Somora Motor Parts is to provide the Irish motor trade with access to the aftermarket range of one of the world’s leading brake manufacturers for the first time, with the introduction of a brand new braking programme from Japanese original equipment brake manufacturer AKEBONO. The new programme features two ranges of brake pads, with 1400 Standard part numbers and 800 Premium part numbers, as well as a range of some 1200 brake discs and other braking products. 

Somora Sales Manager Stephen Lawless says that the company is delighted to add such a prestigious supplier to its product portfolio. He comments, “Although it is not a brand that everyone in the trade is familiar with, AKEBONO is actually one of the leading global suppliers of both OE and aftermarket brake components. 45% of cars manufactured in Japan and 20% of European made cars leave the factory with AKEBONO brake pads. This means that one out of five cars worldwide have AKEBONO brake pads fitted as OE.”

The Japanese based manufacturer has 90 years experience in the braking sector and as well as products for cars also makes brake components and systems for motor cycles, commercial vehicles, wind turbines and high-speed trains. It is a truly global concern with a €2 billion + annual turnover and some 9000 employees worldwide. AKEBONO was the original pioneer of ceramic brake technology, and works in close partnership with leading vehicle makers such as Toyota, Renault-Nissan, GM and many more. It is also a technology partner with leading motor sport teams such as the McLaren F1 team, Toyota Nürburgring 24 Hour Endurance Race Team and Honda.

AKEBONO has also been a major supplier of brake components to many of the leading aftermarket brake suppliers in Europe for over 20 years, but it was not until 2016 that it introduced its own aftermarket range which is now being made available in Ireland through Somora and its motor factor customers. 

Stephen says, “It is very exciting to be bringing a manufacturer with such great pedigree to the Irish aftermarket for the first time. The AKEBONO braking programme offers high quality components at a very  competitive price and we are sure it will quickly become a major force in the market.”

The range of brake pads and discs covers over 95% of European and Asian vehicle applications, with new references constantly introduced to meet the latest demand. The products fully meet ECE-90 standards with all production for European products being based in their European facilities. The company is also a longstanding member of the Federation of European Manufacturers of Friction Materials (FEMF), a factor that gives customers complete peace of mind when it comes to the quality of AKEBONO components.

The brake pads utilise high quality friction materials to eliminate brake noise and minimise brake dust. The pads also offer immediate out of the box performance with no bedding in required.

Pads are supplied in standard specification for everyday use, in line with the OE performance and in premium quality. This Premium range is aimed at high performance vehicles and high mileage drivers and offering added durability and long lasting performance as well as outstanding pedal feel. 

The complete AKEBONO programme is detailed on TecDoc and the Somora.ie online parts catalogue.