Akebono Announces Aftermarket Availability of its New EURO(TM) and Akebono Street Performance(TM) Disc Brake Pads

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., June 7 -- Akebono Corporation, North America's leading supplier of advanced brake technology, today announced the availability of its EURO(TM) and Akebono Street Performance(TM) Application Catalogs.

Each one of these exciting new catalogs is designed and geared towards their specific market:

The EURO Catalog -- Contains 87 part numbers that represent about 90% of the late model European applications, from Audi to Volvo, most include front and rear applications. This product line gives distributors, jobbers, repair facilities and ultimately the European car owner a unique alternative to the typical dusty, noisy European brake pads, these ceramic based pads virtually eliminate dust and noise while maintaining a very positive pedal feel.

The Akebono Street Performance Catalog -- Contains 55 part numbers that target the "tuner" or "enthusiast" car owner. Brake performance and shiny wheels go hand-in-hand with Akebono Street Performance pads. Say good-bye to the typical noisy wheel tarnishing performance pads. Again this product line gives distributors, jobbers, repair facilities and the car owner a unique alternative to the competitors, these ceramic based pads virtually eliminate dust, which help keep your wheels clean with OE fit and enhanced braking performance.

Akebono Corporation, North America (ACNA) is a world leader in advanced brake and friction material development and production, with a focus on noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) analysis and control. ACNA is a subsidiary of Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (Tokyo) which operates technical/R&D centers in Japan, the United States and France, with 30 wholly owned or affiliated manufacturing facilities worldwide. Akebono launched U.S. brake sales and production operations in 1980. Worldwide, Akebono employs 6,800 people, with 1,900 in North America. For more information, visit http://www.akebonobrakes.com/ .