are found, if previously requested, a CAPA VTF Technician will contact the complainant to attempt to clarify the noted defects and discuss the VTF outcome. A letter will be sent to the complainant advising them of the VTF outcome. Once the VTF is complete, regardless of outcome, a full report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website. If defects are found, a joint investigation between the Validator and Participant will be initiated in order to determine the cause of the defect(s). Potential results of the investigation include decertification of the part or part lot, a corrective action request (CAR), or no action when the reported nonconformity was not substantiated by the investigation. CAPA reserves the right to decertify the lot number or the part number immediately, prior to investigation.

MM VTF - Marketplace Monitoring Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To provide a “real world” check of parts in the market. Certified parts are selected for a vehicle test fit. Any certified part may be selected from the market for a MM VTF.

Process: The Validator purchases one car company service and one CAPA part from the market. All parts are fit on an undamaged vehicle and assessed for their overall fit and finish quality. Once the VTF is complete, regardless of outcome, a full report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website. If defects are found, a joint investigation between the Validator and Participant will be initiated in order to determine the cause of the defect(s). Potential results of the investigation include decertification of the part or part lot. CAPA reserves the right to decertify the lot number or the part number immediately, prior to investigation.

GEN VTF - General Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To provide a manufacturer with the opportunity for an independent evaluation of currently certified parts. This test is voluntary and may be requested by the manufacturer at any time for any currently certified part.

Process: Validator purchases three car company service and three CAPA parts from the market. All parts are fit on an undamaged vehicle and assessed for their overall fit and finish quality. Once the VTF is complete, regardless of outcome, a full report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website. If defects are found, a joint investigation between the Validator and Participant will be initiated in order to determine the cause of the defect(s). Potential results of the investigation include decertification of the part or part lot. CAPA reserves the right to decertify the lot number or the part number immediately, prior to investigation.

DI VTF - Dimensional Inspection Vehicle Test Fit

Purpose: To provide a manufacturer with the opportunity for an independent evaluation of the fit of currently certified, or candidate parts. This test is voluntary and may be requested by the manufacturer at any time for any currently certified or candidate part.

Process: The manufacturer sends one part. The Validator purchases one car company service part. All parts are fit on an undamaged vehicle and assessed for their overall fit and finish quality. Once the VTF is complete, regardless of outcome, a full report with digital photographs is provided to the manufacturer via a secure website. If defects are found on a certified part, a joint investigation between the Validator and Participant will be initiated in order to determine the cause of the defect(s). Potential results of the investigation include decertification of the part or part lot. CAPA reserves the right to decertify the lot number or the part number immediately, prior to investigation.