July/August 2019

T he changing face of the vehicle parc means new brake parts. Take electric vehicles for example. Last year, under its TRW brand, ZF Aftermarket introduced Electric Blue, the first brake pad specifically designed for electric vehicles. Electric Blue already covers 97% of EVs including Tesla vehicles and the Nissan Leaf. The range will also be expanded with products for hybrids. These are already at the testing stage. “Electric vehicles are here to stay,” says Martyn Houghton, Senior Manager IAM at ZF Aftermarket: "Distributors and workshops who adapt to accommodate this change will be long term leaders destined for success. Our popular high voltage training sessions allow customers and partners to acquire the key skills and qualifications they need to master the complexities of future technology at an early stage." There are some advantageous differences. “Studies have raised concerns about the lack of noise that electric vehicles produce, from a safety aspect,” says Martyn. “However, when it comes to driver comfort, component noise and vibration from inside the vehicle is unacceptable. Tests show that TRW Electric Blue made with a revolutionary new material formulation produces less noise vibration and harshness (NVH) when supported by a special multilayer shim and coated noise damping accessories.” Trade first You need to know what you are doing though, and you need solid support. “Maintaining brakes is a regular job for every workshop,” says Adrian Kitchen, Marketing Manager at Apec Braking, “so obviously there’s a high demand for replacement brake parts. Even so, for just one company to supply 10 million brake parts a year is astonishing. Yet that’s exactly what Apec Braking does, and it’s made us the number one aftermarket braking brand in the UK and Ireland. Here’s why; We want technicians to be confident that Apec parts are direct replacements for OE, and will fit first time, every time. So, throughout the Apec range, we apply the highest manufacturing standards and use the latest, most effective materials. That’s backed up by our two year/24,000 mile guarantee, which does more than provide peace of mind; it shows we offer great value too.” Range Beyond the pads, discs, drums, shoes, hydraulics and calipers, Adrian says Apec offers a comprehensive and growing product range: “We also supply ABS rings and sensors, brake expanders, cables for brakes, clutch and gear control systems, many accessories and workshop tools including hub cleaning kits, brake grease and fluids.” He adds: “We have new products in the pipeline too; watch this space.” According to Adrian, the scale of the offering counts: “It’s not just our range that’s extensive. So too are the car and LCV applications we cover. Apec still supplies brake parts for vehicles as far back as the 1960s. At the other end of the spectrum, we’re continually introducing parts to mirror vehicle manufacturers’ launches – so as soon as a new model appears in your workshop, you’ll be ready to service its brakes. It’s an important aspect of our support for independent workshops – helping ensure their services attract the widest possible range of customers.” Apec recently invested in a new distribution facility. Adrian comments: “To be absolutely sure we satisfy demand, we recently moved to a massive new warehouse in Filton, Bristol. With more than triple the 32 AFTERMARKET JULY/AUGUST 2019 BRAKES Above: Brake parts perish over time www.aftermarketonline.net BRAKE WITH TRADITION Braking parts are changing as technology moves forward, and the car parc evolves. Find out to stay ahead of the curve