14 Aug The 10 Biggest OEMs in the US

In the world of manufacturing, especially within the automotive industry, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) play a crucial role. But who are these companies, and why are they so important? In this blog post, we will explore the concept of OEMs, reveal how many exist in the United States, and present the ten biggest OEMs, with a focus on the automotive sector.

What is an OEM?

An Original Equipment Manufacturer, or OEM, is a company that produces parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. For instance, if you’ve ever replaced a part on your car with a part purchased directly from your car’s manufacturer, you’ve likely dealt with an OEM.

Originally, OEMs were firms that produced parts, equipment, or components to be used in a final product, such as a car, computer, or appliance. These parts were then bought by a company that assembled and marketed the final product under its own brand name. Over time, however, the term has become broader and can also refer to companies that are a secondary manufacturer to the initial producer, and may manufacture specific parts of a product or the entire product.

To understand this better, let’s examine how many OEMs operate in the US.

How Many OEMs Are There in the USA?

While an exact count is difficult to provide due to the constantly evolving nature of the industry, it’s safe to say that hundreds of OEMs are operating in various sectors across the United States. This includes everything from electronics to appliances, medical devices, aerospace equipment, and more.

But within the context of the automotive industry, the number of major OEMs is much smaller. Several well-known multinational corporations dominate the landscape. And it’s these companies that we’ll explore in more detail next.

Who Are the Top 10 OEM Suppliers?

While many OEM suppliers provide parts across industries, in this post, we’ll focus on the biggest automotive OEM suppliers in the US. These are the companies that provide the essential components used to build vehicles. Note that some of these suppliers are multinational companies with a significant presence in the US.

• Bosch: This German-based company is one of the largest automotive OEMs globally, providing a range of parts, from brakes to electronics.
• Denso: Based in Japan, Denso has a substantial footprint in the US automotive industry, providing air conditioning, heating, exhaust, and engine cooling parts.
• Magna International: As a Canadian-based company, Magna offers a wide range of automotive solutions, including drivetrain, body, chassis, and engineering solutions.
• Continental: This German company provides a range of automotive parts and is known for its tires, brake systems, interior electronics, automotive safety, powertrain, and chassis components.
• ZF Friedrichshafen: Another German company, ZF provides parts for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. They’re known for driveline and chassis technology as well as active and passive safety technology.
• Aisin Seiki Co.: A Japanese corporation, Aisin Seiki Co., offers body, brake, and chassis systems, drivetrain and engine components.
• Hyundai Mobis: South Korean supplier Hyundai Mobis provides high-quality parts for Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
• Lear Corporation: Lear is one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive seating systems and electrical systems.
• Faurecia: This French company provides a range of systems and products, including seating, interiors, and clean mobility solutions.
• Aptiv: This American company is a global technology leader, with solutions in safety, green, and connectivity.

Who Is the Top Automotive OEM in the US?

While the above list focused on automotive suppliers, if we’re discussing the companies that assemble and sell the final vehicles, the answer is General Motors. Founded in 1908, General Motors is a major force in the global automotive industry and certainly in the US. It’s the home to several vehicle brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac.

Who Is the Largest Auto OEM?

On the global stage, the title for the largest auto OEM often fluctuates between a few key players, but as of my last training cut-off in September 2021, Toyota was often recognized as the world’s largest automotive manufacturer or OEM by volume.

Final Thoughts on the 10 Biggest OEMs in the US

The role of OEMs in the US economy, especially within the automotive sector, cannot be overstated. These companies provide the necessary parts and components that keep our vehicles running, contributing significantly to technological advancements, economic growth, and job creation.

Moreover, as our vehicles become more and more advanced, the relationships between these major OEMs, smaller suppliers, and the companies that assemble and sell the final vehicles become increasingly important.

And of course, no matter who manufactures your vehicle or its components, keeping your vehicle well-maintained and functioning properly is crucial. If you ever find yourself in need of roadside assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a reliable provider like Mach1 Services.

To keep up with the latest news and developments from these significant OEMs and others, consider subscribing to Automotive News, a leading source of news about the global automotive industry. Remember, whether you’re an industry professional or a curious consumer, understanding the role and influence of OEMs can provide valuable insight into the vehicles we drive and rely on every day.