Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd. (TSE:7238), founded in 1929, is a world leader in advanced brake and friction material development and production. Akebono's portfolio includes brake products for automobiles, motorbikes, rolling stock, industrial machinery, and sensor products for automobiles. For automotive OEM disc brake pads, Akebono has the top share in Japan at approximately 40% and a global market share of approximately 20%. The Akebono Group operates R&D centers in Japan, the United States and France, and has wholly owned or affiliated manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, France, China, Thailand and Indonesia. Akebono recorded net sales of 173.2 billion yen in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, and employs nearly 7,000 people worldwide on a consolidated basis. For more information, visit wepsite