Quality Digest

My company doesn't believe that we should be considered as "Design Responsible" because we don't have the authority to establish a new, or change an existing design without our customer's approval.
I contend that in the automotive industry it is almost unheard of that a supplier who been given design authority can establish a new, or change an existing design without customer approval due to possible impact on mating components/parts (form, fit, function).
When our customer's request a design change, we are responsible for revising the issued or most current drawing/spec, modifying tooling and equipment, performing design reviews, verification and validation testing, and resubmittal of PPAP (if required).

What is your take on this scenario? I need a quick response to this question because this will have a serious impact on our Registration Scope.

Design or Not Design Responsible, is the question.
Please respond to rbthomas@neaton.com