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Customer background Marelli (formerly Magneti Marelli) is an Italian-origin Tier 1 automotive supplier, recognized worldwide. Its operations cover the core automotive areas — lighting, electronics, thermal management, and braking systems — serving many of the world’s leading automakers. The company runs more than 150 manufacturing plants and R&D centers across 23 countries and employs over 40,000 people. Marelli serves both OE and aftermarket channels, and its products follow the same rigorous OE standards in both. The company is also deeply involved in motorsport technology development, known globally for its innovative engineering and manufacturing capability. Its braking program serves the premium global market, covering a wide range of premium and mainstream vehicle models. As an authorized manufacturer for Marelli, we handle friction material development, process implementation, and mass production. The problem Under the previous specification, the pads drew complaints in several markets — brake dust, premature wear, and noise. Brake dust. Enough wheel dust to be visible, and customers noticed it. Wear. Pads wore out earlier than expected, cutting service life. Noise. Unwanted braking noise affected driving comfort. A high complaint rate from vehicle owners was costing Marelli both brand reputation and end-market sales. Communication and diagnosis We worked item by item with the Marelli team to review how the product actually performs across different global climates and road conditions, then analyzed where complaints concentrated. From these findings we built a comprehensive upgrade plan. The solution: three upgrades 1. Friction material formulation HC04X — copper and aramid fiber, high-end The premium formulation. Copper and aramid fibers raise both wear resistance and high-temperature tolerance. It adapts to different global climates, road conditions, and specialized vehicle models. Its core strengths — wear resistance and thermal stability — directly address the premature wear and heat-resistance problems seen with the previous specification. Copper-free For flat-terrain markets with standard urban road conditions, this formulation meets everyday driving requirements while improving price-to-performance, preserving margin for our client. Premium vehicle formulation For heavier vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and models above this class, we rebalanced braking performance against comfort. Ceramic fibers were added, improving wear resistance while also improving braking comfort. 2. Process and structural upgrade The original black fabric-textured shims had limited heat resistance. We upgraded to high-temperature-resistant rubber-plate shims. During braking, heat travels from the brake pads into the caliper and then dissipates through the shims. A high-quality shim screens out part of that heat, reducing evaporation of the grease and lubricants inside the caliper. This lowers the risk of abnormal caliper retraction, which in turn reduces uneven pad wear and, in extreme cases, compromised braking performance. 3. Surface coating We added a titanium alloy coating (scorch-free coating). New brake pads and discs do not reach full contact immediately. The titanium coating shortens the bedding-in period significantly and raises the safety margin. Brand identity and packaging Our in-house design team developed the packaging color scheme for Marelli, following the brand’s existing yellow family palette. This keeps the brake pads visually consistent with the rest of the Marelli product family, positioning Marelli brake pads as a flagship product across its full product line. Delivery and results Since the upgrades, the product complaint rate has dropped significantly, with positive feedback from the market, from Marelli, and from vehicle owners. From formulation and process through to external packaging, this overhaul has made Marelli brake pads a highlight within the brand’s product portfolio.

Customer Profile Our customer is an established automotive parts distributor with extensive experience in the Iraqi market. Iraq’s brake pad market is highly competitive, with numerous brands offering products that look and perform much the same. The customer needed a distinctive private-label brand that could stand out from the competition while earning recognition and trust from end users. Market Analysis: Iraq’s Terrain and Climate Most of Iraq consists of plains and deserts. The country has a hot, dry climate, with summer temperatures reaching as high as 50°C. These conditions place particularly high demands on the heat resistance of brake pads. Northeastern Iraq, especially the Kurdistan Region, is more mountainous and hilly. Frequent slopes and elevation changes require brake pads with greater wear resistance and durability. Different operating environments therefore require different product solutions. Different Requirements for Different Regions Customers in the plains are highly price-sensitive. Some buyers purchase large quantities of inexpensive products without fully understanding their materials or performance. This often results in inconsistent quality and constantly changing end-user groups. In the mountainous northeast, customers have higher expectations for braking performance and require products that are more stable, durable, and wear-resistant. Two Friction Formulas Based on these differences, we developed two friction formulas for the customer: A cost-effective formula designed for the plains A highly wear-resistant and heat-resistant formula designed for mountainous areas Adapting to Local Climate Conditions Iraq experiences strong winds and frequent sandstorms. Sand can easily enter the brake calipers and other braking-system components. To address this problem, we supplied maintenance kits for brake hoses, calipers, and related components. Sand entering the area between the brake pad and brake disc can also cause abnormal braking noise. We therefore further optimized the friction formula to improve braking comfort and noise performance. Before beginning the partnership, we spent approximately two weeks researching the customer’s operations and local market requirements. This allowed Super Stop to enter the market with products closely matched to actual conditions in Iraq. Background of the Brake Disc Solution Before working with us, the customer purchased brake discs from another factory. However, procurement costs were high, while technical specifications and casting standards varied considerably between manufacturers. Brake discs on the market often suffer from problems such as inconsistent quality, substandard materials, and excessive weight reduction. The customer did not have sufficient technical expertise to evaluate these products, choose the right surface coating, or identify a dependable factory. Communicating with multiple suppliers required considerable time and effort, yet still did not guarantee the right choice. To solve these problems at the source, Super Stop invested in a large brake disc factory in 2019 and became one of its shareholders. The factory has specialized in brake disc production since 1996. This investment allowed us to bring brake discs into our own controlled supply chain. Challenges Faced by the Customer The Iraqi market contained many competing brands, but few products had distinctive features. It was therefore difficult for the customer to build market share and establish a strong reputation in a highly homogeneous market. The customer needed a product range that could strengthen brand recognition while remaining competitive in a price-sensitive market. Brake disc sourcing was another long-standing challenge. The customer had already worked with six or seven brake disc suppliers but was still unable to find a partner that could provide consistently reliable quality and dependable delivery. Our Consultation and Product Strategy We worked with the customer to understand local purchasing habits and market price expectations. Taking Super Stop’s premium positioning into account, we developed an integrated strategy combining: A distinctive product and packaging design Value-added brake-system maintenance kits Competitive pricing and strong overall value The goal was to give Super Stop a recognizable identity from the moment it entered the market. Customized Solution Product and Packaging Design We differentiated Super Stop at every level, from the packaging to the appearance of the products themselves. The attractive and highly recognizable design allows customers to identify the brand immediately, helping it stand out in a market filled with similar products. Three Brake-System Maintenance Kits We supplied Super Stop with three maintenance kits covering the main service requirements of the braking system: Brake caliper maintenance Brake pad shim maintenance and heat insulation Wheel hub maintenance to prevent sticking and seizure Together, these kits provide comprehensive maintenance support for the braking system. Anti-Noise Shims Super Stop brake pads use upgraded red rubber-coated anti-noise shims of the same type used for Marelli products. These shims provide better heat insulation and noise control. Friction Formula The brake pads use Marelli’s HC04X friction formula, maintaining the same high-quality positioning and performance standards. Break-In Coating We use an Italian-imported break-in coating that provides effective heat insulation, supports faster bedding-in, and helps remove contaminants from the brake disc surface. Unlike some domestic coatings that may look similar but can lead to braking noise, the performance of our coating has been proven in practical applications. Brake Disc Solution: Super Stop Partially Coated Series We developed the Super Stop partially coated brake disc series to complement the brake pads. The non-friction surfaces are protected with a GEOMET anti-corrosion coating, which is environmentally friendly and offers excellent corrosion resistance. The braking surfaces remain in their original finish and are not covered with paint or any other coating. This design makes installation much easier. There is no need to grind the braking surfaces or clean them with chemical cleaner before installation, making the products more convenient for downstream repair shops. The brake discs also work smoothly with our brake pads as a complete braking solution. After the customer entrusted us with its brake disc sourcing challenges, we revised the product plan and arranged for the brake discs and brake pads to be shipped together. This became a successful one-stop purchasing solution. Brake Shoe Series The customer also frequently encountered problems with drum brake shoes. Brake shoes can be difficult to install, and inexpensive products often have inaccurate dimensions. This can result in high rework rates for repair shops and, in some cases, problems affecting entire batches. Super Stop brake shoes are manufactured using more precise production equipment and grinding machines. Their friction materials are developed based on our disc brake pad formulas, helping to maintain a consistent pedal feel and level of comfort between the front and rear braking systems. Brand and Packaging Customization With its attractive appearance and excellent price-to-performance ratio, Super Stop quickly gained recognition in the Iraqi market and helped the customer strengthen its local market share. Super Stop focuses not only on premium quality but also on delivering outstanding value for money. Delivery and Results The customer continues to increase its investment in promoting Super Stop. We conduct two local promotional campaigns in Iraq each year. The customer also brings its distributors to Baghdad or Erbil twice a year for product knowledge training. These training sessions focus on helping distributors understand how to sell the products and clearly communicate their key advantages. Combined marketing programs have also generated significant local interest and customer traffic, with further promotional support being introduced continuously. One-Stop Purchasing By supplying brake pads, brake discs, and brake shoes as one complete package, we eliminated the customer’s need to coordinate with six or seven different suppliers. We have now worked with the customer for four years, and its annual purchasing volume continues to grow: Annual brake pad purchases: USD 1 million Annual brake disc purchases: approximately USD 500,000 Private Labeling and Total Cost Savings The entire Super Stop product range can also be supplied under other customers’ private labels without increasing the overall price. Both the brake pads and brake discs come from factories within our own supply chain. Our brake disc factory has manufactured brake discs since 1996, and we became one of its shareholders in 2019. This gives us strong control over quality, supply, and cost. We also helped the customer calculate the true cost of procurement. If a batch has quality problems and an entire container cannot be sold, both purchasing costs and operating expenses increase substantially. Choosing a reliable, integrated solution from the beginning is therefore the most cost-effective option. The customer no longer needs to attend trade shows around the world or make repeated trips to China. Savings on trade show expenses alone can reduce the average cost of each product by RMB 1–2. Ongoing Marketing and Promotional Support After the products entered the market, we also developed promotional gifts for the customer, including hand cleaner, gloves, brake fluid, and brake cleaner spray. This support helped create a complete brake-system product range backed by ongoing marketing and promotional activities. Today, the customer can focus entirely on operating its local business and maintaining its customers and distribution network, without having to worry about supply-chain issues.

An OEM/ODM partner asked for a cheaper brake pad formula. The worry was simple: cheaper price, more noise, more dust, shorter pad life?When one of our OEM/ODM partners asked for a more cost-effective brake pad formula, their concern was simple: would a lower price mean more noise, more dust, or less reliable performance? Instead of answering with sales promises, we recommended a proven formula based on their vehicle applications, operating conditions, and target price. Samples were produced and evaluated through fitment checks, on-vehicle testing, and real-world trials. The results gave the partner exactly the balance they were looking for: stable braking, controlled noise and dust, dependable wear performance, and a competitive cost. More importantly, the successful testing gave them the confidence to move forward with long-term cooperation. At Huachen, we believe trust is earned through products that perform as expected. Every OEM/ODM project is supported by clear specifications, consistent production control, and responsible after-sales service. If a verified quality issue occurs, we work with our partners to provide a practical solution under the agreed warranty terms.

Hengshui Huachen Auto Parts Co., Ltd. — Formula System Overview Passenger Vehicle Formula Guide Formula Code Short Code Formula Type Target Markets / Applications Target Mileage (km) Recommendation Rating Recommendation Rationale HC-TC01-01 HC-01 Copper-Free Ceramic United States and other countries or regions requiring copper-free formulations ≥30,000 ★★★★★ A highly cost-effective ceramic formula that delivers low-dust, low-noise performance while meeting mainstream market mileage requirements. It is currently one of Huachen’s key ceramic formulas. HC-TC01-04X HC-04X Copper-Containing Ceramic Europe, the Middle East, South America, and markets requiring enhanced wear and heat resistance ≥50,000 ★★★★ Compared with TC01, this formula contains a higher proportion of heat- and wear-resistant materials. It is designed to address short service life and brake pad scorching under mountainous and other extreme road conditions; however, it costs more than TC01. HC-JS-01 JS-01 Low-Metallic Price-driven markets such as Africa; generally paired with non-standard steel backing plate thicknesses ≥20,000 ★★★ Mainly intended for highly price-sensitive markets where extended product life is not a primary requirement. HC-JS-02 JS-02 Semi-Metallic Markets seeking a strong balance of price and performance ≥30,000 ★★★★★ A formula that combines stable performance with excellent cost-effectiveness and is priced lower than TC01. HC-JS-03 JS-03 High-Metallic Mountainous regions and heavy-load vehicles ≥30,000 ★★★★ A higher metal content improves wear resistance, making this formula suitable for transport vehicles and heavier models such as the D1434 Toyota Hiace. It can extend service life and offers better cost-effectiveness than TC04X. Recommended for special vehicle models or specific performance requirements. It belongs to the same high-metallic formula family as the commercial-vehicle DB03. Commercial Vehicle Formula Guide Formula Code Short Code Formula Type Target Markets / Applications Target Mileage (km) Recommendation Rating Recommendation Rationale HC-DB-01 DB-01 Low-Metallic Price-sensitive markets and vehicle applications 30,000–50,000 ★★★ Mainly designed for price-sensitive markets. HC-DB-02 DB-02 Semi-Metallic The Middle East, Central Asia, and mainstream market applications 50,000–80,000 ★★★★★ Designed to meet mainstream market requirements. HC-DB-03 DB-03 High-Metallic Markets with higher mileage requirements ≥100,000 ★★★★ Designed for special road conditions and markets with higher mileage requirements. This formula belongs to the same formula family as JS03.   Tell us your target market, vehicle models, operating conditions, performance requirements, and budget. Our team will recommend a suitable product formula and develop a tailored cooperation plan for your business.