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OEM/ODM Automotive Spare Parts: Custom Car Brake Systems & Suspension Components

The OEM/ODM automotive spare parts industry represents a cornerstone of the global automotive supply chain, producing everything from standard replacement components to highly specialized custom car brake systems and suspension components designed for specific vehicle applications or performance requirements. Understanding the distinction between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) business models proves essential for automotive manufacturers, tier-1 suppliers, and custom builders seeking to optimize their procurement strategies for brake and suspension parts. OEM partnerships involve manufacturers producing components according to buyer specifications, while ODM arrangements leverage manufacturer-developed designs that buyers can customize and rebrand, each approach presenting distinct advantages depending on buyer capabilities, market positioning, and product development resources. The global automotive brake system market alone exceeds $25 billion annually, with suspension components adding another $35 billion, creating substantial opportunities for informed buyers who understand how to navigate the manufacturing capabilities landscape effectively.

OEM/ODM Automotive Spare Parts: Custom Car Brake Systems & Suspension Components

Understanding OEM vs ODM: Choosing the Right Manufacturing Partnership Model

OEM and ODM represent fundamentally different approaches to product procurement that each suit distinct buyer requirements and organizational capabilities. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) arrangements involve manufacturers producing components according to detailed buyer specifications, with the buyer retaining intellectual property rights and controlling design decisions throughout the development process. This model suits organizations with strong engineering capabilities, specific design requirements mandated by vehicle integration considerations, or strategic interests in maintaining proprietary technology positions. OEM partnerships require substantial technical specification development, with buyers responsible for detailed engineering documentation including material specifications, dimensional tolerances, performance requirements, and testing protocols that manufacturers must follow precisely.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) arrangements conversely leverage manufacturer-developed designs as starting points for buyer-specific customization, reducing development timelines and engineering investment requirements. ODM manufacturers maintain portfolios of proven designs across product categories, offering buyers options to select existing platforms, request modifications, or combine elements from multiple designs to create customized solutions. This approach substantially accelerates time-to-market while reducing upfront investment requirements, making ODM automotive spare parts particularly attractive for buyers entering new market segments, testing product concepts, or lacking engineering resources for comprehensive component development. Understanding when to engage OEM versus ODM relationships enables buyers to optimize development resources while maintaining appropriate quality and customization levels for their target markets.

OEM vs ODM Comparison for Brake and Suspension Components

Factor OEM Model ODM Model
Design Control Buyer owns IP Manufacturer owns base design
Development Timeline 12-24 months typical 3-8 months typical
Engineering Investment $200K-2M+ per project $50K-300K customization
Minimum Order Quantities Higher (10,000+ units) Lower (500-5,000 units)
Customization Flexibility Complete specification control Limited to modifiable parameters
IP Protection Full buyer ownership Shared/protected base design
Suitable For High-volume, proprietary designs Market testing, medium volume
Engineering Documentation Buyer provides complete specs Manufacturer provides base documentation

Custom Car Brake Systems: Engineering and Manufacturing Capabilities

Custom car brake systems engineering requires deep understanding of thermal management, friction characteristics, hydraulic systems, and structural integration that distinguish high-performance braking from standard replacement applications. Professional brake component manufacturers produce an array of interconnected parts including brake pads, rotors (discs), calipers, brake lines, master cylinders, and electronic control modules for advanced systems such as ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control). Each component category presents specialized manufacturing requirements, material science challenges, and quality control protocols that capable manufacturers must master to produce reliable performance products.

Brake pads represent one of the most technically demanding components, requiring precise formulation of friction materials that deliver consistent stopping power across temperature ranges from ambient conditions to 600+ degrees Celsius during aggressive driving. Manufacturing processes involve mixing base materials including metallic fibers, ceramic compounds, and organic binders under controlled conditions, then compressing and heating mixtures in precision molds to create final product shapes. Quality control testing validates friction coefficient consistency, wear resistance, noise characteristics, and dust generation levels that determine real-world customer satisfaction. Manufacturers offering ODM automotive spare parts programs typically maintain friction material libraries enabling rapid formulation customization for different vehicle applications and performance requirements.

Rotors (brake discs) manufacturing requires investment in casting, machining, and finishing equipment that smaller operations cannot justify, creating natural barriers to entry that concentrate production among established manufacturers. Gray iron casting produces the base rotor shape, with subsequent machining operations creating precision mounting surfaces, cooling vanes (for ventilated rotors), and friction surfaces meeting strict thickness tolerance requirements. Performance rotors may incorporate drilled or slotted patterns improving heat dissipation and gas evacuation during sustained braking, requiring additional processing steps that increase manufacturing complexity and cost. Premium manufacturers produce rotors using cross-drilled ventilation patterns, curved slot geometries, and surface coatings enhancing corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal for performance market segments.

Suspension Components: Shocks, Struts, Springs, and Control Arms

Suspension components engineering encompasses multiple interconnected systems controlling vehicle ride quality, handling characteristics, and tire contact with road surfaces. Effective suspension optimization requires coordinated development of springs, dampers (shocks and struts), control arms, bushings, and alignment components that work together to achieve targeted performance objectives. Custom car suspension components address diverse market requirements ranging from comfort-oriented original equipment replacement to aggressive performance tuning delivering track-capable handling, with manufacturing capabilities spanning this entire spectrum.

Shock absorbers and struts contain internal hydraulic or gas-charged mechanisms controlling suspension movement velocity, with engineering complexity that demands sophisticated manufacturing processes and testing equipment. Damper manufacturing requires precision machining of cylinder bodies, piston assemblies, and valve components that must function reliably across millions of compression and extension cycles. Quality validation includes endurance testing simulating thousands of miles of operation while measuring damping force consistency and leak resistance. Adjustable damping systems adding electronic or manual adjustment capabilities introduce additional complexity requiring specialized manufacturing capabilities and quality assurance protocols that not all manufacturers possess.

Springs production encompasses multiple technologies including traditional steel coil springs, composite leaf springs, and air spring systems each presenting distinct manufacturing requirements. Steel spring manufacturing involves winding precision-tempered steel wire onto mandrels under controlled tension, then heat treatment processes optimizing material properties for the specific application requirements. Progressive rate springs using variable wire diameter or spacing require specialized winding techniques creating non-linear force-deflection characteristics improving ride quality across varying load conditions. Manufacturers offering ODM suspension components programs typically maintain spring design libraries enabling rapid customization for different vehicle weights, performance targets, and installation requirements.

Manufacturing Capabilities: What to Look for in OEM/ODM Brake and Suspension Suppliers

Evaluating manufacturing capabilities for brake and suspension components requires systematic assessment across equipment, processes, personnel, and quality management dimensions that collectively determine production consistency and product reliability. Facility tours or third-party audits provide essential insights complementing documentation review, revealing actual capabilities that certifications alone cannot guarantee. Buyers should evaluate manufacturing scale matching their volume requirements, precision machining capabilities addressing tolerance requirements, testing infrastructure validating product performance, and quality management systems ensuring consistent output across production runs.

Modern brake component manufacturing relies heavily on automated equipment including CNC machining centers, automated casting lines, and robotic assembly systems that reduce human error while improving consistency. However, equipment sophistication alone does not guarantee quality outcomes—process engineering expertise, maintenance practices, and operator training matter equally for achieving reliable production results. When evaluating potential OEM/ODM automotive spare parts partners, examine equipment age and maintenance records, process documentation completeness, incoming material inspection procedures, and statistical process control implementations monitoring production consistency.

Capability Factor Basic Requirements Advanced Capabilities
Equipment Manual/semi-auto CNC Full CNC automation, CMM
Testing Dimensional inspection Dynamic testing, endurance rigs
Certification ISO 9001 IATF 16949, ISO 17025 lab
CAD/CAM 2D drawings 3D modeling, simulation
Production Scale 1,000-10,000 units/year 100,000+ units/year
Quality Documentation Basic traveler Full traceability, SPC data

Quality management system certification provides baseline assurance of manufacturing consistency, though buyers should verify certification validity and examine actual implementation quality during facility assessments. IATF 16949 certification specifically addresses automotive quality management requirements, with rigorous audit protocols examining process capability, defect prevention, and continuous improvement mechanisms. Manufacturers serving original equipment programs typically maintain IATF 16949 certification, while aftermarket-focused producers may hold only ISO 9001 certification indicating less automotive-specific quality practices.

The Custom Manufacturing Process: From Design to Production

Custom manufacturing for brake and suspension components follows structured development phases that mature designs from concept through production-ready status. Understanding this process helps buyers plan development timelines, allocate resources appropriately, and establish realistic expectations for development milestones and approval criteria. Each development phase produces deliverables feeding subsequent phases, with iterations typically required as designs encounter real-world constraints or testing reveals unexpected performance gaps.

Concept development begins with target specification definition, establishing performance requirements, dimensional constraints, cost targets, and regulatory compliance requirements that guide subsequent engineering work. For brake systems, target specifications include static and dynamic friction coefficients, thermal capacity, wear life expectations, noise levels, and dust generation limits. Suspension component specifications address spring rates, damping characteristics, travel requirements, and durability expectations. This phase concludes with feasibility assessment evaluating whether target specifications can be achieved within cost and manufacturing constraints, potentially identifying specification adjustments necessary before proceeding.

Design and validation phases translate concept specifications into detailed engineering documentation including CAD models, material specifications, and manufacturing specifications enabling production. Prototype components manufactured during this phase undergo laboratory testing validating performance characteristics against target specifications. Testing protocols for brake components include friction coefficient measurement across temperature ranges, wear testing under standardized conditions, and noise testing in acoustic chambers. Suspension component testing validates spring rates, damping curves, endurance performance, and resistance to environmental factors including temperature extremes and corrosion exposure.

Development Timeline for Custom Brake Systems

Phase Duration Key Activities Deliverables
Concept Development 4-8 weeks Requirements gathering, feasibility analysis Target specifications, feasibility report
Design Engineering 8-16 weeks CAD modeling, material selection, DFMEA Design documentation, prototype specifications
Prototype Development 4-8 weeks Prototype manufacturing, initial testing Prototype samples, test reports
Validation Testing 8-16 weeks Performance testing, durability testing, regulatory testing Validation reports, certification documentation
Production Launch 4-8 weeks Process development, tooling completion, PPAP Production samples, process documentation
Total Timeline 28-56 weeks

Brake System Components: Deep Dive into Manufacturing and Specifications

Understanding brake system components at the manufacturing level enables informed specification development and effective communication with OEM/ODM partners. Each component category presents distinct engineering considerations, manufacturing requirements, and quality control challenges that specification developers must address to achieve target performance outcomes.

Brake calipers contain piston assemblies that push brake pads against rotors when drivers apply braking force, with manufacturing requiring precision machining of aluminum or iron housings and high-precision sealing components maintaining hydraulic integrity across millions of actuation cycles. Floating caliper designs incorporating sliding or pivoting mechanisms require additional attention to guide surface finish and corrosion resistance ensuring consistent piston positioning throughout service life. Performance calipers featuring multiple pistons demand precise machining ensuring equal force distribution across pad surfaces, with manufacturing tolerances measured in hundredths of millimeters.

Brake lines and fittings require specialized manufacturing capabilities addressing both functional performance and environmental durability. Steel braided lines with PTFE inner cores provide consistent hydraulic response without expansion under pressure, requiring specialized assembly equipment for fitting attachment and leak testing. Flexible hose designs must maintain flexibility across temperature extremes while resisting abrasion, ozone exposure, and brake fluid compatibility issues that could compromise hydraulic integrity. Quality validation includes pressure testing to 3-5x system operating pressures and environmental exposure testing simulating years of service conditions.

Suspension Parts Manufacturing: Meeting Diverse Application Requirements

Suspension parts serve vehicles ranging from luxury sedans to heavy-duty trucks, with manufacturing capabilities required to span performance requirements, load capacities, and environmental conditions that vary dramatically across vehicle segments. Understanding manufacturing approaches for different suspension component categories helps buyers appreciate technical considerations affecting product development and sourcing decisions.

Control arms and suspension links typically employ iron casting or aluminum forging processes creating structural components connecting wheel assemblies to vehicle bodies. Manufacturing requires precise machining of mounting points ensuring proper alignment and bushing fitment, with quality control measuring mounting hole positions, surface finishes, and dimensional tolerances ensuring interchangeability with original equipment components. Aftermarket performance control arms may incorporate polyurethane bushings replacing original rubber units, providing improved handling response through reduced bushing deflection at the cost of increased road noise and vibration transmission.

Wheel bearings and hub assemblies integrate rotating machinery requiring precise manufacturing ensuring smooth operation at highway speeds while supporting vehicle loads and maintaining seal integrity protecting internal bearings from contamination. Manufacturing involves precision grinding of bearing race surfaces, heat treatment processes achieving required hardness, and assembly operations with controlled preload ensuring optimal bearing life and noise characteristics. Quality validation includes endurance testing, noise testing, and seal integrity testing confirming contamination resistance throughout expected service life.

Case Study: North American Tier-1 Supplier Success with ODM Suspension Components

A North American tier-1 automotive supplier faced significant cost pressures from OEM customers demanding annual price reductions while maintaining quality levels and delivery performance. The supplier specialized in suspension components for light trucks and SUV platforms, with product portfolios including shocks, struts, and complete strut assemblies serving the aftermarket replacement market. Competition from Asian manufacturers had intensified substantially, with buyers increasingly accepting lower-cost imports despite lingering quality concerns that created warranty exposure and customer satisfaction risks.

The supplier engaged an established ODM automotive spare parts manufacturer with proven suspension component capabilities to explore partnership arrangements that could address both cost competitiveness and capability enhancement. Initial discussions revealed the ODM partner maintained comprehensive engineering capabilities including CAD/CAM design resources, prototype development facilities, and testing equipment meeting OEM specifications. The ODM manufacturer had supplied suspension components to Asian markets for over 15 years, accumulating design libraries and manufacturing expertise spanning multiple vehicle platforms.

The partnership structure leveraged ODM capabilities while maintaining the North American supplier’s customer relationships and market access. Rather than transferring existing designs, the partners collaborated on next-generation suspension designs combining the ODM manufacturer’s cost-efficient manufacturing with the supplier’s engineering validation expertise and OEM quality management systems. Custom car suspension components developed through this partnership achieved 25% cost reductions compared to prior production designs while meeting or exceeding OEM performance specifications. Time-to-market for new product launches decreased from 18 months to 9 months, enabling the supplier to respond more rapidly to OEM customer requests for quotation on new vehicle programs.

Quantifiable results after two years of partnership operation included 23% improvement in gross margin for suspension product lines, customer satisfaction scores increasing from 82% to 94%, and successful launch of 12 new product lines serving both OEM and aftermarket customers. The partnership demonstrates how strategic OEM/ODM relationships can address competitive pressures while enhancing rather than compromising quality and customer service capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Engaging OEM/ODM Manufacturers for Custom Brake Systems

Developing custom car brake systems through OEM/ODM manufacturing partnerships requires systematic planning and clear understanding of development phases, approval milestones, and production readiness requirements. The following guide walks buyers through engagement considerations from initial concept through production launch.

Step 1: Market Requirements Analysis and Product Definition

Begin by conducting comprehensive analysis of target market requirements including customer expectations, competitive positioning objectives, regulatory compliance requirements, and cost targets necessary for commercial success. Define brake system performance requirements specifying friction material characteristics, thermal capacity needs based on vehicle application and driving patterns, noise and dust targets aligned with customer preferences, and durability expectations ensuring competitive warranty coverage. Document dimensional constraints including packaging limitations, mounting interface requirements with vehicle suspension and steering systems, and clearances affecting brake cooling and service access. This product definition phase establishes the foundation for all subsequent engineering and manufacturing development activities.

Step 2: OEM/ODM Manufacturer Selection and Qualification

Research potential manufacturing partners through industry directories, trade show attendance, and peer references from companies with relevant experience. Evaluate candidates based on manufacturing capabilities addressing your product requirements, including equipment profiles, testing infrastructure, quality management system certifications, and production capacity sufficient for your volume projections. Request capability presentations demonstrating engineering resources, design libraries (for ODM approaches), and capacity allocations available for new program development. Conduct facility audits for shortlisted candidates, examining actual manufacturing operations, quality systems implementation, and workforce capabilities before final selection.

Step 3: Design Development and Prototype Validation

Collaborate with selected manufacturer on detailed design development, establishing regular engineering review meetings tracking progress against development milestones and addressing technical issues as they arise. For ODM approaches, review manufacturer design portfolios identifying platforms offering closest fit to your requirements, then request customization scoping evaluating modification costs, timeline impacts, and technical risks. Prototype development produces initial samples for testing and evaluation, with iterative refinement addressing any performance gaps revealed through validation testing. Establish clear prototype approval criteria and testing protocols before prototype development begins, ensuring efficient validation cycles without scope creep extending timelines unnecessarily.

Step 4: Production Process Development and Validation

Transition from prototype to production requires dedicated process development ensuring manufacturing processes can consistently produce components meeting specifications at targeted production volumes. Work with manufacturer engineers to develop process documentation including work instructions, quality control plans, and process capability studies demonstrating statistical control of critical characteristics. Production validation includes pilot builds producing samples through complete production processes, with dimensional verification, functional testing, and appearance approval confirming production readiness. Address any process capability issues before committing to full production launch, as problems identified after production scale-up become substantially more expensive to resolve.

Step 5: Quality System Implementation and Production Launch

Establish quality management requirements including incoming material inspection, in-process quality controls, and finished goods testing protocols ensuring consistent product quality throughout production. Define quality documentation requirements including inspection records, material certificates, and traceability documentation supporting warranty management and regulatory compliance. Coordinate initial production shipments with buffer inventory providing cushion against early production challenges, then transition to normal production rhythms as manufacturing stabilizes. Maintain regular communication with manufacturing partners during early production, addressing any quality or delivery concerns promptly before they escalate into larger issues affecting customer relationships.

FAQ: OEM/ODM Automotive Spare Parts for Brake and Suspension Systems

What are the key differences between OEM and ODM approaches for brake system procurement?

OEM automotive spare parts arrangements involve manufacturers producing components according to buyer-provided specifications, with buyers retaining intellectual property rights and controlling design decisions. This approach suits buyers with strong engineering capabilities requiring specific design implementations or seeking proprietary technology positions. ODM approaches conversely leverage manufacturer-developed designs that buyers can customize and rebrand, reducing development timelines and upfront investments substantially. ODM arrangements typically offer faster time-to-market (3-8 months versus 12-24 months for OEM) and lower minimum order quantities (500-5,000 units versus 10,000+ for OEM), making them attractive for market testing or medium-volume applications where proprietary designs offer less competitive advantage.

How do I verify manufacturing capabilities for custom brake systems?

Manufacturing capability verification combines documentation review, facility audits, and reference checking to build comprehensive supplier qualification assessments. Request certifications demonstrating quality management system implementation (IATF 16949 for automotive, ISO 9001 minimum), with verification of certification validity through certifying body databases. Conduct facility tours examining equipment profiles, testing infrastructure, and workforce capabilities firsthand. Contact existing customers of shortlisted manufacturers requesting candid assessments of quality consistency, delivery performance, and responsiveness to issues. Request capability presentations demonstrating engineering resources, capacity available for your program, and relevant experience producing similar components.

What certifications do brake system manufacturers need for international markets?

Certification requirements vary by target market with different regulatory frameworks governing automotive brake components globally. United States market access requires FMVSS compliance for brake systems, with specific requirements for replacement brake pads (FMVSS 135) and potential DOT marking requirements. European markets require ECE type approval under UN Regulation 90 for brake components, with compliance verified through testing at approved laboratories. Chinese market requires CCC certification administered through CNCA, while other markets maintain distinct requirements that must be researched during market entry planning. Work with manufacturing partners to identify applicable requirements for each target market, as achieving certification compliance requires advance planning to accommodate testing timelines and potential design modifications.

What minimum order quantities should I expect for custom suspension components?

Minimum order quantities vary by component complexity, manufacturing requirements, and manufacturer positioning within the market. Basic suspension components such as springs or control arms typically permit MOQs of 200-1,000 units per SKU, while complex assemblies like complete strut modules may require MOQs of 100-500 units. OEM automotive spare parts arrangements generally impose higher MOQs (5,000-20,000 units annually per platform) reflecting tooling amortization and production setup costs. ODM arrangements offer greater flexibility with MOQs starting at 100-500 units for standard catalog items, though highly customized products may require higher minimums to justify manufacturing setup investments. Negotiate MOQ requirements openly with manufacturing partners, identifying potential flexibility that might enable lower initial commitments while building toward higher volumes through staged commitments.

How long does custom brake system development typically take?

Custom car brake systems development timelines range from 6-18 months depending on complexity, regulatory requirements, and manufacturer capabilities. ODM-based approaches leveraging existing designs with modifications typically require 3-8 months from concept through production launch, with customization scope directly affecting timeline duration. Full OEM development starting from buyer specifications generally requires 12-24 months, with IATF 16949 development processes, extensive validation testing, and OEM-level PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation adding rigor but also time requirements. Complex brake system components involving electronic stability control integration, advanced materials, or novel friction formulations may require additional development time beyond typical ranges.

What quality standards should brake pad manufacturers meet?

Quality standards for brake pads span performance, safety, and environmental requirements that vary by target market. Friction material performance must meet specified coefficients across temperature ranges with minimal degradation over service life. Wear testing validates expected pad and rotor life under standardized conditions. Noise testing ensures acceptable NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics avoiding customer complaints. Environmental regulations including REACH (European Union) and California Proposition 65 restrict hazardous substance content requiring material disclosure and potential reformulation. Quality management systems should demonstrate IATF 16949 certification or equivalent automotive quality practices ensuring consistent production quality.

How do I protect intellectual property when engaging ODM manufacturers?

Intellectual property protection in ODM relationships requires clear contractual agreements establishing ownership boundaries between manufacturer base designs and buyer customizations. Negotiate agreements specifying that buyer-provided specifications, customizations, and modifications remain buyer property with manufacturer obligations preventing unauthorized disclosure or use. For proprietary elements, consider patent protection before engaging manufacturing partners, establishing legal grounds for enforcement against infringement. Conduct due diligence on manufacturer reputation and existing customer base, preferring partners with established track records serving competitive market segments where IP disputes could damage business reputations. Maintain confidentiality where possible, sharing specification details only with shortlisted candidates following NDA execution.

What aftermarket support capabilities should suspension component manufacturers provide?

Aftermarket support capabilities affect buyer success maintaining customer relationships and managing warranty exposure throughout product lifecycle. Evaluate manufacturer capabilities for providing technical documentation supporting installation and service, including installation guides, torque specifications, and troubleshooting information. Spare parts availability for warranty repairs or maintenance service should be confirmed, with production lot traceability enabling targeted parts identification if quality issues emerge. Engineering support responsiveness for field issues or customer questions indicates partnership viability beyond initial transactional engagement. Communication capabilities including language support and time zone coverage affect real-time support accessibility when issues arise requiring immediate response.

Conclusion: Strategic OEM/ODM Partnerships for Competitive Brake and Suspension Solutions

OEM/ODM automotive spare parts partnerships present compelling opportunities for tier-1 suppliers, automotive manufacturers, and custom builders seeking competitive custom car brake systems and suspension components capabilities. The global manufacturing landscape offers diverse capabilities spanning the full quality and cost spectrum, with capable partners available to serve buyers ranging from premium OEM programs demanding highest quality levels to value-oriented aftermarket programs optimizing cost competitiveness.

Successful engagement requires clear self-assessment of buyer capabilities and requirements, enabling appropriate model selection between OEM and ODM approaches that align with organizational engineering resources, IP positioning strategies, and market objectives. Building strong manufacturer relationships through professional communication, fair dealing, and long-term commitment attracts preferential treatment that transactional procurement approaches cannot achieve, with relationship equity translating into priority capacity allocation, engineering support responsiveness, and pricing accommodations that compound over time.

The automotive brake and suspension components market continues evolving with electrification, autonomous driving, and performance customization trends creating new product opportunities for informed buyers who understand manufacturing capability assessment and partnership development. Strategic engagement with capable OEM/ODM manufacturing partners positions organizations to capture market opportunities while managing development risks and cost pressures that characterize competitive automotive aftermarket participation.


Tags/Keywords: OEM automotive spare parts, ODM automotive, custom car brake systems, suspension components manufacturing, brake pads rotors calipers, shocks struts springs, automotive manufacturing, tier-1 supplier, custom suspension components, brake system engineering, IATF 16949, automotive aftermarket sourcing, suspension system design, brake component OEM, ODM China manufacturing