Tenneco Introduces Low Emission Brake Technology for Light and Commercial Vehicles

Innovative Friction Formulations, Brake Disc Coatings Helping Vehicle OEMs and Tier One Suppliers Meet Euro 7 and China 7 Emissions Standards

BRUSSELS, April 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tenneco, one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced brake friction materials and related products for light and commercial vehicles, has introduced a Low Emission Brake technology that is helping vehicle manufacturers and Tier One suppliers prepare for and meet the upcoming Euro 7 and China 7 brake emissions standards. The result of an intensive development program involving the company’s global network of friction research laboratories, advanced testing capabilities and innovative expert groups, the Tenneco Low Emission Brake technology meets Euro 7 and anticipated China 7 restrictions on particulate (PM₁₀/PM_2.5) emissions from vehicle brakes. In addition, the new technology enables Tenneco to utilize a variety of renewable and recycled materials and reduce C0₂ emissions associated with the manufacture of brake pads.

Euro 7 for light vehicles, which takes effect in 2026, is the first standard to impose limits on particulate matter emissions from vehicle brakes. The new standard restricts PM₁₀ emissions to a maximum of 3 mg/km for PEV and 7 mg/km for other powertrains such as hybrids and ICE light vehicles. The limits for heavy vans, categorized as N1 Class III, are 5 mg/km for PEVs and 11 mg/km for other powertrains. The China 7 emissions standard, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, will likely impose similar restrictions on brake emissions but with a focus on PM_2.5.

“Preparation for Euro 7 and China 7 has required a paradigm shift in virtually every area of brake pad and disc development and manufacture as well as significant investments in next-generation research, development and testing resources,” said Holger Schlauss, VP of Global Engineering, Tenneco OE Braking. “Our global team has been able to leverage our unique expertise in materials science, chemical and physical analysis, and advanced analytics to meet these new requirements on behalf of vehicle OEMs and Tier One suppliers.”

Tenneco Low Emission Brake technology has already been selected for use on a variety of upcoming passenger vehicle models from two leading European automakers. The new technology utilizes an array of natural materials that exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, along with naturally occurring minerals and recycled raw material, to dramatically reduce particulate emissions while meeting the unique braking requirements of each vehicle model. Tenneco engineers are also working closely with vehicle OEMs and Tier One suppliers in the development and application of highly effective and cost-efficient brake pads that further reduce PM₁₀ emissions on coated and standard grey cast iron brake discs.

“One of the chief benefits of these new technologies, beyond the reduction of particulate matter emissions, will be exceptional brake system performance and durability,” Holger said. “In fact, for some consumers the Low Emission Brake pad could last almost the life of their vehicles.”

Tenneco’s global OE Braking business has focused on driving brake system innovation both through its extensive internal resources as well as partnerships with other leading suppliers, customers, and government-sponsored working groups. The company since 2017 has been a member of the Particulate Measurement Program of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, which defines processes and standards for measuring particulate emissions, and successfully participated in the interlaboratory studies (ILS) performed by the group.

Ready for China 7
As Tenneco Low Emission Brake technology increases its presence among leading European OEMs and Tier One suppliers, the company is collaborating with vehicle manufacturers to prepare for implementation of the China 7 emissions standard. Tenneco supplies brake pads and other products to a majority of Chinese light and commercial vehicle OEMs, including Chery-Huawei, GAC Motor, Geely, FAW, Great Wall Motor, JAC-Huawei, SAIC Motor, and XPeng Motors.

“As China’s OEMs finalize plans for their 2026 and later models, we are well prepared to meet the corresponding demand for Low Emission Brake pads that are precisely matched to each model,” said Marco Frecchio, Business Development and Supply Chain Senior Director, Tenneco OE Braking. In preparation for China 7, Tenneco dramatically increased its development and testing capabilities through investments in state-of-the-art emissions dynamometers and tools covering the early-stage development process, enabling an accelerated concept validation, optimized material feasibility, and mitigated risks. The company also is using artificial intelligence and machine learning in conjunction with virtual simulation tools to more quickly and accurately predict the influence of specific product compositions and processes in brake emissions and other critical performance measures.

Tenneco brake pad technology also dramatically increases the sustainability of pad production through the use of renewable materials and energy. As one example, the use of renewable and recycled materials and naturally occurring minerals reduces manufacturing-related greenhouse gas emissions by 15 to 35%. Tenneco engineers are also validating innovative manufacturing technologies that will further cut energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

About Tenneco

Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers, and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customers. Through our DRiV, Performance Solutions, Clean Air, Powertrain and Ignition business groups, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport, and the aftermarket.

Visit www.tenneco.com to learn more.

CONTACT:
Simonetta Esposito
Global Communications
Tenneco
Sesposito@driv.com

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