Why Automotive Design Teams Choose Onshape for Accelerated Innovation

In the world of automotive design, speed and agility are everything. Whether you’re an EV startup racing to disrupt the market or a specialty vehicle manufacturer pushing the boundaries of engineering, the ability to iterate quickly and collaborate seamlessly is what sets leaders apart from followers.

However, for too long traditional, file-based CAD systems have hindered teams. Clunky installs, rigid file management, and slow collaboration create bottlenecks that stifle innovation. That’s where Onshape comes in: A cloud-native CAD and PDM product development platform built for the way modern automotive teams work.

CAD Software Designed for the Pace of Automotive

Onshape empowers automotive and EV companies to move rapidly, scale effortlessly, and collaborate securely across distributed teams who need robust automotive design software. With no installations and zero IT overhead, engineers can design, review, and iterate from anywhere – whether in the field, factory, or home office. Data management is so fluid, you barely notice it until you need it.

Complex Assemblies? No Problem.

Automotive design is all about managing complexity. Onshape handles large assemblies with ease, letting teams branch and merge designs to explore bold, innovative ideas without risking production work. Advanced surfacing tools, mixed modeling, and integrated simulation help engineers push boundaries with precision and confidence.

Real-Time Collaboration, Real Results

Global automotive leaders choose Onshape to modernize product development. The platform delivers enterprise-grade analytics, security, and IT compliance without the hassle of VPNs, providing instant, secure access that keeps engineering moving at full speed.

Built-in version control and real-time data access minimize rework and keep teams aligned, speeding up launches without slowing down for files.

Whether you’re building your first prototype or managing a full vehicle program, Onshape helps you move faster, stay aligned, and bring better vehicles to market on time and on budget.

Integrated simulation tools, and those offered through partnerships with platforms like SimScale, enable rapid testing and confident decision-making, ensuring engineering quality and product safety at every stage.

Innovation in Action

Onshape isn’t just for new vehicles; it’s CAD for all cars. From refreshing classic cars with modern upgrades to developing cutting-edge EVs, the platform supports every kind of automotive project. Teams like Custom Truck One Source and OX Delivers utilize Onshape to resolve design issues in real-time and accelerate iteration at scale.

There are lots of ways Onshape adds value to our company. The performance improvement working in Onshape will allow our engineers to be more efficient and have a better quality of life. Branching and merging helps us iterate design ideas and implement quickly into the production models. The cloud native nature of Onshape makes it easier to work with overseas team members and eliminates the need for expensive servers and heavy IT overhead. The tight integration between CAD and PLM makes workflows more streamlined and reduces our processing time for ECR's and ECO's. In general, Onshape allows us to be a more nimble and creative engineering team.’’

Kyle Gerber

VP of EngineeringCustom Truck One Source

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Choosing the Best Automotive CAD Software

The automotive sector is evolving fast, and so are the tools that power it. Onshape’s cloud-native approach unlocks non-linear product development, enabling teams to innovate without the constraints of legacy software. With intuitive version control, efficient document sharing, and agile workflows, Onshape is redefining what’s possible in car design and automotive design software.

Explore more at the Onshape Automotive Solutions page, or sign up to discover how Onshape will change how you approach design.