An essential subdivision of car parts is made in the area of so-called original parts or identical parts. First of all, a distinction is made between those parts that bear the trademark of an automobile manufacturer (e.g. VW, Mercedes, Opel) and those that bear the logo of a parts manufacturer (e.g. ATE, Bosch, Hella). The first group is often referred to in technical language as OE parts (original equipment parts or also original parts of the vehicle manufacturer), the second as aftermarket parts or simply spare parts. The original parts of the car manufacturers show their logo on the packaging, the brand is usually additionally stamped on the parts. In addition, the car manufacturers assign a separate number for each part, the so-called original part number or OE part number. This part number is used primarily by the authorized workshop to identify the car parts required for a repair. These parts correspond to those that are also used when the vehicles are assembled at the manufacturer's factory.
However, many parts that bear the logos of the car manufacturers on their packaging are not produced by VW, Mercedes & Co. but by independent parts manufacturers such as LUK, Valeo or Sachs for the car manufacturers - these parts manufacturers are also called suppliers or original equipment manufacturers. The original equipment manufacturers often do not produce exclusively for the vehicle manufacturers, but also sell their spare parts under their own name, which is printed or stamped on the packaging and the parts themselves. In addition, these parts have their own part number, which is assigned by their manufacturer. These parts sold under their own brand name are offered on the independent aftermarket and are mainly used by independent repair shops for repairs. Since these parts are only sold under the name of the parts manufacturer, but otherwise have the identical quality as the original parts bearing the car manufacturer's logos and numbers, they are also referred to in technical jargon as identical parts.
Whereas previously only the parts of the car manufacturer could be called original parts, a decision by the European Commission in 2002 also allowed this for the so-called identical parts of the original equipment manufacturers. In the case of an identical part, its manufacturer certifies that it is of identical quality to that which is installed in a brand-new car and thus meets the specifications and requirements of the respective car manufacturer.
Identical parts and original parts offers are characterized by their particularly high quality. Manufacturers of these parts are particularly highlighted at DAPARTO: they are grouped together in the Premium Brands group. The premium symbol additionally indicates premium brands in the overview of the most popular offers at DAPARTO as well as in the search results list.