ISO/IEC  15504  (SPICE:  Software  Process  Improvement  and  Capability  Determination)  represents the worldwide, accepted standard for the assessment of process capability and process improve­ment. ISO/IEC 15504 is used in the automotive industry – especially in Europe – for the assessment and qualification of control unit and SW suppliers. Due to heightened competitive conditions, com­panies introduce process improvement projects in development as a means of increasing efficiency and  quality.  As  the  basis  for  process  assessment  and  improvement,  automotive  manufacturers require their suppliers to implement Automotive SPICE® as an ISO/IEC 15504­2 compliant assess­ment model that has been adjusted to the needs of the automotive industry.