Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has been approved by Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) to undertake testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in supplier materials. FCA’s suppliers now have a third-party option to verify that a variety of interior materials and composites meet FCA’s VOC specifications. Intertek’s laboratories in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.; San Antonio, Texas, U.S.; Geleen, The Netherlands and Shanghai, China have all been approved to conduct the testing, aiding FCA suppliers across the globe.
VOCs are gases that are emitted from certain solids and liquids and include a variety of chemicals that may have short-and long-term health effects. For automobiles, emissions from textiles, carpets, leather, films, plastic components, adhesives, sealants, foams, coatings, elastomers, rubber, insulation and composite materials, among others, are of concern. The four approved labs will test these materials to specifications set by FCA and other international standards such as those from SAE International and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), to ensure supplier products meet the necessary requirements.
Tim Hubbard, Senior Vice President of Transportation Technologies at Intertek, commented: “Intertek’s commitment has always been to provide the industries we serve with comprehensive, Total Quality Assurance solutions and services that build upon our extensive experience and knowledge. We are delighted to have been engaged by FCA and look forward to working with them and their suppliers to help improve product quality and safety in relation to VOCs.”
Intertek provides expertise on performance, quality and reliability standards and expectations for the automotive industries with efficient, cost-effective insights and testing capabilities. The Company is accredited to conduct hundreds of electrical, chemical, and mechanical tests for automotive components, products and systems.