What is the OEM for Chrysler?
The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for Chrysler is Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed by the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA. In practical terms, Stellantis owns the Chrysler brand and oversees the design, engineering, and manufacturing of its vehicles.
What this means for Chrysler as a brand
Chrysler is a brand under Stellantis. The OEM responsibility—the authority to design, engineer, and manufacture vehicles under the Chrysler name—lies with Stellantis and its North American operations. This means funding, product strategy, and the supply chain decisions for Chrysler products come from the parent company.
Key facts about the OEM relationship:
- Stellantis is the parent company that owns Chrysler as a brand.
- The Chrysler brand operates within Stellantis North America, under centralized product planning and manufacturing oversight.
- Vehicle platforms and major engineering decisions are coordinated by Stellantis across its brands and regions.
- Stellantis' portfolio includes multiple brands (e.g., Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën) and oversees shared platforms and components.
In short, Stellantis serves as the OEM behind Chrysler, guiding product development and manufacturing across regions.
Historical context: how the OEM arrangement came to be
To understand the current OEM status, a brief review of corporate history helps. Chrysler has undergone several ownership and organizational changes since its founding, culminating in the creation of Stellantis in 2021 when FCA merged with PSA Group. This merger placed Chrysler under a broader, multinational automaker rather than a stand-alone company.
Key milestones
The timeline below highlights major corporate transitions that led to Stellantis' role as the OEM for Chrysler.
- Chrysler Corporation founded (1925) and its evolution into Chrysler LLC (2009) after bankruptcy and restructuring.
- Formation of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2014 through the merger of Fiat and Chrysler Automobiles.
- FCA US LLC continued Chrysler brand operations in North America within the FCA structure.
- 2021 merger of FCA with Groupe PSA to form Stellantis, the current OEM for Chrysler.
The result is that Chrysler remains a key brand within Stellantis, with the OEM responsibility residing with the parent company and its North American operations.
Practical implications for customers and suppliers
For consumers, this means that warranties, recalls, and parts sourcing for Chrysler vehicles are coordinated through Stellantis' global network, with local North American operations handling service and parts in the United States and Canada. For suppliers, the OEM relationship implies alignment with Stellantis' platforms, engineering standards, and procurement processes.
Note for enthusiasts: while the Chrysler badge retains its brand identity and product line, the engineering and manufacturing decisions derive from Stellantis' centralized product planning and regional leadership.
Summary
Stellantis is the Original Equipment Manufacturer behind Chrysler, acting as the parent company that designs, engineers, and produces Chrysler-branded vehicles on a global and regional basis. The arrangement reflects Stellantis' consolidation of FCA and PSA brands into a single multinational automaker, with Chrysler integrated into its North American operations.
What's the difference between Mopar & OEM?
When comparing OEM vs. Aftermarket, the first thing that may jump out at you is the price. Now, while Aftermarket may be cheaper than OEM parts, genuine Mopar® parts are specifically designed for your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Wagoneer vehicle.
What brand is OEM for Chrysler?
Mopar®
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer--and Mopar® is the OEM provider of parts and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram, and FIAT brand vehicles.
What does OEM mean for a car?
In the automotive context, OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to the company that originally made the part for your vehicle. This means OEM parts are identical to the factory-installed parts, designed to meet the manufacturer's exact specifications for quality, fit, and performance. They are a reliable choice for repairs and maintenance because they are designed to work perfectly with your car and often come with a warranty.
What OEM means for car parts
- Factory-built: The parts are made by the same company that built your car, or a contracted supplier that manufactures the original parts to the carmaker's precise specifications.
- Identical to original: An OEM part is an exact match to the component that came with your car when it was new.
- Quality assurance: These parts are manufactured to meet strict quality and performance standards, often exceeding those of aftermarket alternatives.
- Warranty protection: OEM parts typically come with a warranty, providing an extra layer of assurance and protection.
- Reliable performance: Because they are made to the original specifications, OEM parts are expected to provide the same peak performance and reliability as the original parts.
Where to find OEM parts
- Dealerships are the most common place to find OEM parts.
- Sometimes, these parts can be purchased through other channels and are still considered OEM, especially when they are from a major OEM supplier that is a household name, such as Motorcraft for Ford or ACDelco for GM.
What is NOT OEM
- Aftermarket parts: These are parts made by a third-party manufacturer that are not the original supplier for that specific vehicle. While they can be a more affordable option, they may not always have the same quality or guaranteed fit as OEM parts.
What does OEM mean for Dodge?
OEM stands for “original equipment manufacturer,” meaning the parts are made by the same people who built your quality Chrysler vehicle. OEM parts are different from substitute parts because they are designed to fit perfectly in your car and perform with a superior level of quality.
