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Ready to ShipAirbags are safety cushions that inflate during vehicle collisions to absorb impact and protect occupants from injury. They are integral automotive safety systems, requiring quality materials and precision manufacturing. In the context of supplier of air bags, they can be classified into several types based on their manufacturing processes, specializations, and target markets.
These are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suppliers who provide airbag systems directly to automobile manufacturers. This supplier is usually responsible for providing integrated airbag systems adhering to the automotive safety standards of major car brands.
OEM suppliers typically have advanced technological capabilities, large production volumes, and expertise in meeting regulatory compliance. They establish long-term contracts with auto manufacturers supplying various airbag modules like front, side, curtain, and knee airbags.
These are companies who supply airbag systems not directly to auto manufacturers, but to the third-party automotive service centers. They produce replacement airbags, steering wheel covers, seat belts, airbag module reset services, and more.
Aftermarket suppliers usually offer products at a lower cost than OEM parts, but the quality may vary. They are mainly targeted at older vehicles where OEM parts may be hard to find, or cheaper alternatives are needed.
Some suppliers focus only on certain types of airbags, such as side airbags, curtain airbags, or even non-automotive applications like helmets or industrial safety gear. These specialized suppliers have deep expertise in materials, designs, and regulatory requirements specific to their niche. Buying from a specialized supplier can be beneficial if the buyer is looking for a specific airbag type or needs custom solutions. Specialized suppliers, however, may not have the capacity or resources to produce a wider range of airbag systems compared to OEM suppliers.
Domestic suppliers are those who manufacture and supply within the same country as the automobile manufacturers. They will be responsible for providing integrated airbag systems and typically have advanced technological capabilities.
However, with the growth in globalization, companies started choosing offshore suppliers who manufacture in different countries. These suppliers, especially if located in countries with lower manufacturing costs, offer more competitive pricing. While these offshore suppliers can offer significant cost savings, they pose challenges in communication, longer lead times, and less flexibility to adapt to quick changes in orders or product designs.
Supplier of air bags offers a diverse range of designs. Each design addresses various safety needs and requirements of the vehicles.
This was the first type of car airbag system developed and deployed, and it still remains one of the most common features today. It is the main safety cushion located in the center of the steering wheel for the driver and in the dashboard for the front passenger. Upon collision, the airbags inflate to create a cushion that prevents the occupants from hitting hard surfaces like the steering wheel or dashboard.
The traditional front airbag is designed in a manner that it provides adequate protection during controlled crash scenarios, such like frontal collisions. However, there are more concerns about the deployment of these airbags, mainly for smaller occupants, especially women, children, and the elderly, due to the increased risk of injury from direct airbag deployment.
This type of airbag is designed to protect the occupants' heads during side impact collisions. They are usually positioned along the side of the vehicle within the door frames and deploy in a split second when sensing an accident. They billow down to form a cushion that shields the head from the impact of the door, interior pillars, or even other vehicles.
Another benefit of side curtain airbags is that they provide protection even when the vehicle rolls over, reducing the risk of head injuries in such scenarios. Most modern cars, especially SUVs and crossovers, are fitted with side curtain airbags on both front and rear seating positions.
To address the issues with single-stage airbags where the inflation level is constant, dual-stage airbags were developed. These airbags come with multiple inflators that allow variable inflation rates depending on the severity of the collision and the occupant's position.
For light impacts, such as low-speed collisions, the airbag will deploy at a lower inflation rate with dual-stage systems. This feature is not only to cushion the occupants better but also to minimize the risks of injury caused by the airbag itself, especially during high-speed deployments.
Multi-stage airbags take this further with even more inflation configurations. These designs provide more controlled and progressive inflation, improving safety in multiple accident scenarios.
Knee airbags are becoming increasingly common in modern vehicles. They are designed to protect the occupant’s lower body in frontal collisions and are mounted in the lower part of the steering column for the driver or the dashboard for the front passenger.
These airbags also help prevent "submarining," a situation where the occupant slides under the seat belt, risking severe abdominal or pelvic injuries. By cushioning the knees and preventing the downward movement, knee airbags enhance the effectiveness of seat belts.
When making a business for air bags, there are several factors to consider that will affect their quality, consistency, and applicability to the market. Buyers should consider the following when engaging with potential suppliers.
Not all airbag kits are same. Some might be manufactured using the original equipment manufacturing standards, while others use aftermarket standards. Buyers should also personally ensure that the air bag tools and parts are made using quality materials that can withstand significant impacts.
Moreover, it's key for the buyer to ascertain the range of products offered by the supplier. It includes the different types of airbags they manufacture, such as frontal, side, curtain, and even knee airbags. The broader the range, the more suitable it will be for the buyer because this means they can stock airbag replacements for various consumers.
There are several costs to consider relating to the supply deal that will affect the overall price. It includes the costs of shipping, handling, potential taxes to be paid, and insurance. All these, when aggregated, can add a significant cost to the price, negating any price difference between the supplier and competitors. Negotiating the prices with multiple suppliers will also help find the most cost-effective one.
The reputation of the supplier will also affect the kind of air bags they provide. Buyers should consider the main suppliers that airbag manufacturers reputedly endorse. Using online reviews and seeking out testimonials and case studies will help the buyer understand the kind of experiences other consumers have had with the supplier.
It is particularly important for businesses interested in making replacement airbag systems. Lead times are the periods taken by the supplier to deliver an order once it has been placed. A supplier with shorter lead times will ensure that the business does not run out of stock constantly.
Similarly, buyers should deal with suppliers willing and able to continuously provide a specified quality of product. Having such a quality supply creates consistency in the business, which boosts customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
What kind of customer care have the suppliers put in place? Do they offer exceptional support for problems that will likely arise? What about after-sales service? These questions will help the buyer determine the quality of the supplier's customer care and support. They are an essential factor in considering a supplier because they can affect the smoothness of the business's relationship with the supplier.
Not really. They are either outsourced or manufactured in-house. Some car manufacturers prefer to manufacture airbags using in-house production. They do this to have full control of the quality and integration of the airbag systems. Others find it more cost-effective to outsource the production of the airbags to specialized suppliers. It is mainly the large automakers who have the resources and capacity to produce airbags in-house. Most manufacturers, however, source their airbag components from specialized suppliers.
Yes, a business can have multiple supplier relationships provided they serve a distinct purpose and there is no overlap. It's common to have different suppliers for various product ranges or even to use multiple suppliers for the same product if one cannot meet the demand or there are disruptions to the supply chain.
Similarly, auto manufacturers might have different airbag suppliers for various regions for logistical or regulatory reasons. It, though, requires careful coordination and management to ensure the quality and consistency of the product are not affected. A clear communicational strategy with each supplier will go a long way in achieving this.
The most important certifications to look for would be the quality management systems such as ISO 9001. Other relevant certifications could include those for automotive particular standards like TS16949. Various countries have different safety standards. Suppliers who meet them will most likely comply with international safety standards.
Reputable suppliers are usually those belonging to the certification programs, so it's likely they produce quality and consistent products. Moreover, they are a lot less likely to produce counterfeit products. They will also ensure that they constantly comply with changing safety regulations. They are an ideal insurance policy for businesses against potential safety issues, legal ramifications, or product recalls.
Airbags manufactured by original equipment manufacturers are usually more stringent in their quality and testing standards compared to aftermarket airbags. They are produced using the original designs, specifications, and materials that airbags were developed for the car models by the manufacturer. However, there are a few exceptions where some aftermarket parts might meet or come close to OEM standards.
They are also cost-effective and more readily available than their in-house produced counterparts. However, it is crucial to ensure that the aftermarket airbags are certified by reputable organizations to ensure they meet safety and quality standards.
