Metrology for the Automotive Industry in Mexico

The paper presents methodological tools that are being used in Mexico to address the relationship between the National Metrological System (NMS) and the Automotive Sector and Industries (ASI). The main objective is to enhance the performance of the organizations that conform the NMS (CENAM, Cal Labs, Test Labs, Service Companies) and provide a framework to organize their actions. A guiding principle has been to maintain a systemic integration NMS • ASI, at the same time that both sides of the equation are disaggregated to identify more effective ways of interaction. On the side of the ASI, the sector has been segmented with a criteria of the subsystems of the vehicle: Chasis, Body, Power Train, Interiors, Exteriors, Electrical and Infotainment. Companies that participate are OEMs, Tier 1, Tier 2, etc. On the side of the NMS, the system has been considered as: Primary metrology and reference standards, calibrations services, testing services, gages and fixtures producers, certification bodies. The organizations and companies that develop each function go from the NMI (CENAM) to secondary laboratories, both public and private, and include technological companies. The projects being proposed include the strengthening of calibration and measurement capabilities in the mentioned disciplines, as well as training programs and systems development. Other important activities being addressed include the development of highly capable testing laboratories, as well as gage and fixture manufacturers. The paper presents the actions being taken, their degree of advance and planes for the next years.