Who does Akebono make brake pads for?
Akebono makes brake pads for both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. This means the company supplies pads for new vehicles from automakers as well as replacement pads sold through auto parts retailers and service shops.
As a leading brake supplier, Akebono designs and manufactures pads for a range of vehicles, including passenger cars, light trucks, and some commercial vehicles, with a global footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia. The business model centers on two main customer channels: OEMs that equip new vehicles and aftermarket customers that replace pads during maintenance and repair.
Two principal customer groups
Akebono's business is organized around two primary customer groups:
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs): supplies brake pads as original equipment for new vehicles from carmakers worldwide.
- Aftermarket and distribution: sells pads to auto parts retailers, distributors, and service centers for replacement use.
In short, OEM partnerships reflect Akebono's role in supplying braking systems for new vehicles, while aftermarket channels support maintenance and replacements for existing vehicles.
Global reach and product scope
To illustrate the breadth of Akebono's operations, here is a snapshot of the vehicle categories the company serves and its geographic reach.
- Vehicle categories: passenger cars, light trucks/SUVs, and some commercial vehicles.
- Geographic reach: products distributed and manufactured for markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.
These categories show Akebono's focus on both consumer and commercial segments, with a worldwide distribution network that supports both OEM supply and aftermarket sales.
Summary
Akebono makes brake pads for both OEMs and the aftermarket, serving a global market with a broad product range for passenger cars, light trucks, and some commercial vehicles. Its dual focus on supplying new-vehicle braking systems and providing replacement pads through retailers and service centers underpins its status as a major global brake-pad supplier.
What vehicles are Akebono brake pads best for?
Akebono Severe Duty Ultra-Premium Fleet Brake Pads are used to safely stop light and medium duty trucks, SUVs, and commercial or municipality fleet vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
What cars have Akebono brakes?
Automotive brakes
Akebono offers products mainly on an OEM basis for automobile manufacturers. Its main OEM customers include Japanese car manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, and Isuzu.
Who uses Akebono brakes?
About Akebono
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.
Why is Akebono closing?
Akebono to close Elizabethtown brake plant, lay off 450 workers by year-end. Company cites decline in U.S. business and implements permanent workforce reduction. Closure follows 2023 decision to consolidate U.S. sites and signals supply shifts.
