Skip to content
01 · GROUND-UP

Automotive Design.

Ground-up vehicle programmes, spec to ship.

Overview
Ground-up vehicle programmes. architecture, packaging, chassis, body-in-white. Specified to targets, delivered to spec.

From first-principles thinking through to production-ready technical packages. vehicle architecture, packaging, chassis, and body-in-white delivered to spec. Our automotive programmes run ground-up, not catalogue-up: material, geometry, and joining method derived from the load case, not the Machinery Handbook index.

Every project starts with the physics. Targets and constraints are written down before CAD opens. Competing architectures are sketched, costed, and pressure-tested against those constraints until one wins on documented reasons. Then we build it.

Process

How we'll run the programme.

01
Targets & Constraints
Define performance targets, regulatory envelope, packaging constraints, cost ceilings, and manufacturing realities. before touching CAD.
02
Concept & Architecture
Competing architectures sketched, costed, and pressure-tested. The best concept moves forward with documented reasons.
03
Design & Analysis
Full CAD definition, FEA-driven structural sizing, weight optimisation, supplier engagement, and pre-production validation.
04
Handover & Support
Complete technical package for manufacture. drawings, BOM, homologation report, and on-call engineering support through launch.

What's included

Every programme, covered end-to-end.

  • Vehicle Architecture

    Top-level architecture studies, packaging strategies, and cross-discipline trade-off decisions documented before a single part is modelled.

  • Chassis & BIW

    Body-in-white structure, primary load paths, joint optimisation, and weight targets derived from the load case, not the catalogue.

  • Ergonomics & Packaging

    Full digital human studies, reach / vision envelopes, ingress/egress, and regulatory eye-point compliance built in from day one.

  • FEA & Weight Optimisation

    Structural, fatigue, and stiffness analyses with convergence documented. Every gram removed traceable to a justified design decision.

  • Homologation Support

    Regulatory mapping against UN/ECE, FMVSS, NCAP, or motorsport homologation frameworks. Compliance gap list from programme kick-off.

  • Supplier Liaison

    RFQ packages, APQP status tracking, and technical supplier reviews. The BOM is yours on day one of manufacture.

Common questions

Before you brief us.

Do you take on single-discipline scopes or full programmes only?

Both. A single-discipline engagement, say, BIW stiffness only, is perfectly viable. We write a scope that matches what you need and no more.

What CAD tools do you work in?

CATIA V5/V6, NX, and SolidWorks are the primary environments. We can receive models in STEP, Parasolid, or JT and deliver in your preferred format. PDM integration is agreed at kick-off.

How long does a typical ground-up programme take?

Concept-to-homologation is typically 18–36 months depending on vehicle class and complexity. We can accelerate specific phases with parallel workstreams. We'll give you a phase plan with gates, not a single delivery date.

Can you take over a part-complete programme?

Yes. We run a two-week audit of the existing work, produce a risk register, and only proceed if the baseline is sound enough to build on honestly.

Start here

Send us a brief.
We reply within one working day.