Category Automotive

Shaftec adds 18 aftermarket part numbers for January 2026, including seven brake calipers and 11 driveshafts covering Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Ford, and Vauxhall applications.

First Brands Group responds to DOJ indictment of former CEO Patrick James and former SVP Edward James, while pursuing legal claims and continuing its sale process.

AUMOVIO plans to cut up to 4,000 R&D positions globally by 2026 while maintaining investments in autonomous mobility, software-defined vehicles, and electronic braking systems.

CUPRA joins Volkswagen Group's pan-European initiative using real-world driving data from electric vehicles to enhance emergency braking and driver assistance systems through software updates.

Euro NCAP completed a record 108 vehicle safety assessments in 2025, with 98 percent achieving four-star ratings or higher. Mercedes-Benz CLA earned Best Performer honors for the second time.

Delphi added over 1,200 aftermarket part numbers in 2025, including 380+ braking references and 450+ steering and suspension SKUs, with expanded coverage for EVs and Chinese vehicle brands.

Low-dust brake pads use ceramic granules and synthetic fibers instead of iron-heavy semi-metallic compounds, reducing wheel contamination by up to 50% while maintaining performance thresholds.

First Brands Group initiates wind down of Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite operations after unsuccessful funding efforts, while continuing sale discussions for remaining North American business units.

Apec expands its Apec Red braking line with 109 new components for January 2026, including 68 calipers, 39 fitting kits, and 2 brake pad sets backed by a 3-year warranty.

Mevotech received O'Reilly Auto Parts' Strategic Partnership Award and Content & Catalog Award, recognizing the aftermarket parts manufacturer's operational performance and product data accuracy.

Palmer International appointed Alvaro Vaselli as CEO to lead customer-focused growth initiatives. The renewable CNSL materials supplier serves friction, coatings, and specialty chemical markets worldwide.

Otto Zimmermann is developing proprietary carbide coating technology and optimized friction compounds to meet Euro 7 brake particle emission limits taking effect in late 2026 for new vehicle type approvals.

IIHS President David Harkey argues safety features are not driving high vehicle prices, noting five Top Safety Pick+ vehicles start under $30,000 with standard AEB and crash protection.

Momentum USA releases 31 AmeriBRAKES part numbers for January 2026, including AmeriPLATINUM and AmeriPRO brake pads, coated rotors, wear sensors, and catalytic converters covering applications through model year 2026.

Pro-Cut promotes brake lathe machining as a cost-effective alternative to replacing drilled and slotted rotors, offering multiple lathe models and technical training resources for repair shops.

ZF launches 800K-capacity electric park brake line in India, plans to localize 80-90% of components within two years. India positioned as global brake supply hub.