AKEBONO REPORT 2014

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Through such research, we are striving to establish stand-alonetechnologies that realize next-generation brakes and friction materials.Specifically, our R&D themes include the development of highly durablematerials that enable safer and more comfortable driving, substitute brakematerials aimed at addressing the depletion of fossil resources and reducingthe environmental burden, cast iron with a lower rare earth content,functional particles for use in new product fields and zero-emission surfacefinishing technologies. At the same time, we will pursue furtherresearch on the relationship between friction materials and friction phenomena.In these ways, we will differentiate ourselves from competitors.North AmericaBased on the local needs of U.S.-based automotive manufacturers,Akebono is working to develop new friction materials and next-generationfoundation brakes that conform with the environmental regulationsenacted by several state governments. We support Japanese automotivemanufacturers as well with completely local operations, from developmentto mass production.Akebono undertakes the development of friction materials for use ina wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars to pickup trucks. Thesematerials realize exceptional NVH control and their level of environmentalfriendlinessmore than meets the abovementioned regulations.We also develop brake mechanisms for a wide range of vehicles frompassenger cars to SUVs to pickup trucks and are proactively engaged inthe mass production of lightweight aluminum alloy disc brakes.Furthermore, we mass-produce disc rotors and drum brakes for variousvehicle types and market lightweight products with excellent performancewith regard to noise and vibration thanks to the development of brakemodules. Also, reflecting customer feedback, development efforts arenow under way in tandem with locations in Japan to advance electromechanicalbraking technologies.EuropeIn our European operations, we are developing friction materials thatreduce judder and realize greater control during high-speed running tomeet unique performance demands. Also, we are giving full considerationto vibration characteristics and noise reduction as well as the chemicalcontent of materials to ensure that products meet regionalenvironmentalregulations such as REACH.* Our R&D activities in Europe aim to respondto a wide range of customer needs, from friction materials designed tomeet the above regulations to friction materials intended for auto exportsto the Japanese and U.S. markets. As such, we develop, produce andsupply friction materials for a wide range of customers in the Europeanmarket. To reinforce our cost competitiveness in Europe, we are standardizingour materials procurement by purchasing from local markets whileintroducing a European-style manufacturing process.In addition to our existing development location in France, we haveestablished local subsidiaries in Germany and the U.K. In Germany, ourR&D focus is on developing application technologies for disc brakes,while in the U.K. we develop disc brakes for racing cars and high-endcommercial vehicles in collaboration with locations in Japan.ChinaWe have been promoting the development and design of products thatreflect the needs of local customers. While accelerating the local procurementof materials and parts and adopting production methods that arebest suited to the localenvironment, we are developing friction materialswith levels of cost competitiveness and performance characteristics thatmake them suitable for the markets of emerging countries. When developinglocalized disc brake products, we survey and analyze local customerrequirements as well as how customers use our products to determinewhat they need. Based on this, we can develop and propose productsthat have the required features and performance at a lower cost.ThailandWe established a new location in Thailand in January 2014 to developbrakes tailored to markets in ASEAN countries, where demand is becomingremarkably robust. While promoting the policy of “local productionfor local consumption,” we will push forward a shift to local developmentand procurement, thereby reflecting customer needs in productdevelopment.*Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals“Friction and Vibration, their Control and Analysis” is not merely a phrasein “akebono’s Corporate Mission,” it refers to the basis of the Company’score technologies.Akebono constantly leverages its competencies to develop new frictionmaterials and next-generation brakes for automobiles and other meansof transportation, focusing on core technologies and upgrading the analyticmethods essential to product development.Our product development efforts focus on the three pillars of“environmental-friendliness,” “high performance” and “low cost.” Inaddition to our global R&D structure consisting of facilities in Japan,North America, Europe and China, we established a new developmentfacility in Thailand in January 2014, with the aim of seizing businessopportunities in promising ASEAN markets. While promoting the policyof “local production for local consumption,” we will further enhance ourlocal development and procurement networks, fully leveraging thestrengths of each location. By doing so, we will maximize our Groupwidetechnological capabilities and thereby develop new products that arehighly competitive in the global market.Details of R&D activities in each region are as follows.JapanAkebono is working to develop high-performance, low-cost frictionmaterials for brakes responsive to the entire spectrum of the market andcustomer needs. In terms of quality, Akebono focuses on controllingnoise and vibration and minimizing brake dust. In addition to usingenvironmentally friendly, and safe materials, we are working on developingnew friction materials in response to the recent regulations introducedin several U.S. states.At the same time, we are taking steps to reduce costs through theuse of both new materials and improved manufacturing processes, withoutcompromising on product performance and environmental considerations.Among our recent achievements in improving both braking andenvironmental performances, our opposed-type disc brakes, whichemploy an aluminum alloy developed for high-performance cars, havewon a solid reputation among customers. Furthermore, we went on todevelop new opposed-type disc brakes made with aluminum alloy thatapply recent technological breakthroughs accomplished in the course ofdeveloping brake systems for Formula One racing cars.We are also focusing our efforts on the “Commonization andStandardization” (C&S) of parts and production processes and otherwiseworking to boost our cost competitiveness. Resources saved through theseefforts are allocated to the development of new, differentiated products.In the development of environment-friendly products, we are strivingto raise fuelefficiency through innovative weight and drag reductions.We are also developing brakes that apply next-generation technologies,including an electro-mechanical brake and electric parking brakes withan electro-mechanical actuator, in collaboration with our North Americandevelopment locations. Meanwhile, we are continuing our efforts tomeet stringent technical and cost benchmarks to reinforce our globalsupply system and ability to supply built-to-purpose products.The R&D activities at Akebono Research & Development Centre Ltd.are focused on the following themes: (1) development of new materialsfor improved friction and environmental performances; (2) developmentof next-generation friction materials to achieve smaller, weight-savingand higher performance products; and (3) analysis of friction mechanisms.Fiscal 2013 R&D by Region(Billions of yen) (%)Total R&D-related expenditures Ratio to net sales0481204812’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 (FY)9.210.0 10.58.28.94.4 4.8 4.46.34.1* The above fi gures include R&D costs and other R&D-related expenditures incurred aspart of regular improvements.Total R&D-Related Expenditures*

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