Automotive Knowledge Alliance AQUA – Integrating Automotive SPICE, Six Sigma, and Functional Safety Christian Kreiner 1 , Richard Messnarz 2 , Andreas Riel 3 , Damjan Ekert 2 ,Michael Langgner 4 , Dick Theisens 5 , Michael Reiner 6 1 Graz University of Technology, Austria, email: christian.kreiner@tugraz.at 2 ISCN LTD/GesmbH, Ireland and Austria, email: rmess@iscn.com 3 EMIRACLE Association, Belgium 4 Automotive Cluster Austria, Austria 5 Symbol BV, Netherlands 6 European Certification and Qualification Association, Europe Abstract. This paper discusses (based on the EU project AQUA) how the core elements of three complementary approaches and standards can be integrated into one compact skill set with training and best practices to be applied. In this project experts from Automotive SPICE (ISO 15504), Functional Safety (ISO 26262) and Lean Six Sigma collaborate. In a first analysis the experts identified an architecture of core elements where all three approaches fit together and where a holistic view about improvement is needed. The Automotive Clusters from Austria and Slovenia are trial partners and will roll out this knowledge in pilot courses to the industry. Other Automotive Clusters showed interest and will join the trial phase. Keywords: Automotive SPICE, Functional Safety, Lean Six Sigma, Integrated View 1 Introduction Electronics and software control 70% of modern cars’ functionality; studies predict 90% and more tomorrow. The induced system complexity makes it increasingly difficult for automotive companies to master interdisciplinary, horizontal issues such as quality, reliability, and functional safety. Moreover, the ISO 26262 reference standard for road vehicles has been released only very recently. Consequently, existing knowledge is rare, and highly specialised on teaching the standard rather than its practical implementation. This is where competition is happening in automotive worldwide, and where Europe can create a competitive advantage. In the Automotive Cluster Austria they currently discuss "Can we still manage the complexity of software and electronics in cars?" [1], and come to the conclusion that such integrated automotive and safety engineering best practices are needed.