Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market

Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Size and Share:

The global automotive engineering services outsourcing market size was valued at USD 130.90 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 493.30 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.09% during 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of 48.0% in 2024. The market is growing rapidly driven by its pivotal role in cost reduction and easy access to specialized expertise. Besides this, the automotive engineering services outsourcing market share is driven by increasing emphasis on core competencies, significant growth in the automotive industry, and recent technological advancements.

As automakers prioritize innovation, they invest heavily in research and development (R&D) to stay competitive. These investments focus on technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and advanced safety systems. Developing these technologies requires specialized expertise that often exceeds in-house capabilities, driving outsourcing demand. Automotive companies are outsourcing engineering services to access specialized knowledge in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and embedded systems. Outsourcing R&D functions helps manufacturers optimize their resources and reduce development costs while accelerating innovation. As R&D expenditures rise, automakers look for external partners with advanced technical skills to address complex engineering challenges. The shift toward connected and EVs further influences the need for external R&D expertise in emerging areas like battery technology and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Moreover, increased R&D investment leads to more collaboration between automotive companies and third-party engineering service providers, which helps in bolstering the market growth.

The United States automotive engineering services outsourcing market demand is driven by the development of software and infotainment solutions. With the increased demand for in-car connectivity, entertainment, and navigation, manufacturers are focusing on these systems. Infotainment, connected services, and ADAS are an integral part of modern vehicles through software solutions. The complexity involved in integrating these technologies requires special software engineering skills, which prompts the need for outsourcing to third-party service providers. To deliver such complex systems in the US, automakers rely on external assistance. Since the software nature of advanced features and autonomous driving capabilities require frequent updates and changes, they call for steady innovation. By outsourcing software development, automotive enterprises can maintain their competitiveness because internal assets are taken up by core competencies. With smart and increasingly interconnected vehicles, infotainment systems require cybersecurity solutions. Specialized cybersecurity service is outsourced for protection of critical data. The requirement for tight integration of hardware and software in infotainment systems also promotes outsourcing. Along with that, continuous changes in technology necessitate regular updating of infotainment solutions from automakers, thereby creating the demand for continuous software development support. For instance, P3 Group, in December 2024, announced that they are going to launch its next-generation Android Automotive platform, SPARQ OS, at CES 2025 with more than 200 apps, a digital assistant, and navigation. The OS enables OEMs to monetize digital cockpits while making sure that it is safe and customized. Through a partnership with Google, the OS is also certified for infotainment systems.

Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Trends:

Increasing focus on cost reduction

Automotive companies are always trying to reduce cost without compromising quality. Outsourcing engineering services significantly saves money for automotive companies in terms of management of their budgets. It also reduces capital expenditure because companies need not invest a lot in infrastructure, technology, and training. In addition to this, due to the flexible nature of outsourcing agreements, companies are able to scale up or down their operations based on demand, thus preventing unnecessary expenditure during low-demand periods. Moreover, cost-effectiveness is also assumed regarding non-core activities, such as testing, validation, and simulation, which form some of the essential yet resource-intensive processes in automotive engineering. For this reason, it is possible to outsource companies to maintain leaner and financially sustainable operations in high-value areas such as innovation and market expansion.

Easy access to specialized expertise

Outsourcing automotive engineering services provides access to a global talent pool, which allows companies to tap into the expertise of engineers and professionals who specialize in cutting-edge technologies. It also helps companies stay at the forefront of innovation. Moreover, automotive engineering service providers invest heavily in R&D, keeping their teams updated with the latest technological trends and industry best practices. These providers allow the automotive companies to integrate advanced technologies into their products more efficiently and effectively. Other than that, outsourced engineering teams bring a fresh perspective in problem-solving, driving innovation toward more creative solutions. Besides that, they help navigate complex technical challenges in order to ensure high-quality and well-performing automotive products.

Growing emphasis on core competencies

The increasing focus on core competencies is a major factor driving market. Outsourcing engineering services enables firms to assign non-essential tasks like specific elements of research and development (R&D), testing, and validation activities, to outside specialists. It allows automotive firms to direct additional resources and focus towards areas in which they excel and can generate the highest value. Additionally, businesses can improve their brand distinction and product individuality, crucial in a competitive marketplace. In addition, outsourcing enables a more strategic distribution of resources, guaranteeing that the company's efforts and investments are focused on areas that provide the greatest return on investment (ROI) and are in line with long-term business objectives. Moreover, it can result in increased innovation efficiency, enabling companies to innovate more swiftly and effectively, adapting to market shifts and customer needs with flexibility. A recent survey by Bain involving more than 500 senior engineering executives reveals that 60% of firms intend to expand their ER&D outsourcing over the next three years.

Significant growth in automotive industry

The rapid expansion of the automotive industry across the globe is another growth-inducing factor. As stated in the India Brand Equity Foundation, the Indian passenger car market is anticipated to reach USD 54.84 Billion level by 2027. Expansion into new markets and regions presents a significant opportunity for automobile firms, which remains challenging as such expansion would present differences in environments of regulatory controls, cultural contexts, customer needs, and domestic competition. Outsourcing engineering services can bring local insight and local engineering expertise to the automotive companies, hence making entry into new markets easier. Engineering service providers tend to have international presence and some profound knowledge of the regional markets, which is very helpful for companies looking to tailor their products according to local regulations, safety standards, and customer expectations. Furthermore, partners with local knowledge can guide the automotive companies through regional differences and ensure compliance and relevance in the new market.  

Recent technological advancements

The automotive industry is at the forefront of technological innovation, with rapid developments in areas like autonomous driving, electric vehicles (EVs), connected car technology, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). According to the International Energy Agency, more than 3 million electric cars were sold in the first quarter of 2024. Keeping pace with these technological changes requires specialized knowledge and continuous research and development (R&D), which can be resource-intensive and challenging for many automotive companies. Outsourcing provides access to specialized skills and state-of-the-art technology, which is necessary to develop advanced automotive solutions. Partnering with engineering service providers allows automotive companies to integrate various technologies into their product development processes more efficiently and effectively. It not only speeds up the time-to-market for new innovations but also ensures that the products are on the leading edge of technology.

Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global automotive engineering services outsourcing market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on service, vehicle type, location type, and application.

Analysis by Service:

• Designing
• Prototyping
• System Integration
• Testing
• Others

The prototyping segment dominates the market at 31.6% in 2024. They are essential for the automotive companies as they test and validate new vehicle concepts. Automakers rely heavily on prototyping so that new designs are functional and safe before hitting the production floor. Prototyping allows the engineers to have the physical representation of digital designs to identify potential problems early in the development cycle. It helps manufacturers optimize their designs for better performance, safety, and compliance with global standards. Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques make prototyping a vital step in automotive engineering. The growth of electric and autonomous vehicles further drives the need for prototyping services because these technologies require extensive testing. Prototyping enables automakers to build physical models quickly, minimizing delays in the overall development process. Prototyping services speed up time-to-market as automotive companies are being pressed harder for innovative vehicle delivery. Furthermore, rapid prototyping and 3D printing techniques are greatly improving the efficiency of prototyping, thus driving the market ahead. The concept of outsourcing prototyping allows companies to save on costs while leveraging specialized expertise. The complexity of vehicle systems for infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is also further propelling the growth of the market.

Analysis by Vehicle Type:

• Passenger Vehicles
• Commercial Vehicles

Passenger vehicles lead the market with 71.6% of market share in 2024. The rising population and increasing urbanization worldwide contribute to growing passenger vehicle sales. As economies continue to develop, more people are able to afford personal transportation, driving demand for these vehicles. Advancements in electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies are further increasing passenger vehicle development requirements. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the passenger vehicle segment prioritize innovation to meet growing demand for safety, efficiency, and sustainability. The high volume of passenger vehicle production drives the need for outsourcing engineering services, such as design, prototyping, and testing. Passenger vehicles require advanced features like infotainment systems, connectivity, and electric drivetrains, which necessitate specialized engineering services. As customer expectations evolve, automakers need to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their vehicles, increasing outsourcing needs. The demand for more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced passenger vehicles compels manufacturers to invest in research and development (R&D), often outsourcing these functions. Moreover, the competitive nature of the passenger vehicle market requires faster development cycles, making outsourcing a strategic approach for OEMs.

Analysis by Location Type:

• On-shore
• Off-shore

On-shore dominates the market with 58.6% of market share in 2024. On-shore outsourcing is increasingly becoming a preferred option for automotive companies seeking specialized engineering expertise. Automotive companies prioritize on-shore outsourcing to maintain better control over the development process and ensure quality. It allows for more efficient communication and collaboration between OEMs and engineering service providers. Proximity between OEMs and service providers ensures faster response times, reducing delays in project timelines. It helps automotive companies meet local regulatory requirements and safety standards more effectively. The higher cost of on-shore outsourcing is often offset by benefits such as better intellectual property protection and data security. With rising concerns over cybersecurity and the protection of proprietary technologies, on-shore outsourcing provides a safer option for sensitive projects. It supports local economies, aligning with increasing trends toward reshoring and domestic production. It also allows automotive companies to address specific regional preferences and compliance regulations more efficiently. As vehicles become more complex, with advanced features such as autonomous systems and electrification, on-shore expertise is essential to ensure high-quality development.

Analysis by Application:

• Autonomous Driving/ADAS
• Body and Chassis
• Powertrain and After-treatment
• Infotainment and Connectivity
• Others

Body and chassis lead the market with 31.7% of market share in 2024. They are essential for the development of vehicle structure and safety, representing a significant portion of outsourcing. The growing emphasis on vehicle safety and performance drives increased outsourcing in body and chassis development. As safety standards become more stringent across the globe, OEMs rely on expert engineers to ensure compliance. The body and chassis are critical to vehicle durability, crash performance, and overall structural integrity, requiring specialized knowledge. Additionally, advancements in lightweight materials and manufacturing techniques necessitate expert body and chassis design and prototyping. The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) further intensifies the need for advanced body and chassis solutions, as EVs require unique structural designs. Automakers also outsource body and chassis engineering to optimize production processes and reduce costs associated with manufacturing. The need for greater fuel efficiency, improved safety features, and optimized aerodynamics further influences outsourcing in this application. Moreover, body and chassis engineering plays a key role in enhancing vehicle performance and comfort, contributing to greater demand. Given the importance of these components in both traditional and electric vehicles, the body and chassis application accounts for the largest share of the automotive engineering services outsourcing market.

Regional Analysis:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa

In 2024, Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share of 48.0%. Asia Pacific region offers cost-effective labor, which is a major draw for automotive companies looking to outsource engineering services while controlling operational costs. The region boasts a vast pool of skilled engineers and technical professionals with expertise in various aspects of automotive engineering, including advanced technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving. APAC hosts some of the fastest-growing automotive markets in the world, which provides ample opportunities for outsourcing companies to expand their client base and operations. The region is rapidly advancing in terms of technology, which has positioned it as a hub for high-tech automotive engineering and research and development (R&D) activities. For example, in October 2024, BMW Group and Tata Technologies have established BMW TechWorks India to drive innovation in automotive software and business IT. Operating in Pune, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the venture will focus on AI-driven vehicle technologies and digital solutions, supporting BMW’s global digital strategy. This initiative enhances India’s role in automotive technology development. Moreover, the imposition of supportive government policies promoting outsourcing services through tax incentives and investment in technical education is strengthening the market growth. 

Key Regional Takeaways:

United States Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Analysis

North America held 88.60% of the market share in the United States. Technological advancement, cost efficiency and rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technologies are major factors driving the United States automotive engineering services outsourcing market demand. As reported by the International Council on Clean Transportation, sales of new electric light-duty vehicles in the United States amounted to around 1.4 million units for 2023, as compared to almost 1 million units recorded in 2022. Focusing on cost reduction in R&D while strengthening product innovation leads automakers to outsource engineering services and take benefit from specialized expertise from a third party. In most cases, these outsourced services are related to design, testing, and simulation. This means that the manufacturing companies need to outsource some of their services to external engineering firms because designing electric vehicles (EVs) requires knowledge of battery technology, powertrains, and sustainability. The complexity of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is also driving the need for outsourcing highly specialized engineering services, which helps automotive companies meet strict regulatory standards and accelerate the development of new technologies. Furthermore, the pressure to be innovative while keeping operational costs low fuels the demand for outsourcing even more because it provides for flexibility and access to a global talent pool. The companies no longer need to rely on local or regional expertise but can choose from skilled professionals across the globe.  

Europe Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Analysis

The market growth is being strengthened by the industry's necessity to innovate in response to rising regulatory pressures and an increasing demand for electric and autonomous vehicles. Due to strict emissions regulations and a move towards sustainability, European car manufacturers are progressively outsourcing R&D and engineering services to concentrate on creating eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions. Outsourcing enables firms to access outside expertise in fields like EV design, battery management systems, and alternative powertrain technologies, ensuring adherence to changing regulations. Besides this, the growth of autonomous driving technology significantly impacts outsourcing in Europe, as firms pursue expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and sensor technologies. The region's well-established automotive sector and highly skilled workforce in nations, such as Germany, France, and the UK are rendering it a desirable center for outsourcing, providing manufacturers with the necessary flexibility and agility to adapt to swift technological progress. The European Union along with regional governments are making significant investments in the future of the automotive industry. Projects centered around green mobility, electrification, and innovation ecosystems contribute to creating a supportive environment for outsourcing. Nations such as Germany are implementing subsidies, grants, and tax breaks designed to expedite research and development in electric and autonomous vehicles. According to reports, Spain implemented a 15% reduction in personal income tax in 2023 for the purchase of EVs and charging infrastructure.

Latin America Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Analysis

In Latin America, the market is influenced by the need for cost-effective solutions, skilled labor, and the region’s strategic location for global automotive supply chains. Many multinational automotive manufacturers are choosing to outsource engineering services to Latin American countries due to lower labor costs compared to North America and Europe, while still accessing a skilled workforce proficient in engineering and design. Reports indicate that labor costs in Brazil fell to 146.01 points in October, down from 147.65 points in September 2024. Additionally, Latin America’s proximity to North American markets makes it an ideal location for manufacturers seeking to optimize supply chain logistics. The region’s growing automotive industry, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, also contributes to increased demand for outsourcing services, as automakers need external expertise in areas such as vehicle testing, quality control, and design optimization.

Middle East and Africa Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Analysis

The region’s growing automotive manufacturing sector and the desire for cost-effective solutions is impelling the market growth. Countries like South Africa and the United Arab Emirates are becoming key players in the automotive industry, with increasing demand for outsourced engineering services in vehicle design, testing, and production. The region is experiencing a rise in interest for electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable transportation solutions, which necessitate external expertise in battery technology and energy management. According to reports, Saudi Arabia's electric vehicle imports surged by 271%, reaching 779 cars in 2023. Moreover, outsourcing allows companies to access global expertise while managing operational costs, making it an attractive option in a region that is still developing its automotive capabilities. The expansion of automotive manufacturing in the Middle East and Africa continues to drive the outsourcing market, helping companies meet growing demands for innovative and environmentally friendly vehicles. 

Competitive Landscape:

Global leaders in the business offer full engineering solutions. These companies offer all the services like design, prototyping, software development, and testing that are going to benefit automakers in terms of saving cost. This gives the car manufacturers access to the most recent technologies, such as AI, IoT, and systems of autonomous driving. Engineering service providers have specific domain knowledge in topics like electric vehicles, connectivity, and automation. They also ensure that companies comply with the ever-changing regulatory standards of the world, ensuring safety and performance. Key players maintain massive, diverse teams of highly skilled engineers who foster innovation in areas as diversified as advanced manufacturing or product lifecycle management. For instance, in January 2025, the Indian wing of Altair Engineering Inc. collaborated with the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Automotive Research (CAAR) to further innovation in the field of e-mobility, autonomous systems, and sustainable vehicles. With Altair's software tools, the team aims to achieve quick product development by drastically cutting timelines in advancing automotive technology. In addition, they make it possible for automotive firms to expedite time-to-market through streamlined development processes and optimized workflows. OEMs and ESO providers are collaborating to make supply chains more robust, with efficient and sustainable production. Major players are constantly investing in R&D, contributing to innovation in the automotive industry.  

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the automotive engineering services outsourcing market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

• Altair Engineering Inc.
• ALTEN Group
• ASAP Holding GmbH
• AVL List GmbH
• Bertrandt AG
• Capgemini SE
• EDAG Engineering Group AG
• FEV Group GmbH
• Horiba Ltd.
• IAV GmbH (Volkswagen AG)
• P3 group GmbH
• RLE INTERNATIONAL Group

Latest News and Developments:

• November 2024: Hinduja Tech Limited, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has completed its acquisition of TECOSIM Group, a prominent European engineering services provider. This acquisition enhances Hinduja Tech’s presence in Europe and marks a significant step in its mission to become one of the top 10 global mobility engineering and R&D companies.
• September 2024: Sumitomo Corporation partnered with Tech Mahindra to address Japan’s shortage of automotive engineering talent. They’ve created SCTM Engineering, a joint venture that leverages Indian tech expertise to provide engineering solutions for Japan’s automotive industry. This collaboration aims to drive innovation while bridging the gap between Japan’s needs and India’s skilled workforce.
• July 2023: HCLTech, a global technology leader, signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% stake in ASAP Group, an automotive engineering services provider. This acquisition will enhance HCLTech’s global leadership in engineering services, bolstering its advanced technology capabilities within the rapidly growing automotive engineering sector across Europe and other key global markets.
• January 2023: AVL set up a state-of-the-art engineering facility in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary, to test both conventional and future vehicles. The 1,340-square-meter workshop accommodates over 50 test vehicles and prototype garages. It is directly connected to the AVL ZalaZONE proving ground, offering a comprehensive solution for testing ADAS/AD systems in real-world conditions.

Automotive Engineering Services Outsourcing Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, automotive engineering services outsourcing market outlook, and dynamics of the market from 2019-2033.
• The automotive engineering services outsourcing market research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the automotive engineering services outsourcing industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.