Automotive

Assessing products, components, and systems in a dynamic technical and financial global marketplace.

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by electrification, advanced materials, autonomous or assisted technologies, and evolving global supply chains. At Secretariat, we support clients across the automotive ecosystem with integrated engineering and economic consulting services that deliver independent solutions with clarity and confidence.

Engineering Expertise

Our forensic engineers and scientists provide deep technical insight into vehicle systems, materials, and manufacturing processes. We investigate component failures, assess crashworthiness, and evaluate design decisions to support litigation, product development, and regulatory compliance. Whether analyzing thermal events in EV batteries or material degradation in structural components, our team delivers rigorous, science-based evaluations.

Economic Analysis

Our economists and financial experts quantify the business impact of technical issues. We assess damage claims in litigation, model warranty exposure, and evaluate cost-benefit scenarios for material or design changes. We also support clients in navigating complex supply chain disputes, pricing, and intellectual property decisions.

By combining engineering precision with economic insight, we help clients:

  • Resolve disputes with data-driven clarity
  • Optimize product performance and lifecycle costs
  • Navigate regulatory and market pressures
  • Make informed decisions in high-stakes environments

From OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to their legal teams, our clients rely on us to bridge the gap between technical complexity and business impact.

Whether you’re navigating product liability or personal injury claims, patent or warranty disputes, or accident and failure investigations, we deliver clear, defensible answers grounded in science.

Our Expertise Covers

Failure Analysis of Automotive Components

We investigate issues related to mechanical, electrical and material components, pinpointing root causes and contributing factors to failures.

Crashworthiness & Impact Behavior

Our engineers reconstruct material and mechanical system responses under collision conditions to assess whether design or material failure played a role in occupant injury or vehicle damage. These analyses include both mechanical damage from impacts to controlled reactions driven by airbag propellants.

Thermal Events & Fire Investigations

We analyze vehicle fires and overheating incidents, evaluating material flammability, insulation breakdowns, and fuel system and battery integrity.

Environmental & Aging Effects

From UV exposure to road salt corrosion, we assess how real-world conditions impact long-term material performance, critical for warranty and recall evaluations.

Manufacturing Defects & Quality Control

We identify issues like improper heat treatment, poor welds, voids, and contamination, helping clients resolve issues and improve production reliability.

Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

Our material scientists evaluate adhesion failures, corrosion protection breakdowns, and delamination in both structural and aesthetic applications.

Material Selection & Design Review

Was the right material chosen for the job? We provide expert assessments of design decisions and their implications for safety and durability.

Regulatory & Standards Compliance

We ensure materials meet industry standards (DOT, SAE, ISO) and OEM specifications, supporting litigation, recalls, and compliance audits.

Batteries

We provide consulting across the full battery lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to diagnostics and end-of-life solutions.