Akebono Brake Corp. recently received the Best Overall Import Aftermarket Product award from the Auto International Association (AIA) for its EURO Ultra-Premium ceramic disc brake pads.

“Akebono’s EURO Ultra-Premium ceramic disc brake pad line provides automakers with unprecedented vehicle control and response rates, providing European automakers with the best application-specific braking solution for each vehicle,” said Ken Selinger, director, aftermarket sales and marketing, Akebono. “We are honored by this recognition by the Auto International Association and this award is a testament to Akebono’s continued focus on delivering the best braking solutions in the world.”

Introduced to the industry in 2005, Akebono’s award-winning EURO line was the first ceramic disc pad designed precisely to address performance-specific requirements of European vehicles, such as NVH, dust and pedal pulsation. Since its inception in the market, more than 1.3 million units have been sold.

Akebono says it continues to pioneer ceramic braking technology by meeting the 2021 low-copper requirements under California and Washington restrictions 16 years ahead of regulations. The EURO line is designed for exclusive use on the following European vehicle applications: Audi, BMW, Fiat, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, SAAB, VW and Volvo.

Akebono offers application-specific friction formulations that are factory installed on more than 270 models. The company says its ultra-premium ceramic brake pads are OE-engineered to enhance the model-specific performance demanded by each vehicle and are 100 percent made in the USA.