Michelin and Brembo Enter a Global Partnership, Reducing Braking Distances

This sounds like a win-win for everyone except for competitors.

Photo by: Brembo

By: Robbie Bacon

Dec 16, 2024 at 9:27am ET

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Brembo seems to have made friends in all the right places this year. Just a few months ago, the most recognizable name in braking solutions bought Öhlins after signing an agreement with Tenneco, and now it's in a global partnership with Michelin.

Unlike when most other companies partner up, motorcyclists like you and I should pay attention because it's good news for us.

Brembo is combining its expertise in braking systems, vehicle modeling, and artificial intelligence with Michelin's tire modeling and algorithm development knowledge to create a new system. The innovation relies on the continuous exchange of real-time. data between Michelin's connected solutions software, which provides tire grip data to Brembo's SENSIFY braking system.

The benefit of combining the systems from Brembo and Michelin is that engineers can fine-tune the braking system with more precision. This partnership has already shown promising results in the testing phases.

The braking tests were conducted on test tracks at the Michelin R&D center in France using two identical vehicles. One was equipped with the Brembo SENSIFY system and Michelin Solutions, while the other used a standard ABS system. Michelin's Pilot Sport and Pilot Alpin tires were used in the tests at speeds from 32-80 mph, and the results were impressive.

The tests demonstrated braking distance reductions that can reach up to four meters during ABS events, using the same tires, and in various conditions. According to Brembo, the braking system also showed quicker response time, minimized traction loss, improved lateral stability, and also featured the absence of wheel locking.

Given the fact that the average car length is around four meters, it's plausible to say that this system could one day make the difference between riders staying upright or crashing. One of the most refreshing things to see is that users probably won't be forced into using Michelin rubber to get the benefits, as the Michelin Solutions system can be applied to other tire brands too.

“At Brembo, we believe in the power of technology and artificial intelligence,” said Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo. “In fact, we are increasingly becoming a company combining software capabilities with our expertise in the corner of the vehicle, mastering calipers, discs, and friction materials with a unique know-how. SENSIFY® represents the new standard in braking that will target a zero accidents vision. This partnership with Michelin illustrates the power of collaboration and innovation in the automotive industry.”

There's another factor that comes into play when we talk about braking distances: Suspension. So, we have to wonder when Öhlins will become a part of this equation to further improve Brembo's braking systems and, after that, how much more desirable motorcycles that use Brembo's suite will become.