AKEBONO REPORT 2014

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Formula OneSince 2007, Akebono has been supplying brake calipers and brakemaster cylinders to the “McLaren Mercedes” team, a leader inFormula One racing, the world’s most prestigious motorsport.In Formula One racing, brakes must be specifically tailored tohigh-speed running. For example, when a racing car is approachinga turn at a speed of 300km/h and has to decelerate to 80km/hwithin a mere three seconds, the braking for the deceleration heatsthe rotor almost instantly to about 800°C. To create brakes that arealways reliable and stableunder such conditions,Akebono continuallystrives to enhance allaspects of its products,including structure, materialsand surface finishing. Mountain Bike Racing and Motorcycle RacingTaking on a new challenge, in 2004 Akebono began supplyingbrake systems to a team in the JSB 1000 class, a top category inthe All Japan Road Race Championship.Motorcycle racing requires high-performance brakes that enablea rider to quickly decelerate from a speed of 300km/h using justone finger. Riders also demand extreme responsiveness.Since 2011, Akebono has been providing braking systems to“MUSASHI RT HARC-PRO,” a leading road racing team that placedfirst at the Suzuka 8-hourEndurance Road Race heldas round two of the 2013FIM Endurance WorldChampionship Series.In February 2014, Akebono and McLaren entered into a technicalpartnership, renewing and upgrading their previous official partnercontract and thereby announcing their commitment to building aneven closer relationship. This renewal attests to Akebono’s excellenttechnological capabilities and superior product performance. Fromthe 2014 racing season, the Company is developing and supplyingnew brake systems tailored to the recently revised Formula Oneregulations. Relentlessly striving to achieve the world’s leadingperformance, we will realize further technological advancement,which will, in turn, help us to create even better products in avariety of fields.Playing a Significant Role as McLaren’s Partner Friction Materials for BrakesA brake is a mechanism that presses friction materialsagainst a rotor, stopping its spinning. Friction materialsused in pads and brake linings usually consist ofthree components: reinforcements to enhancestrength; friction modifiers to enhance performanceand reduce noise; and binders to form and sticktogether these compound materials.Because the performance requirements for thefriction materials depend on vehicle type and region,the raw materials and formulations used vary. InEurope, the most common are low-steel andsemi-metallic pads, which perform well at highspeeds and temperatures but generate significantnoise and brake dust due to the high level of abrasion.In Japan, non-asbestos pads, which featurereduced noise and abrasion, are most common.Both types of pads are used in North America.Components of Friction MaterialsFriction MaterialsCategory Purpose MaterialsReinforcements Ensure strength and resilienceOrganic fiber Inorganic fiberSteel fiber Metallic fiberFriction modifiersAdjust control and wear performanceto increase reliabilityLubricants Metallic dustGrinding materials Filling materialsBindersForm and stick together thecompound raw materialsThermosetting resinsAkebono’s Motorsports ChallengePursuit of “Absolute Safety and Unparalleled Control”Our ProductsSafe:6mm to 10mmCaution (time for replacement):under 4mmDanger(immediate replacement needed):under 2mm Pads Should Be Replaced when They Thin to About 4mmThe friction materials of new brake pads are about 10mm thick. About 7mm to8mm of that can be used. For safety, pads should be regularly checked andreplaced when they have thinned to 4mm or less.

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