All car manufacturers are so closely connected that even the most famous models can contain components from several brands at once. This situation is quite common, especially with automakers partnered with Mercedes-Benz. In many cases, it helps some companies cover their shortcomings at the expense of the products of others. Both manufacturers and buyers of the manufactured vehicles benefit from this.
In our article, we will explain what modern famous cars are made of and give several striking examples of using components from other brands.
Why do car manufacturers use components from other brands?
The use of components from other brands by car manufacturers is a common occurrence. This happens for many reasons, each of which can be called objective. In this way, companies manage to create high-quality cars, initially not having the ability to make them so. One of the main reasons why parts from other companies appear on models of a particular manufacturer is the desire to reduce costs. Savings are possible due to the lack of need to manufacture components independently. This process is always expensive and complex. It requires specialized production lines, qualified personnel, and high-quality raw materials. Historically, without all this, it would have been much cheaper for a car manufacturer to purchase parts from competitors than to create a basis for manufacturing their components.
The following common reason is the desire to improve the quality of their products. Due to the parts of competitors, who have many years of experience and traditions in their production, young companies manage to get perfectly manufactured components. They will work effectively in the car, making it of higher quality, more reliable, and more durable. Another reason for using competitors’ parts is the desire to reduce project implementation time for a particular model. By purchasing various components, you can eliminate the need to manufacture them and spend much time on them. As a result, you can release a new product before other companies and make a good profit.
Automakers with centuries-old traditions of manufacturing engines, gearboxes, and other components are always one step ahead of their competitors. They introduce advanced technologies into their development, allowing them to receive parts that are not embarrassing to install on cars. Due to the products of other brands, buyers of such components reach the top, becoming manufacturers that introduce various innovations into the design of vehicles. And, of course, parts from other automakers end up in cars of different companies due to their “family ties.” For example, Stellantis owns 14 car brands simultaneously (Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, and others) and uses a particular set of components almost each.
Examples of equipping famous models with parts from other car manufacturers
Using one of the above reasons, well-known car manufacturers install components from other companies on their models. This makes their cars better and allows them to make more profit. There are many examples of combining parts from different manufacturers in one vehicle. We have selected only a few of them, which we will discuss in more detail.
Aston Martin DBX
The British company Aston Martin manufactures one of the most luxurious modern crossovers. This car is many celebrities’ favorite means of transportation, and there is a logical explanation. Reference quality, stylish appearance, excellent performance characteristics, and a high level of safety are just some of the advantages of DBX. This model is popular and sells well in different countries thanks to them.
DBX would not be ideal without cooperation between Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz. It was concluded in 2013 and provided for the supply of various components of the German manufacturer to the British. The DBX, so beloved by many, received a 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 (M256) and a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (M177) created by Mercedes-Benz. The Germans also supplied Aston Martin with their 9G-Tronic gearbox and infotainment system. Having successfully implemented these components, the British wrapped them in a beautiful shell and received a lovely car, on the hood of which the Aston Martin logo is adorned. Close cooperation between the two companies also gave the British the opportunity to release other status models, which are known all over the world today.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
One of the most recognizable SUVs in the world, the Grand Cherokee, appeared in 1992. It immediately became popular in the United States and gradually appeared in other countries worldwide. The Grand Cherokee is valued for its versatility, comfort, high performance, and reliability. It also has no safety problems, making it ideal for family trips, short and long trips, off-road adventures, and much more.
From 1998 to 2007, Chrysler Corporation, of which Jeep was a part, was owned by Daimler-Benz (later became Mercedes-Benz Group AG). This circumstance led to the fact that many of the company’s models, including the Grand Cherokee, began to use various German components. This feature was characteristic not only for 9 years but also after the sale of Chrysler Corporation. So, Mercedes-Benz engines were installed on Jeep Grand Cherokee of different generations. In particular, the second-generation model was produced with a 2.7-liter CRD diesel straight-5, which produced 163 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee – with a 3.0-liter OM642 V6 (215 hp and 376 lb-ft). In addition, the famous American SUV from 2002 to 2013 was equipped with a 5G-Tronic gearbox, also created by Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177)
The fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177), which appeared in 2018 and is still being produced today, instantly became popular among fans of subcompact models. In most countries, this car was made as a 5-door hatchback, created on the MFA2 platform. Its luxurious interior design, sound control, high reliability, and safety immediately attracted attention. Its sales in North America started in 2019 and met all the manufacturer’s expectations. Today, such a car can be bought anywhere, from dealerships to online auctions where they sell crashed Mercedes-Benz.
As one of the leaders in producing automotive components, Mercedes-Benz experimented and installed a diesel I4 turbo (OM 608 DE 15 SCR) from Renault on its A-Class (W177). This 1.5-liter engine produces 116 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. Its capabilities are enough to accelerate to 100 km/h in 10.6 s and reach a maximum speed of 202 km/h. In addition to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W177), this engine is present in some Nissan and Dacia models.
Dodge Charger
The legendary model, which appeared in 1966, is now present on the roads of various cities as the 8th generation Charger. This car has been popular in North America and beyond throughout its history. It has always been appreciated for its excellent speed qualities, high reliability, durability, ease of maintenance, and controllability. Today, the history of the Dodge Charger continues, and its end is probably not coming soon.
As mentioned, from 1998 to 2007, Chrysler Corporation, including Dodge, was part of the future Mercedes-Benz Group AG. This left its mark on the Charger, and in different years, it was produced with components from a German company. In particular, from 2006 to 2014, the Dodge Charger of other versions, R/T and SRT8, used the 5G-Tronic gearbox, which Mercedes-Benz first introduced in 1996. It was then paired with 5.7-6.4 liter Hemi V8 engines in Dodge vehicles. In addition, from 2006 to 2007, 5G-Tronic was used with a 3.5 liter V6 high-output.
Toyota GR Supra
In 2019, Toyota released the fifth generation of its famous Supra. This sports car received a new look, successfully combining modern design trends and distinctive features of previous versions. It has also become more reliable, safe, and easily controlled when driving at high speed. Like all Toyota models, the GR Supra is fuel efficient and is among the sports car’s leaders in emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere (less than most competitors).
The GR Supra is a joint project between Toyota and BMW. Therefore, it is unsurprising that most of the components are of German origin. Let’s start with the engines. This model is equipped with a 2.0-liter I4 (B48B20) and three versions of a 3.0-liter I6 (B58B30C, B58B30O1, B58B30M1). All of them are produced by BMW and installed on the GR Supra as part of a joint project. The German manufacturer also provided Toyota with its infotainment system, switchgear, and more. The result is a perfect combination of German quality and Japanese technology, which made it possible to create a cool sports car. It is popular in different countries and brings the company a good income.
Even the wealthiest and most famous automakers find it challenging to build a good car independently. In this regard, they use components from their partners or competitors, thereby receiving certain benefits. Such cases are common, so carefully study their design before buying a new or used vehicle. You may find parts from other manufacturers in it and will be able to understand what the famous cars of our time are made of.
