Apec Automotive has added 164 new components to its Apec Red braking range in April 2026, with caliper carriers accounting for the bulk of the release. The expansion targets independent garages and motor factors serving the UK and Ireland aftermarket. The company said the additions span brake pad sets, hoses, cables, and calipers alongside the carrier-heavy release.
Highlights
- 164 new parts added to the Apec Red range in April 2026
- 123 caliper carriers make up the largest share of the release
- Notable applications include the 2017+ MG ZS, 2019+ Isuzu D-Max, and 2010–2013 VW Golf Plus
- All parts carry a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty, with claimed 99% vehicle coverage across the Apec Red range
Caliper Carriers Lead the Release
The 123 caliper carriers represent the dominant category within this month’s expansion. Apec said the units are engineered to OE+ specification and surface-treated for corrosion resistance. Most carriers ship with complete fitting kits, which bundle the hardware needed for installation and reduce the need for workshops to source components separately.
The carrier focus continues a pattern visible in recent Apec releases. The company expanded its Red and Black ranges with 82 new parts in February, and has added hundreds of caliper references across the last year.
Named Vehicle Applications
Three specific applications were highlighted in the announcement:
- Rear brake disc for the 2017-onward MG ZS SUV
- Front brake pad set for the 2019-onward Isuzu D-Max
- Front caliper carrier for the 2010–2013 Volkswagen Golf Plus
The mix reflects the company’s focus on high-volume UK and Ireland vehicle parc coverage, including budget-market models like the MG ZS, commercial-leaning pickups like the D-Max, and older Volkswagen Group applications that remain common in the independent repair channel.
Product Tier Structure
The release sits within Apec’s three-tier braking architecture:
- Apec Red — the core range, positioned as the main aftermarket line
- Apec Black — aimed at luxury vehicle applications
- Apec Blue — targeted at fast-moving, high-volume applications
All new April additions fall under the Red tier. Apec said its Red-range components are tested to meet or exceed OEM standards and are backed by a 3-year or 36,000-mile warranty. The company claims 99% vehicle coverage across the range, though that figure has not been independently verified.
Aftermarket Context
The expansion comes as UK-focused suppliers continue to grow caliper carrier ranges, a segment that has seen several releases this year. NAPA, for example, recently expanded its UK brake range with caliper carriers, suggesting growing aftermarket emphasis on supplying carriers as dedicated references rather than as part of full caliper assemblies. For independent workshops, the availability of standalone carriers with fitting kits can reduce parts costs on repairs where the caliper itself does not need replacement.
Apec has operated in the UK and Ireland aftermarket for more than 60 years. The company’s catalog has expanded beyond braking in recent years to include coil springs, shock absorbers, and other chassis components.
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