Hitachi is amongst the most famous parts manufacturers in the automotive industry. They supply parts to a number of world-renowned carmakers. Despite all of this and the company’s century-long history, many people still ask is Hitachi OEM or not.
In this article, we’ll cover the history of this brand, what components they provide for the automotive industry, as well as their OEM and aftermarket divisions. All of this will hopefully give you the answer to the question is Hitachi OEM and whether their products are worth installing in your car.
Hitachi Through The Years
The Hitachi name is known for more than a century. It was founded by Namihei Odaira in 1910 in the Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Not long after, in 1918, the headquarters were moved to Tokyo.
At first, Hitachi was making induction engines for copper mining. However, in 1930, the company started the production of electrical components for the domestic automotive industry. This was the turning point for Hitachi because it continued developing and producing other automotive components such as lever arm shock absorbers, brake cylinders, twin tube shock absorbers, clutches, water pumps, and pistons, amongst others.
During the Second World War, Hitachi lost many of its production facilities and struggled to resume its former operations. It wasn’t until 1959 that the company founded its North American subsidiary called Hitachi America Ltd. In the meantime, Hitachi founded its official automotive products division and later opened its European subsidiary in 1982.
The year 2000 marked a turning point for Hitachi’s automotive sector when it started delivering the first hybrid car systems.
A couple of decades later, Hitachi is now an authority in the fields of the automotive industry, IoT, AI, big data, infrastructure, and many more. They’ve even branched out into defense systems manufacturing.
Is Hitachi OEM or Aftermarket?
Hitachi is one of the world’s biggest brands in the automotive parts industry. As such, it has established numerous partnerships amongst carmakers from all over the world, but also industry peers such as Denso and others.
With that in mind, the question is Hitachi OEM? This brand provides both OEM and high-quality aftermarket parts for the automotive industry.
Regarding OEM products, Hitachi is known to produce engine management systems, electric powertrain systems, and drive control systems for a variety of car manufacturers. OEM products from Hitachi cover vehicles with internal combustion engines, hybrids, and electrical vehicles, as well as products that improve driving safety.
The aftermarket segment on the other hand covers a wider range of applications. These include braking components, engine management systems, a wide variety of sensors, steering systems, suspension components, cooling, lubrication, and other parts.
Hopefully, the above information answers the question — is Hitachi an OEM or an aftermarket parts supplier for the automotive industry?
Plans For The Future
Even today, Hitachi enjoys the reputation they’ve built over more than a century. This wouldn’t have been possible if Hitachi wasn’t heavily invested in research, development, and quality control of all of its products, whether they’re OEM or aftermarket.
Hitachi is already focused on the future, by focusing its research and development program on automation, control systems, digital technology, electronics, healthcare, energy, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and design, to name a few.
When it comes to the development of technologies that will pave the way for the future of the automotive industry, Hitachi is leaning into autonomous driving, xEV, and engine systems that significantly reduce CO2 emissions, advanced chassis components, and the next generation of motorcycles.
By continuing with their strict quality control, Hitachi will keep providing high-quality components for the automotive industry that will adhere to the highest industry standards.
Are Hitachi Parts Worth Installing In Your Car?
OEM parts are the best choice if you want to maintain the reliability of your car, however, OEM parts aren’t always available on the market. The next best thing is getting aftermarket parts made by OEM manufacturers.
If you’re wondering is Hitachi OEM segment better than its aftermarket one, technically speaking it isn’t. The OEM sector does additional quality control, so the parts would adhere to the highest car manufacturer standards. On the other hand, the same technology and processes are used in making both OEM and aftermarket parts.
Whether you’re searching for parts for regular maintenance or repairs, or to improve your car’s performance, the Hitachi product line will provide you with everything you need to keep your car as reliable as possible. The key is sourcing your parts from trusted vendors.
It’s safe to say that Hitachi as a manufacturer adheres to the highest standards in the automotive industry and each part from this reputable manufacturer will provide the performance you’re searching for, and expect.