OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) is a common term within many industries and marketplaces, including the tyre industry.
Also referred to as ‘OE tyres’, OEM tyres will be a common term used in relation to both tyre and car manufacturers, whether it be in press releases, tyre sidewalls, or vehicle handbooks.
But what does OEM mean? And how does this apply to your car and tyres? Let’s explore the definitions and what it means for your motoring experience.
What Does OEM/OE Tyres Mean?
OEM is a term used to identify the manufacturer that provides specific parts to another company, assisting them in making their own products.
An Original Equipment Manufacturer maintains a relationship with certain companies that wish to use their parts – these parts/products will match exactly what the company wishes to distribute to their customers.
The term for a
vehicle manufacturer's OEM when fitting tyres to their new vehicles is OE tyres, which stands for Original Equipment tyres.
OE tyres are the specific tyres that a car manufacturer will declare the best suited for their specific vehicle, therefore will fit them on their newly produced cars.
Common OEMs for
tyre fitting within the motoring industry are tyre brands such as
Michelin,
Continental,
Bridgestone,
Hankook, and many others.