Akebono Brake Corp. congratulates General Motors on receiving the Motor Trend North American Truck of the Year award for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The award-winning truck is equipped with foundation brake components provided by Akebono, which the company says are designed to improve brake performance, pedal feel and reduce noise and vibration.
“We congratulate our friends at GM for this great achievement with the Colorado,” said Eric Roszman, vice president, research and development, Akebono Brake Corp. “It is an honor for Akebono to team up with GM on this award-winning vehicle and be a part of their re-entry into the midsize truck category.”
Akebono collaborated with GM on the development of the Colorado’s foundation braking components, including calipers and brake pads. The front wheels of the Colorado feature opposed piston calipers supplied by Akebono. By utilizing an opposed piston caliper, the team says it reduced brake drag while improving brake pedal feel.
The four-wheel-disc brakes on the truck feature Akebono brake pads made of low-copper, non-asbestos friction material. This is the same friction material supplied by Akebono for use on last year’s North American Truck of the Year, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. According to Akebono, the material provides exemplary performance, long life and ultra-low noise and brake dust. The low copper levels in the friction formulation meet future state-mandated restrictions on the use of copper, slated to go into effect in January 2021.
These components were developed in conjunction with GM at Akebono’s research and development facility in Farmington Hills, Mich., and are manufactured in the United States.