Cost Engineering in the Automotive Industry: A Decade of Transformation

Over the past decade, cost engineering has become a critical function within major automotive companies and their suppliers. This shift marks a departure from earlier practices where tenders were issued without setting target prices, leading to uncertainties about the justification of quoted prices and potential savings. Today, cost engineering departments ensure greater transparency and efficiency in pricing, offering significant benefits to both buyers and suppliers.

The Evolution and Role of Cost Engineering

The primary objective of cost engineering is to calculate target prices (Greenfield pricing) for components. These target prices are then compared with supplier quotations (Brownfield pricing) to evaluate their justification. A justified price typically includes realistic manufacturing costs plus a fair margin for the supplier. This process prevents suppliers from including unnecessary costs and ensures that cost-saving opportunities are identified without demanding unreasonable changes in production processes.

For standard components, the purchasing power lies with the buyer, supported by their cost accounting. However, for specialized components, where patents or unique manufacturing processes are involved, the negotiating power shifts towards the suppliers, allowing them to enforce their pricing more effectively.

Key Objectives and Methods of Cost Engineering