Overview of Automotive Parts Industry Knowledge
I. Two Core Markets
The automotive parts industry primarily serves two distinct markets:
OEM Market (Original Equipment Manufacturer / Front Market): Suppliers provide parts directly to vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) for installation on new car assembly lines. Characterized by high volume, strict certification barriers, and synchronized development cycles, this market is highly dependent on new vehicle production and sales.
AM Market (Aftermarket): The market for replacement parts used for vehicle maintenance, repair, and modification after the sale. Customers include 4S shops, repair chains, independent garages, traders, and end consumers. It is characterized by high SKU variety, smaller batch sizes, frequent reorders, and is driven by vehicle parc (total number of vehicles) and average vehicle age.
II. Key Industry Terminology
|
Term |
Full Name / Meaning |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
OE / OE No. |
Original Equipment Number |
The unique part number assigned by the OEM. It is the primary reference for inquiries and catalog searches. |
|
OEM |
Original Equipment Manufacturer |
A factory that produces parts for the assembly line (e.g., Bosch, Denso). Also refers to the "genuine" specification parts themselves. |
|
OES |
Original Equipment Supplier |
Parts supplied through the OEM's authorized service network (usually 4S shops). Often carry the vehicle brand logo and command premium pricing. |
|
AM / Aftermarket |
Aftermarket Parts |
Replacement parts produced by independent manufacturers. Includes "Branded Parts" (e.g., TRW, Ferodo) and "Compatible Parts," offering high cost-performance. |
|
ODM |
Original Design Manufacturer |
A parts factory that designs and manufactures products which can be white-labeled for brands or OEMs. |
|
Genuine Part |
Pure Genuine Part |
Parts purchased from a 4S shop bearing the vehicle brand logo. Quality matches OE, but includes the brand premium. |
III. Common Product Classification (By System)
Powertrain: Engine assemblies, cylinder blocks/crankshafts/pistons, filters, fuel injection systems; for NEVs: Battery, Motor, Electronic Control (the "Three-Electric" system).
Drivetrain: Gearboxes (transmissions), clutches, drive shafts, differentials, universal joints.
Brake System: Brake discs/pads, calipers, vacuum boosters, ABS pumps, Brake-by-Wire (BBW).
Steering System: Steering gears, power steering pumps, tie rods, EPS (Electric Power Steering).
Chassis & Suspension: Shock absorbers, coil springs, control arms, subframes, wheels, tires.
Body & Interior/Exterior: Body panels, bumpers, lighting assemblies, seals (Silicone/EPDM rubber parts), seats, dashboards.
Electrical & Electronics: Wiring harnesses, sensors, ECUs (Electronic Control Units), infotainment, ADAS (cameras/radar/domain controllers).
Consumables: Engine oil, oil filters, air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs, wiper blades, coolant.