* Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): These are the brands you know, like Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, etc. They design the cars, manage the supply chain, and oversee the assembly process. However, they often outsource significant portions of the manufacturing.
* Tier 1 Suppliers: These are large companies that supply major components to OEMs, such as engines, transmissions, interiors, and electronics. Examples include Bosch, Denso, and Magna International.
* Tier 2 and Tier 3 Suppliers: These companies supply parts to the Tier 1 suppliers, creating a vast and intricate network. This can include everything from nuts and bolts to sophisticated electronic systems.
* Assembly Plants: These facilities, often owned or operated by OEMs, bring together all the components to assemble the finished vehicle. Many OEMs have multiple plants worldwide.
* Workers: From engineers and designers to assembly line workers and quality control inspectors, countless individuals are involved in the process of building a car.
In short, building a car is a collaborative effort involving many different companies and a huge workforce. The OEM is the face of the car, but they rely heavily on a complex supply chain to produce it.
