Automotive Consulting

Senior Automotive Expertise. When and Where You Need It.

Whether you are navigating a supplier crisis, launching a new commodity, implementing a procurement system, or entering the North American market — Cardinate brings the depth of experience that makes a difference. We embed with your team, work your problem, and deliver results without the overhead of permanent headcount.

• Commodity strategy and supplier selection
• RFQ management and cost analysis
• Supplier audits, risk assessment, and performance improvement
• Cost reduction programs and should-cost modeling
• Annual procurement volume managed: up to $700M (North America)

• Supply chain risk identification and mitigation
• Single-source exposure reduction
• Logistics process optimization — transport, packaging, routing
• Supplier readiness coordination for program launches

• Prototype and pre-series build coordination
• Cross-functional program team leadership
• Gate review and APQP/PPAP process management
• Supplier part availability management against program milestones

• SAP MM implementation and key user support
• SAP Ariba deployment support
• CAPEX planning process rollout
• Purchasing process definition, documentation, and training

European automotive suppliers entering the North American market face a steep learning curve — in sourcing, compliance, culture, and operations. We bridge that gap. With deep roots in both German-heritage supplier environments and North American operations, we help you localize your supply base, navigate NA standards, and build the organizational capability to succeed in this market. Bilingual (German/English) across all engagements.

We are practitioners, not generalists. Our team has held senior purchasing and program management roles at Tier 1 automotive suppliers — managing real programs, real supplier panels, and real budgets. We bring that operational credibility to every engagement.

20+ years in automotive supply chain across North America and Europe. Direct experience with IATF 16949, VDA, AIAG, APQP, and PPAP standards.

Native German fluency with extensive experience in German-heritage supplier environments. We bridge European headquarters expectations and North American execution realities.

Hands-on experience building purchasing and supply chain functions from scratch at automotive startups — where ambiguity is high and the margin for error is zero.