HELLA has introduced brake pads for trucks, buses, and trailers for the first time, entering the segment with an initial portfolio of 58 references. HELLA Aftermarket, the spare part and workshop business of FORVIA HELLA, says the products are available worldwide now. The company will show the range to the trade audience at Automechanika in Frankfurt, in Hall 9, Stand A80.
Highlights
- 58 references at launch, covering what the company describes as a wide range of applications and model variants
- Certified to ECE R90, among the international safety and quality standards the company cites
- Own-brand brake business since 2024, following the end of a former joint venture arrangement
- Over 90 percent coverage of the European electric and hybrid vehicle fleet in the existing passenger car pad range, and more than 85 percent for brake discs
What the Launch Portfolio Covers
The 58 part numbers target fleet operators, wholesalers, and independent workshops. HELLA says the count gives it competitive market coverage across model variants in the segment, with broad parts availability at introduction.
The company frames the launch as a starting point rather than a completed range.
“Under the strong HELLA brand, we are consistently expanding our brake portfolio. We are starting with brake pads for trucks, buses, and trailers and will gradually expand the range,” said Dr. Marcel Wiedmann, Head of the Global Aftermarket Business at FORVIA HELLA. “Building on our established brake offering for passenger cars, we are now transferring our expertise to the commercial vehicle sector, reaching additional customer groups and strengthening our position as a leading brake supplier in the independent aftermarket.”
How Are the Pads Engineered for Heavy-Duty Duty Cycles?
HELLA says the commercial vehicle program is designed specifically for the thermal and mechanical loads of heavy-duty service. Each lining uses friction materials matched to the application, which the company says delivers braking performance, service life, and operating comfort. Where the application requires it, the linings ship with the necessary accessories.
All pads in the range are tested and certified to international safety and quality standards, including ECE R90 — the UN Economic Commission for Europe type-approval standard governing replacement brake lining assemblies for power-driven vehicles and their trailers, mandatory for aftermarket friction sold in the European Union and adopting markets.
Where the Range Fits in HELLA’s Brake Business
HELLA has sold brake products under its own name since 2024, when it took the brake business in-house from a former joint venture. The brand now spans brake pads, brake discs, brake hydraulics, brake fluids and chemicals, and a range of brake electronics across most common vehicle types.
The existing passenger car and light commercial vehicle portfolio covers more than 90 percent of the European electric and hybrid fleet for brake pads and more than 85 percent for brake discs. The new truck, bus, and trailer pads sit alongside that range rather than replacing any part of it, and the company says it expects further growth in the commercial vehicle segment.
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