Akebono History

Fukushima plant is constructed and commences operations (currently Akebono Brake Fukushima Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

The corporate head office building in Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is completed.

Establishes Sanyo Hydraulic Industry Co., Ltd. (currently Akebono Brake Sanyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

Establishes Japan Brake Safety Research Institute Co., Ltd. (currently Akebono Research & Development Centre Ltd.)

Miharu plant is constructed and commences operations

Commences production of the AD Type disc brake, developed in-house

Establishes US subsidiary Akebono America, Inc. (sales office in Chicago, thereafter R&D facilities in Detroit)

Establishes Akebono Engineering Co., Ltd.

AD Type disc brakes win the 1982 Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers Award

Is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, First Section

Japan Brake Safety Research Institute Co., Ltd., is renamed to Akebono Research&Development Centre Ltd.

Offers technical expertise to Automotive Products Ltd., in the UK.

Establishes Akebono Europe Bureau Liaison in France.
(currently Akebono Europe S.A.S. [Gonesse])

Establishes Akebono Europe S.A.R.L. in France.
(currently Akebono Europe S.A.S. [Gonesse])

Establishes Akebono Brake Iwaki Manufacturing Co., Ltd. and begins constructing a test course and manufacturing plant site.

Establishes Ambrake Corporation as a joint venture with General Motors in the United States (currently Akebono Brake, Elizabethtown Plant)

Akebono's anti-lock brake system (ABS) based on technology unique to Japan is adopted for the first time by automakers.

Signs technical assistance agreement with Valeo of France covering friction material technologies.

Signs technical cooperation contract with then West German company Robert Bosch GmbH relating to ABS.

Ambrake Corporation begins operations.

Akebono Brake Proving Grounds is completed in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture (currently Ai-Ring)

Establishes Akebono Brake Systems Engineering Center, Inc.