Brake systems and foundation brake suppliers

Brake disc rotors (casting products) suppliers

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  Brakes are a system that controls one of the basic functions of vehicles, which is that of "stopping". The characteristics of the system are such that it is considered a critical safety part, requiring the control of production and quality assurance. This report focuses primarily on the control systems of hydraulic brakes for automobiles while also providing supplementary information on foundation brakes, which are the functional components of brakes. However, in the information on the installation of European and U.S. models in Section V, some commercial vehicles equipped with air brakes are also listed.

  In recent years, the number of models in the European and American markets that adopt automatic braking for ADAS systems and autonomous vehicles or regenerative braking for green vehicles including EVs and PHVs has been increasing, but this report focuses on traditional brake control systems such as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Historically, ABS, a wheel lock prevention system, was introduced first, and then TCS (Traction Control System) was introduced to regulate wheel slip during launch and acceleration as a complement to the ABS function. Furthermore, by installing ESC that dynamically controls in the lateral direction, the behavior in all directions during operation can be optimally controlled. In Europe and the U.S., ABS and ESC are standard equipment. This report uses the term ESC to refer to electronic stability control, which is also referred to by other names, such as as electronic stability program (ESP) or vehicle stability control (VSC) by some German OEMs.

  Next, this report also deals with the three components that make up the foundation brake: caliper, rotor, and pads. The Analysis Report: Brake (Japanese Market) also examines drum brake components, but since drum brakes are not in common use in Europe or the U.S., they have been excluded from this report. Moreover, although they are brake components, auxiliary equipment such as brake boosters, brake pedals, and auxiliary brakes are not dealt with unless specifically mentioned. In recent years, electric parking brakes (EPB) have rapidly spread to rear brakes, and the market share has changed significantly, so parking brakes have been added to this report.

  For details on the major Japanese suppliers such as Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. and Advics Co., Ltd., with subsidiaries conducting business with OEMs in Europe and the Americas, please refer to Analysis Report: Brake (Japanese Market).