Executive Interview: Bob Leone, Aftermarket Sales Manager, North & South America, ADVICS -

Executive Interview: Bob Leone, Aftermarket Sales Manager, North & South America, ADVICS

Since 2011, Bob Leone has been part of the exciting growth of ADVICS in the aftermarket. His drive and determination is dedicated to aftermarket distribution of the established OE brand. For years, ADVICS has been manufacturing original equipment parts for Toyota, Lexus and other OE parts to Ford, GM, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Isuzu, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru and others.

The ADVICS brand and brake system expertise was launched into the North American Aftermarket in 2001 by combining the original equipment brake system engineering teams that have been in the automotive market since the 1960s. Sumitomo combined their engineering excellence with AISIN and Denso to create ADVICS.

Since 2011, Bob Leone has been part of the exciting growth of ADVICS in the aftermarket. His drive and determination is dedicated to aftermarket distribution of the established OE brand. For years, ADVICS has been manufacturing original equipment parts for Toyota, Lexus and other OE parts to Ford, GM, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Isuzu, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru and others.

Not only is ADVICS is a supplier of original equipment brake system products, they also have coverage for many aftermarket applications for both domestic and import vehicles. The fit and feel of their brake system components make their aftermarket products as close to OE as it gets. The product material composition begins with the proprietary ADVICS OE mix and is then customized for each aftermarket application. As with the development of OE brake components, ADVICS’ aftermarket manufacturing uses the best engineering expertise and highest quality materials to build their products.BLeone 2

“I’ve been in the industry for a long time and can tell you that the ADVICS’ engineering team is one of the finest. The testing and analysis they do on our products is amazing – it is very comprehensive and precise. Once you experience this process and the dedication by these folks, it’s like a light bulb goes off and you understand how they are a leader in making brake system parts,” commented Leone.

As a ceramic-based friction material specialist, ADVICS’ friction material is designed to eliminate noise, vibration and harshness. This helps preserve other braking system components by lessening the wear and eliminating destructive issues that may occur in a braking system when harsher materials are used.

ADVICS’ OE division makes entire braking systems – everything from pedal to pavement. This includes electronic control modules, antilock brake systems, vehicle stability controls, calipers, rotors, power brake boosters, master cylinders, wheel cylinders and friction material. Currently, only some of these products are available to the Aftermarket.

“We only build quality products. All of our products for the Aftermarket are made in either the USA or Japan, not China,“ continued Leone.

ADVICS’ braking components are built to precise tolerances through vehicle movement simulations, brake squeal and vibration analysis, dynamometer performance testing, durability assessment, and in-vehicle calibration studies. The optimum control derived from the ADVICS total braking system ensures a comfortable and safe ride.

The friction material ADVICS manufactures is ceramic, not semi-metallic. They are conscious of the environment and are committed to continuing their quest of offering environmentally-friendly products.

ADVICS has announced the introduction of their latest product line – E25. This is a new line of copper-free ceramic brake pads specifically designed for European vehicles. These applications should be available later this year.ADV_ProductsGROUP_2015

ADVICS Ultra-Premium brake pads have applications for passenger cars and light trucks, both import and domestic. The level of quality and commitment put into each brake pad ensures safety on all road conditions and climate conditions. All of ADVICS products meet or exceed OE specifications.

Features and benefits of ADVICS Ultra-Premium brake pads:

• Precise fit for consistent, safe and reliable braking performance

• Engineered to virtually eliminate vibration and noise

• Exacting tolerances ensure immediate response to pedal input

• Tight, heat-resistant seals prevent leaks and contamination

ADVICS presently offers these high-quality, performance-driven products to the automotive aftermarket:

• Ultra-Premium Brake Pads

• Brake Discs (Rotors)

• Brake Master Cylinders

• Brake Wheel Cylinders

• Brake Boosters

Leone has been in the industry since 1978, starting with Wagner Brake in New Jersey as a District Manager. In 1981 he was promoted to a Unit Manager and in 1987 was again promoted to a Zone Manager in Ohio. Leone was a Regional Manager for ITT Aimco for several years and National Sales Manager at Akebono Brake Corporation for 8+ years. He currently is the Aftermarket Sales Manager for ADVICS for both North & South America.

Visit www.ADVICS-na.com to learn more about ADVICS braking systems or email: [email protected].  

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