Brembo exec explains why being small helps in fast-changing industry

Few suppliers have been able to constantly grow their business like Brembo. In the first half of 2018, the Italian brake specialist posted revenue of 1.34 billion euros ($1.5 billion), up 6.1 percent from the same period in 2017, and increased net profit 2.5 percent to 140 million euros ($160 million). The car business accounts for a bit less than three-quarters of that revenue; the remaining 30 percent is split more or less evenly among motorcycles, racing and aftermarket/commercial vehicles. Although one of the leaders in its field, Brembo is still relatively small compared with giants such as Robert Bosch or Continental. Brembo Executive Deputy Chairman Matteo Tiraboschi explained why this can be an advantage. He also knows, however, that Brembo needs to grow, he told Automotive News Europe Associate Publisher and Editor Luca Ciferri and Correspondent Andrea Malan.