Aftermarket, both in R/C and full scale, refers to second- and third-party manufacturers who produce accessories and upgrades the original manufacturer did not. It is also one of the main reasons the R/C hobby is so strong and growing constantly as consumers seek to increase the performance and/or durability of their models. Not only do aftermarket companies aid the performance aspect of the hobby but they greatly help you to be able to call you model your own. Many of the primary manufacturers work closely with the aftermarket in developing parts. Examples are Traxxas and their relationship with Novak Electronics and Associated's relationship with MIP.