Federal-Mogul says it has won contracts with three unnamed global vehicle manufacturers to supply low or zero-copper brake pads for light vehicle platforms starting in model year, 2014.
The supplier adds the deals will see more than 1m vehicles equipped with Federal-Mogul Eco-Friction pads by 2015.
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Copper limits pad and rotor wear, noise, and judder, while contributing to friction stability across a range of operating temperatures, says Federal-Mogul.
The metal makes up between 5% and 20% of the friction material mass in typical Non-Asbestos Organic (NAO) and Low-Steel formulations used throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Recent legislation in certain US states is mandating the eventual phase-out of copper from brake pads due to its adverse environmental impact, initially limiting content to less than 5% of total pad weight and eventually requiring less than 0.5%.
As a result, vehicle manufacturers are now specifying brake systems with the regulated levels of copper.
“The US legislation is a key driver for global OEMs as they specify brake friction material for their products,” said Federal-Mogul Vehicle Components segment vice president and general manager, braking, Martin Hendricks.
“Federal-Mogul’s expertise in material formulations and manufacturing has enabled us to provide a solution that fits the requirements of each regional market.”
