OEM PRODUCTS
The content of this site is accessible to any browser. However, this site this site is best viewed with W3C standards compliant browsers.
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 17, 2004
Akebono Corporation, North America's leading supplier of advanced brake technology, today announced it received a 2003 Vendor Excellence Award from Monro Muffler Brake, Inc.
Monro recognized Akebono for the successful launch of ceramic brake pads throughout the Monro chain. Award factors included product quality, timely introduction of new parts numbers, shipping/billing consistency and accuracy, fill rate and on-time delivery, increase in average ticket price, and Akebono's and Monro's commitment to customer satisfaction.
"We are very pleased to be recognized by Monro as one of its top vendors," said Bob Leone, National Sales Manager, Akebono aftermarket operations. "It is especially gratifying to know we have been successful at helping Monro increase ceramic friction sales while, at the same time, significantly reduce brake warranty work - two key objectives of the program."
Akebono began supplying ceramic brake pads to Monro in late 2002. According to Leone, Akebono and Monro have successfully worked together to provide unmatched smooth, quiet and dust-free braking performance to Monro's customers by using Akebono Ceramic Technology.
"Akebono has made a significant contribution to our very important brake category," said Dave Baier, Vice President of Merchandising, Monro Muffler Brake. "Our technicians and customers have benefited from the Akebono ceramic pads through reduced warranty comebacks and increased customer satisfaction."
Monro Muffler Brake operates a chain of stores providing automotive undercar repair and tire services in the United States, operating under the brand names of Monro Muffler Brake and Service, Speedy Auto Service by Monro, Kimmel Tires - Auto Service, Tread Quarters Discount Tires and Mr. Tire. The Company currently operates 595 stores, 10 Kiosks and has 18 dealer locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Delaware, Michigan and Maine. Monro's stores provide a full range of services for exhaust systems, brake systems, tires, steering and suspension systems and many vehicle maintenance services.
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 a total of 6,800 people; 1,900 in North America. For more information visit www.akebonobrakes.com.
Alan Swiech
Akebono North America
248.489.7406
aswiech@akebono-usa.com
COMPANY PROFILE