I'm not well versed, but I will tell you what I know. The actual Chassis companies do the R&D and also create the formulas for the plastics and the metals. There are only a few factories in the entire world that actually make the product. These factories are commissioned by the Chassis designers to crank out the parts that comprise their kits. The same parts for 5 different buggies can and do come out of the same factory. For the most part it is all very secretive as you know how brand loyal we all are. If Kyosho drivers found out that Kyosho was made in the same place as Bazooka, well you see where I am going with that ( just an example! Dont freak people!) This is also why you see so many shortages at times. The factory is busy making kits for brand "A" and then Brand "C" needs another shipment and has to wait until the run for brand A is done. Yes, it is also true that some chassis companies make their product cheap and low quality, while others will insist on perfection even though it comes from the same place. The quality and cost of materials is all based on the Chassis designers specifications and price point.