Volume 02 - PPA_09/2026

The 7th edition of VDA Volume 2 is guided by a risk-based approach. This shift in perspective makes it possible to systematically reduce complexity without losing sight of quality assurance. Instead of prescribing rigid lists of deliverables, the scope of the PPA procedure is limited to the necessary deliverables for the product to be approved. This allows for a more targeted handling of deliverables, a more nuanced assessment of deviations and a reduction in the documentation burden. This not only reduces the quantity of deliverables that needs to be provided, but also makes it possible to reference existing deliverables. The number of forms is also reduced. The use of a risk-based approach is in accordance with ISO 9001 and a trend that is already emerging in other VDA volumes – in line with automotive practice in the automotive industry.

The first edition of VDA Volume 2, published more than 50 years ago in 1975, defined for the first time general guidelines for assessing the quality capability of suppliers, inspecting PPA samples, and evaluating the quality of series parts upon receipt. The second edition from 1995 provided a basic description of the procedure for evaluating the quality performance of series production deliveries and PPA samples. In 1998, the third edition was published, bringing the publication into line with international quality standards.  The fourth edition of 2004 comprehensively revised the procedure, particularly with regard to material data sheets and the IMDS. With the fifth edition in 2012, the PPA procedure was restructured to more clearly describe the requirements for new or modified scopes of delivery. The sixth issue of 2020 focused on the collaboration between the organization and the customer regarding the scope, content and timeline of the PPA procedure, as well as on the elimination of the submission stages and conditional approval.

This seventh edition continues along this same path. It was developed in consultation with, among others, the VDA Materials Committee and takes into account current recommendations such as the “Multiple Source” guideline (VDA 210-300). In addition, it takes into account approaches to digital data exchange in materials sampling (VDA 231-300/301) and approaches to change management from the hardware delta qualification matrix (VDA 210-200 HW-DQM). Another milestone is the development of an online tool for the PPA procedure, which replaces the previous Excel templates and paves the way for the digital future. This tool is available through the VDA QMC online store. Finally, a possible harmonization with the AIAG “PPAP” method was also discussed during the development of this edition. The German automotive industry is open to harmonizing the two methods with the goal of establishing a common international standard for the production process and product approval in the long term.