Brake Industry RoundUp: January 2025

The first month of 2025 has proven to be a significant turning point for the automotive brake industry. Across continents, manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators have been busy—ranging from product innovations and strategic business moves to legal challenges and safety recalls. In this report, we examine the most significant news stories shaping the global brake landscape this month.

Regulatory and Legal Fronts

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Under Fire

One of the most high-profile legal battles of the month involves the new AEB mandate. A lawsuit filed by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation—representing major automakers such as Ford, General Motors, and Toyota—challenges the Biden administration’s rule that requires all new vehicles to be equipped with AEB by 2029. The automakers argue that the technological standards set forth are unattainable with current systems, even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains that the rule is both practicable and vital for saving lives. In a related twist, NHTSA recently announced a delay in the rule’s effective date, a move that has only deepened the industry debate about technology-forcing regulation. (theverge.com)

Technological Innovations and Product Launches

Brake System Breakthroughs and New Product Introductions

Manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of brake technology. Among the latest product announcements are:

High-Performance Front Brake Kit for Sedans: DBA has unveiled a new front brake kit designed to enhance stopping power and control for popular models like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. The kit is engineered for both street and track use, catering to the growing demand among performance enthusiasts. (thebrakereport.com)
Bosch’s Arctic-Tested Brake-by-Wire System: Bosch recently reported a long-distance, multi-climate test of its hydraulic brake-by-wire system across 3,300 kilometers in harsh Arctic conditions. This development reinforces Bosch’s commitment to creating systems that combine electronic control with proven hydraulic performance. (autotechinsight.ihsmarkit.com)
ZF Milestone and Anti-Counterfeit Initiatives: ZF Automotive Czech celebrated reaching a production milestone of 50 million electric parking brake (EPB) systems—a testament to both scale and quality. In parallel, ZF is intensifying efforts to combat counterfeit parts globally, ensuring that safety and reliability remain uncompromised. (thebrakereport.com)
Bendix Ultimate+™ Brake Rotors: Bendix has expanded its disc brake portfolio with the launch of the Ultimate+™ series. The new rotors incorporate an innovative visual wear indicator, SwiftCheck™, which simplifies maintenance decisions for both professionals and everyday drivers. (thebrakereport.com)
Mercedes-Benz Celebrates 30 Years of ESP®: Marking three decades since the introduction of its Electronic Stability Program, Mercedes-Benz has revisited the evolution of ESP®, underscoring its impact on vehicle safety and stability worldwide. (thebrakereport.com)

Other noteworthy developments include the expansion of product ranges by distributors like PartsinMotion.co.uk and Frasle Mobility’s launch of a new brake caliper line designed for markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Strategic Business and Market Movements

Corporate Moves and Market Dynamics

January has also been a busy month on the business front:

DMA Industries’ Conference Triumph: DMA Industries achieved historic wins at the 2025 O’Reilly Auto Parts Leadership Conference, collecting three awards and setting a new benchmark for excellence within the aftermarket segment. (thebrakereport.com)
Executive Leadership and Certification Announcements: Nick Weir’s promotion to Product Director at Comline Group signals a renewed focus on innovation and customer engagement. Meanwhile, PureForge® Brakes secured its ISO 9001 certification, bolstering its reputation for quality in a competitive market. (thebrakereport.com)
Brembo’s Robust Financial Outlook: Italian brake manufacturer Brembo reported preliminary 2024 results in line with guidance, resulting in a significant stock jump—reflecting investor confidence despite an industry beset by rising costs and a shifting focus toward electrification. (reuters.com)
GM Recalls Spark Safety Concerns: On the safety front, General Motors initiated a recall affecting nearly 2,900 Chevrolet Equinox EV models. The issue centers on defective adaptive cruise control software that may fail to engage the brakes as intended—a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in integrating advanced braking systems in electric vehicles. (reuters.com)

Enhancing Road Safety Through Technology

Advances in AEB and Beyond

Safety remains a core theme as the industry seeks to reduce crash risks and improve vehicle control:

Improved AEB Effectiveness: A comprehensive study has highlighted significant improvements in automatic emergency braking effectiveness, with newer models demonstrating up to a 52% reduction in front-to-rear crashes. This improvement is crucial as manufacturers work to meet the stringent new regulatory requirements. (thebrakereport.com)
Police and Fleet Innovations: PureForge’s Atomic-Forging technology is being adopted by police fleets to eliminate brake noise and reduce maintenance costs, showcasing how innovative materials and designs can enhance both performance and durability. (thebrakereport.com)

Bottom Line

January 2025 has been a landmark month for the automotive brake industry. From groundbreaking technological advancements and strategic corporate maneuvers to high-stakes regulatory debates and crucial safety recalls, the month has underscored both the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. As the industry moves toward greater electrification, increased automation, and smarter safety systems, these developments are set to redefine the future of vehicle braking technology on a global scale.

For more detailed coverage on each of these topics, stay tuned to The BRAKE Report.

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