Brembo and Ningbo SAFE Establish Joint Venture to Manufacture Advanced Motorcycle ABS Systems in India!

Brembo, the globally renowned leader in braking technology and mobility solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Ningbo SAFE Brakes Systems, one of China’s leading providers of motorcycle anti-lock braking systems (ABS), to establish a new joint venture dedicated to manufacturing and supplying advanced motorcycle ABS solutions for the Indian market. The initiative represents a significant investment in India’s rapidly evolving two-wheeler industry and underscores the growing importance of vehicle safety technologies in one of the world’s largest motorcycle markets.

The new company, named BRSF Active Safety Solutions, will combine Brembo’s global expertise in braking systems and vehicle safety technologies with Ningbo SAFE’s extensive experience in ABS development and production. Together, the partners aim to strengthen the availability of advanced braking technologies for Indian motorcycle manufacturers while supporting the broader adoption of safety systems across the country’s expanding two-wheeler sector.

Under the terms of the agreement, Brembo will hold a 60 percent majority stake in the venture, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s automotive industry. The new company will operate from a dedicated manufacturing facility located in Chakan, Pune, one of India’s most important automotive and engineering hubs. Positioned adjacent to Brembo’s existing operations, the facility will support local production, assembly, and supply of motorcycle ABS systems specifically tailored to the requirements of Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The manufacturing plant will incorporate highly automated assembly lines designed to ensure consistent quality, production efficiency, and operational reliability. Initial operations are expected to create approximately 50 direct jobs, with further workforce expansion anticipated as production volumes increase and supply chain localization efforts advance. The project is also expected to contribute to the development of local manufacturing capabilities, technology transfer, and supplier ecosystem growth within India’s automotive sector.

The joint venture comes at a time when motorcycle safety is receiving increasing attention across global markets. Anti-lock braking systems have become one of the most important active safety technologies for two-wheelers, significantly reducing the risk of wheel lock-up during emergency braking situations and helping riders maintain stability and control. As regulatory requirements evolve and consumer awareness of safety features grows, demand for advanced braking systems is expected to rise substantially.

According to Andrea Paganessi, Motorcycle Global Business Unit Chief Operating Officer at Brembo, the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting higher safety standards within India’s motorcycle industry. He noted that establishing local production capabilities, combined with Brembo’s long-standing presence in the Indian market, will help accelerate the adoption of advanced braking technologies while enabling the company to respond more effectively to customer requirements.

Ningbo SAFE Founder Hill Shan emphasized the strategic importance of creating a localized manufacturing platform capable of delivering reliable and cost-effective ABS solutions tailored to the specific needs of Indian customers. He stated that the collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations and provides a foundation for building an efficient operation that can support the continued growth of India’s two-wheeler market.

Initially, BRSF Active Safety Solutions will manufacture both single-channel and dual-channel ABS systems, covering a broad range of motorcycle categories and engine capacities. The production platform has also been designed with future scalability in mind, allowing the introduction of more sophisticated braking and vehicle safety technologies as customer requirements and market expectations evolve. This flexibility positions the venture to support future developments in connected mobility, intelligent safety systems, and advanced rider-assistance technologies.

India remains the world’s largest two-wheeler market, with annual sales reaching up to 25 million vehicles. The increasing focus on rider safety, coupled with stricter regulatory requirements and growing consumer demand for premium features, is creating substantial opportunities for manufacturers of advanced braking systems. The new venture is expected to strengthen local availability of these technologies while helping motorcycle manufacturers integrate globally recognized safety solutions into their product portfolios.

For Brembo, the partnership builds upon nearly two decades of operations in India. Since establishing its presence in the country in 2008, the company has become a key supplier of braking solutions through its ByBre brand, which focuses on braking systems for small- and medium-displacement motorcycles. Brembo India currently operates manufacturing facilities in Pune and Chennai and employs approximately 1,250 people, supplying components such as brake discs, calipers, master cylinders, and complete ABS systems to both domestic and international customers.

Globally, Brembo has earned a reputation as one of the most influential companies in mobility technology, supplying advanced braking systems, suspension technologies, wheels, clutches, and software-driven solutions for automotive, motorcycle, and motorsport applications. The company’s portfolio includes respected brands such as Brembo, AP Racing, ByBre, J.Juan, Marchesini, Öhlins, and SBS Friction. Founded in 1961 and headquartered in Bergamo, Italy, Brembo operates in 18 countries and reported revenues of €3.7 billion in 2025, employing approximately 16,000 people worldwide.

Ningbo SAFE Brakes Systems, founded in 2014, has emerged as a major force in the development and production of motorcycle ABS technologies. Between 2019 and 2025, the company consistently maintained a leading position in China’s two-wheeler ABS market. Its operations are supported by six ABS assembly lines, four ECU assembly lines, and advanced testing laboratories that comply with international quality standards. The company operates under the IATF 16949 quality management system and is recognized for its strong engineering capabilities, product reliability, and commitment to continuous innovation.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals, the formation of BRSF Active Safety Solutions marks a significant milestone in the development of India’s automotive safety ecosystem. By combining global expertise, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and local production infrastructure, Brembo and Ningbo SAFE are creating a platform that will support technology transfer, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and help motorcycle manufacturers meet the growing demand for safer and more technologically advanced vehicles.

As India’s two-wheeler market continues to evolve, the joint venture is expected to play an important role in expanding access to advanced braking technologies while contributing to the broader goals of improving road safety, enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s automotive industry.