EuroBrake 2025, the world’s largest annual braking technology conference, recently convened in Barcelona, Spain. The event served as a critical platform for engineers, scientists, academics, and executives to address key industry challenges. Jan Münchhoff, Chair of EuroBrake 2025, highlighted the industry’s profound transformation driven by electrification, automated driving, and sustainability. The agenda was designed to explore a full spectrum of braking technologies, from materials and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) to brake-by-wire and thermal management.
Download the full event review from FISITA here.
Key Highlights
- Comprehensive Agenda: The event featured 21 technical sessions, keynote speeches, a strategy panel, and an OEM panel, all focused on global innovations and challenges in vehicle braking systems.
- Industry Panels: The EuroBrake Strategy Panel examined the future of braking, with perspectives from major global markets, including Europe, North America, China, South America, and Asia. The OEM Panel provided a deep dive into how manufacturers are pushing boundaries, particularly in response to emissions regulations.
- Emerging Technologies: Discussions underscored the growing importance of electro-mechanical brakes (EMBs), with one expert forecasting a noticeable adoption shift starting around 2031. The conference also covered the role of aramid friction materials and new approaches to combatting non-exhaust emissions.
- Student and Poster Programs: The 2025 EuroBrake Student Opportunity Programme welcomed 15 international students. The event also recognized top poster submissions and awarded the inaugural Harald Abendroth Prize to acknowledge the next generation of engineers.
- Exhibition and Networking: The exhibition hall showcased the latest products and services from leading international braking organizations, facilitating valuable networking opportunities across the entire value chain. The event was made possible with support from numerous sponsors, including Diamond Sponsor Sinochem, Platinum Sponsor LINK, and Dinner Sponsor Brembo.
Panels and Discussions
The Strategy Panel, co-chaired by Jan Münchhoff and Professor Georg Ostermeyer, offered a candid look at global trends. Florian Guckeisen of Volkswagen Group highlighted brake emissions as a primary market driver, while Rick Kaatz of KBautosys America discussed new challenges with low-frequency noise from copper-free materials. Dr. Torsten Treyde from ZF Group pointed to the rapid development cycles and unique consumer behavior in China. Luciano Tedesco Matozo of Frasle Mobility discussed the diverse technology landscape in South America, where drum brakes remain common for certain vehicle types. Tomohiro Yokoyama from Toyota noted the need for braking solutions that withstand diverse environmental conditions in Asia, such as heavy rain and humidity.
The OEM Panel, chaired by Rick Kaatz, explored how manufacturers are responding to regulations. Giovanni Berardo of Toyota Motor Europe and Dr. Fabian Limmer of Audi AG both identified regulatory compliance, particularly with Euro 7, as a significant challenge. Dr. Limmer emphasized the human element and interdepartmental communication as crucial for developing multi-solution systems. Boopathy Kumar Mani of Volvo Trucks shared the company’s work with suppliers to reduce rolling resistance and meet stricter regulations. Dr. Septimiu Popa of Mercedes-AMG GmbH explained that the adoption of coated brake discs represents a completely new tribological system, posing a major challenge for the entire industry.
Keynote Presentations
Patricio Barbale of S&P Global Mobility delivered a keynote on electro-mechanical brakes and the challenges of new emissions regulations. Arnaud Goy from A2MAC1 highlighted the opportunities for supplying braking systems as Chinese OEMs enter the European market. Liming Zhang of Sinochem presented on developing more durable and sustainable aramid friction materials, noting their potential to decrease heat accumulation and increase product lifespan. Dr. Toni Feissel from IAV GmbH discussed the importance of regulations in mitigating non-exhaust emissions and proposed route planning as a novel method to help drivers reduce wear.
The conference provided a vital forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration, reflecting the industry’s commitment to advancing braking technology in a landscape of uncertainty and opportunity.
Subscribe Today!
Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.
