Why OE know-how is crucial today
For us at Hengst, original equipment development is not just a business area, but the source of our technological expertise.
Our central task is to accompany the market transformation and develop technologically pioneering products.
"Our central task is to accompany the market transformation and develop technologically pioneering products."
Christof Schleusener
Head of Product Management for the OE area
These are classic oil and Fuel filters that are optimized for the use of alternative, CO₂-reducing fuels in the future and highly efficient crankcase ventilation systems for low-emission combustion engines. Products for fuel cells, hydrogen drives and cabin air filtration that are independent of the combustion engine are also becoming increasingly important. These products are developed and produced on the basis of the high technical and process requirements of the global automotive industry.
How is OE quality created?
The demands of working with vehicle manufacturers are high: products must be reliable, durable and cost-efficient. Every development goes through documented processes whose stability, traceability and efficiency have ensured Hengst's success as a system supplier since 1958.
This know-how flows directly into the Independent Automotive Aftermarket]: OEM experience means that IAM partners benefit from maximum process reliability, custom-fit solutions and durable products. Quality and function are not just claimed, they are proven - a clear benefit for dealers who want to reliably supply their workshop customers.
OE expertise is transferred to IAM
Many technologies and standards from OE development can be transferred directly to IAM products. This ranges from oil and fuel filters to air filters for existing vehicles. Christof Schleusener describes the interfaces as follows:
"All types of filtration solutions have similarly high requirements in terms of function, quality, costs and technical support. With the sale of complete modules, expertise has now also grown in IAM, which we specifically support from OE development."
Christof Schleusener
Head of Product Management for the OE area
Transformation as an opportunity for the aftermarket
The vehicle industry is changing radically: electromobility, fuel cell drives and new standards in cabin air filtration will shape the coming decades. OE products form the basis here because they help shape this transformation at an early stage.
In the independent aftermarket, dealers and garages benefit from these developments in the long term: New technologies such as the "Blue.ion" filter for cabin air filtration come directly from OE development. They bring innovative solutions to the market which, although developed for OEM vehicles, also prove their quality and durability in older vehicle fleets.
Benefits along the value chain
The consequences for wholesalers are clear:
- Predictability: OEM standards and documented processes reduce uncertainties regarding delivery and stock levels.
- Quality and safety: Perfectly fitting and durable products reduce complaints and reworking in garages.
- Brand and image advantage: OEM expertise also strengthens the reputation of products in the independent aftermarket.
For garages and fleet operators, this means more stable processes, shorter downtimes and greater reliability in day-to-day operations.
"With the OE products we manufacture, our OE expertise creates the basis for the products from the IAM. The combined knowledge from both markets makes the decisive difference to the competition."
Christof Schleusener
Head of Product Management for the OE area
