Absolute Safety;
Unparalleled Control
Akebono
Akebono was established in Japan in 1929, at a time when the Japanese automobile industry had only produced 400 vehicles. It became a publicly traded company in 1957. Since then, keeping pace with the onset of motorization, Akebono has entered the domestic and overseas markets as brake experts.
In 1960, Akebono signed a brake-related technical assistance agreement with Bendix Corporation in the United States and began drum brake assembly based on received patents. Its American aftermarket operations began in 1980 with sales offices in Chicago and R&D facilities in Detroit. Today, Akebono employs more than 3,500 people in North America and more than 9,000 worldwide.
What Does Akebono Mean?
Akebono means “dawn” in Japanese and was the name given to the company by its founder, Mr. Sanji Osame. The inspiration for the name came from his hometown of Mokakeson in Okayama Prefecture, Japan, where he was fond of watching the breaking dawn over the Seto Inland Sea from Mushiage Bay.
The company’s commitment to innovation, process improvement, quality control and customer service has positioned it as a key resource for leading OEMs, Tier I brake suppliers and the automotive aftermarket. Key automotive OEM customers include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo. Akebono is proud to provide innovative braking solutions for these manufacturers, and we back our products with unparalleled service and support.
Akebono manufactures a wide range of brake friction materials and foundation brake assemblies, including disc brake calipers and drum brakes, as well as latest technology EPB braking (electric park brakes), all employing the Akebono Production System (APS). The APS approach features proven quality control techniques to guarantee minimal process variation in all phases of production. Embraced throughout the organization, APS enables the company to consistently achieve nearly zero defects per million parts produced.
Akebono operates R&D technical centers in the United States, Japan and France and manufactures brake friction materials and components around the globe, with 30 wholly owned or affiliated facilities, including two production facilities in Kentucky and one in Mexico. All of Akebono’s operations have secured appropriate ISO/TS16949 certifications and have won numerous quality and performance awards from customers.
Explore our line of Ultra-Premium Brake Pads, designed by our OE engineers to meet the needs of our aftermarket customers. You’ll find that Akebono truly is The Essence of Braking®. Look for an Akebono dealer near you, and get the safety, reliability and performance that only a global leader in brake products can provide.
Differentiators in the Braking Market
Akebono’s primary differentiator is its singular focus on braking. Unlike diversified suppliers, Akebono concentrates its research and engineering resources solely on brake systems, allowing for deeper expertise and innovation in friction materials, noise reduction, and performance consistency.
The company is widely recognized as a pioneer in ceramic friction technology, developing advanced brake pad formulations that deliver quiet operation, low dust, smooth braking feel, and extended service life. These technologies are applied consistently across both OEM and aftermarket products, ensuring OE-level performance regardless of application.
Akebono also distinguishes itself through its OE-driven development process. Products are engineered to vehicle-specific requirements rather than generic platforms, resulting in superior fit, function, and durability. This approach aligns aftermarket offerings closely with original equipment performance expectations.
A strong commitment to manufacturing excellence further sets Akebono apart. Many of its premium brake products are manufactured in the United States under rigorous quality control systems. The company’s production philosophy emphasizes process discipline, continuous improvement, and defect prevention to achieve consistently high quality.
Finally, Akebono offers a comprehensive braking portfolio, including disc brake calipers, drum brakes, electric parking brake systems, and advanced noise and vibration solutions. This breadth allows Akebono to support evolving vehicle technologies while maintaining its reputation for reliability and performance.
Commitment and Vision
Akebono Brake Corporation is committed to protecting lives by delivering braking solutions that drivers, manufacturers, and technicians can trust. Built on a foundation of engineering excellence, disciplined manufacturing, and long-term partnerships, Akebono continues to advance braking technology to meet the demands of modern and future mobility.