The BRAKE Report Staff

NRS Brakes explains how corrosion on steel backing plates alters brake pad dimensions and clearances, driving rust jacking, swelling, and drag—not just cosmetic wear—in part four of its durability series.

Link Engineering's Limburg, Germany, lab has received VCA authorization for witnessed Euro 7 brake emissions type-approval testing, building on its ISO/IEC 17025 and DAkkS accreditations.

FMSI has signed a new collaboration agreement with AMECA and expanded its IDF data partnership to cover Mexico and Latin America, growing its brake-industry supply network.

Apec adds 34 new components to its Apec Red braking range, including a rear pad set for the MG4 EV and front discs for the Lexus LBX Hybrid.

Brake pad marketing focuses on friction formulations. But friction material can't perform on its own — it depends entirely on the steel backing plate beneath it to support, retain, and stabilize it.

Palmer International, the 80-year-old family-owned CNSL derivatives producer, launched a refreshed brand identity built around a new purpose: "We Formulate Confidence," alongside investment across R&D, manufacturing, and customer service.

Nissan color-codes its brake calipers by performance tier: silver, red, bright red, gold and yellow each signal different caliper materials, piston counts and rotor sizes across the lineup.

New Economist Enterprise research backed by Brembo finds 90% of road users feel safe, while only 45% of transport professionals agree — a gap widest in the riskiest markets.

BWI Group becomes the first Chinese supplier building brake-by-wire in European series production, Brembo takes Sensify local in China, and HL Mando banks a sixth straight GM award — while ZF hands back its entire season total in a single software recall. Five suppliers score in June's OE Power Rankings; every point comes with a receipt.

Friction One has acquired BPI's engineering and testing laboratory in McHenry, Illinois, gaining seven dynamometers and other equipment bound for its Juárez and Xiantao production centers.

Advanced emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists became mandatory on all new EU passenger cars and vans July 7, 2026, as the General Safety Regulation's second phase took full effect.

The 2026 Audi A6, BMW X1, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards in a nine-model ratings round; five other newly tested vehicles fell short.

Painted backing plates can mask corrosion risk rather than prevent it. Learn why appearance and long-term steel protection aren't the same — and what installers and distributors should evaluate instead.

Allegro MicroSystems' new A81415 combines an ASIL-D safety PMIC with an on-chip wheel-speed sensor interface, cutting component count for electromechanical braking corner modules and easing the path to 48V systems.

Wilwood Disc Brakes has launched OE Flexline kits — PTFE-lined, stainless-braided replacement brake lines for factory calipers, pressure-tested to 1,800 PSI and priced from $66.14 per line.