Post by Marelli

Creating value starts long before production begins.​ ​ As automotive electronics continue to evolve, delivering innovation requires balancing performance, affordability, and sustainability from the earliest stages of product development.​ ​ A Design to Cost strategy plays a critical role by integrating cost awareness into design decisions, enabling teams to evaluate trade-offs early and focus resources where they create the greatest value.​ ​ "The most effective cost optimization happens before a product is built. When cost becomes a design driver, teams can make more informed decisions and create solutions that are competitive, sustainable, and aligned with customer expectations," says Irene Vacirca, Head of Value Competitiveness and Sustainability in our Electronics business. "By shifting the focus from late-stage cost control to proactive value creation, we can strengthen competitiveness while reducing inefficiencies and avoiding unnecessary complexity. Design to Cost is a mindset that connects engineering excellence, business performance, and responsible resource use throughout the product lifecycle," Irene adds.​ ​ At Marelli, we see Design to Cost as a key enabler of affordable innovation, turning cost awareness into a strategic advantage while creating sustainable value for our customers and the industry.