Autoliv inks JV with Nissin Kogyo, expands brake systems business

Autoliv Inc, the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, has entered into a definitive agreement to establish a joint venture (JV) with Nissin Kogyo, a leading supplier of high-performance braking systems for automotive and non-automotive markets, mainly in Japan.

Autoliv says the automotive fleet of tomorrow will be characterised by integrated active and passive safety systems operating in harmony, for the best total safety solutions. Therefore, the new JV in the product areas of ‘Brake Control and Brake Apply Systems’ with Autoliv having 51% of the joint venture and management control.

The joint venture will combine the current brake control business of Autoliv with a ‘carve-out’ of Nissin Kogyo's automotive braking business. With manufacturing facilities in Japan, China and the United States, the JV will include approximately 2,000 technical, commercial, manufacturing and administrative employees focused upon the design, development and production of Brake Control and Brake Apply Systems for the global light vehicle market. The JV will have three engineering sites and two test tracks with access to over 1,200 patents and other intellectual property. 

"This joint venture expands our capability in safety systems and strengthens a key building block in the actuator area of our portfolio towards autonomous driving. With this joint venture, we further reinforce our commitment to a safety systems approach to real life safety,” said Autoliv chairman, president and CEO Jan Carlson. 

“We look forward to this long-term partnership with Nissin Kogyo and expect to expand the business, while supporting the current customers,” added Carlson.