AKEBONO Brakes

Akebono Brakes – The Essence of Braking®

Founded in Japan in 1929, Akebono has grown from humble beginnings into a global leader in advanced braking technology. With a strong legacy of innovation and quality, Akebono serves major automotive OEMs like Toyota, Honda, Ford, GM, and more. The company entered the U.S. market in 1980 and now employs over 3,500 people across North America, offering cutting-edge brake solutions from research and development centers in the U.S., Japan, and France. Akebono’s name—meaning “dawn” in Japanese—reflects its heritage and forward-looking vision, inspired by the founder’s love for his coastal hometown in Okayama Prefecture.

Akebono manufactures a full range of braking products, including disc brake calipers, drum brakes, electric parking brakes (EPB), and ultra-premium brake pads engineered for both OE and aftermarket customers. Its proprietary Akebono Production System (APS) ensures near-zero defects and consistent quality across its 30+ global facilities, including plants in Kentucky and Mexico. With ISO/TS16949 certifications and numerous quality awards, Akebono delivers superior safety, reliability, and performance. Discover Akebono’s brake innovations and find a trusted dealer near you today.