In addition to identical parts, so-called aftermarket parts are offered on the market. The term replica parts in no way means that these car parts are counterfeit, illegally copied, not approved for road use or not roadworthy.
On the contrary, the often well-known, reputable manufacturers of these car parts (e.g. Febi Bilstein, Quinton Hazelle, Mapco), unlike the identical parts producers, do not deliver directly to the car manufacturers and thus do not produce original parts. Their parts are sold exclusively under their own brand name in the independent aftermarket. Replica parts, as the name implies, are identical in design and function to those of the original equipment manufacturers.
The quality of an aftermarket part may or may not differ from that of an original part. A wide range of qualities can be found among different manufacturers. This ranges from OEM quality (i.e. according to the manufacturer, the part has the same quality as the original part, but is not installed or sold by a vehicle manufacturer) to low-cost entry-level quality, which fully meets all specified safety requirements but may have different properties (e.g. in terms of service life or performance). This distinction is comparable to the low-priced brands of discount grocery stores - these are neither hazardous to health nor less healthy than the respective premium brand products, but may differ from them, for example, in terms of taste or packaging design.
With regard to their prices, replica parts often differ significantly from the original parts. They are an attractively priced alternative to the original parts and are usually installed by many workshops and private mechanics as a cost-effective alternative, especially for older vehicles. Replica parts are therefore an important component in repairs that are in line with the current value of the vehicle.
Due to their often very good price-performance ratio, DAPARTO groups together those manufacturers who offer only aftermarket parts in the group of low-priced brands.
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