In 1991, Ford Motor Company began deployment of CAPE (computer-aided parts estimating system), a highly advanced knowledge-based system designed to generate, evaluate, and cost automotive part manufacturing plans. Many manufacturing processes have been modeled to date, but eventually every significant process in motor vehicle construction will be included. Significant cost reductions are among the many benefits CAPE brings to Ford. CAPE is a highly significant system for Ford of Europe in terms of the business needs it satisfies and the corporate acceptance of AI applications: First, CAPE represents a major investment, with significant person-years of effort spent on predeployment development alone. Second, CAPE is the first large-scale production expert system to be deployed within Ford of Europe.

Of all the parts that make up a Ford motor vehicle, the majority are actually manufactured by external suppliers, then purchased by Ford. To effectively manage this substantial vehicle cost component, Ford dedicates a whole division to this task. Purchase Cost Estimation and Analysis (PCE&A) employs a large number of estimators in Europe, typically production engineers, each one an expert in some area of vehicle component manufacture. The estimator is first involved at the design stage for future vehicle model programs. Working from initial engineering drawings, they provide feedback on production feasibility and economic considerations.