Brembo relaunches on research and China

Research, artificial intelligence, sustainability. And China. From Shanghai, the message from Brembo, the Italian multinational global leader in braking systems, comes through loud and clear and can be summed up in four words, the result of two different projects: the launch, right in Shanghai, of a research laboratory on artificial intelligence, the Brembo Inspiration Lab, opened to coincide with the opening of the 21st edition of the Motor Show; the launch, also at the Fair, of a new braking system, the Greentell Set that will reduce environmental impact by 85%. Two initiatives that have in common the company's aim of increasing efficiency and sustainability through innovation and research.

The Inspiration Lab in Shanghai, the group's second after the one in Silicon Valley specialising in digital analysis, will work on software development, artificial intelligence and data science and will operate in collaboration with universities, research centres, start-ups and Chinese industrial groups. As well as in synergy with the ten Brembo group laboratories around the world.

The choice of Shanghai as the location for the workshop is no coincidence. Beijing's automotive ecosystem is in full ferment and Chinese groups are at the forefront of innovative solutions. One only has to take a stroll through the pavilions of the motor show to realise this. Chinese manufacturers are the ones presenting the most technologically advanced solutions, bordering on the visionary. Umanoids, robot dogs, drones and digital tools of all kinds revolve around the world of an increasingly digitised and intelligent car. Europe seems to be following.

The Brembo Inspiration Lab is located inside the Wheelock Square skyscraper in the Jing'an district, a district where business and innovation mix in China's new cultural melting pot. It is a confirmation, despite Trump, duties and the risk of trade wars, of the Bergamo-based multinational's ambitions for growth and willingness to invest in China. Brembo set up its first manufacturing site in Nanjing in 2001 and today has five production plants, a sales office and a research and development centre, recently expanded, distributed in the cities of Nanjing, Shanghai, Langfang, Jiaxing, Qingdao and Jinan, the capitals of the districts with the largest presence of the Chinese and global automotive industry. China generates over 15% of Brembo's turnover (€3.84 billion). In 2024, Brembo's business in China grew by 7.7%, compared to 2023.

Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, explains the group's philosophy in simple terms. "The automotive industry is evolving and we are integrating our braking systems with software solutions based on artificial intelligence. To set a new standard in the driving experience, focusing on safety and comfort. The Brembo Inspiration Lab will help realise our vision of an accident-free future in which drivers, passengers and pedestrians can enjoy complete peace of mind".