Coffee Brake

AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions is bringing the electronic brake control technology behind AUMOVIO's 500 million delivered electronic brake systems to side-by-sides and other powersports vehicles, according to Powersports Program Manager Adam Keesling. In the latest episode of the Coffee Brake Podcast, Keesling tells host Brian Hagman that the core brake control functions carry over from passenger cars almost entirely. The engineering work, he says, lies in adapting them to how off-road machines are actually driven. The conversation also covers the unit's low-volume business model, the trade-offs of ABS on lugged off-road tires, and whether regulation or the market will drive adoption first.

Brake dust spent two decades as a cosmetic complaint. In November it becomes a regulated emission in Europe — and the industry is still working out what that means.

Sarah Olson, VP of Engineering & Strategic Partnerships at PureForge, joins Brian Hagman to talk through what Euro 7 actually requires, which vehicles on the road today would pass, and why the aftermarket piece still isn't sorted out. Sarah started her career formulating friction materials in 2004 and now works on the rotor side, giving her a rare view of both halves of the emissions problem.

We also get into PureForge's EuroBrake results on the VW Golf, why the company's PVD rotor treatment fails differently than laser cladding, what's driving adoption in U.S. police and fleet applications, and what CARB is signaling for 2031.

Sarah will be at the SAE Brake Colloquium in Palm Desert.

Power Stop’s VP of Engineering and Quality — and incoming chair of the SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition — breaks down what actually goes into a brake pad, why EVs are rewriting the rulebook on corrosion and dust, and where AI realistically fits into formulation work today.

What does it actually take to balance stopping power, noise, rotor wear, and cost in a single brake pad? In this episode of Coffee Brake, Brian Hagman sits down with Greg Vyletel, Vice President of Engineering and Quality at Power Stop and incoming chair of the SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition — one of the largest gatherings in the brake industry.

Vyletel walks through what a modern non-asbestos organic or ceramic friction formulation actually contains — often 15 to 20 raw materials, compared to the handful used in older semi-metallic compounds — and the balancing act of improving one property, like NVH, without quietly wrecking another. He also digs into a challenge more formulators are running into as EV adoption grows: without residual heat from a combustion engine, a brake corner can be left to develop a crust of ice and road grime overnight, one of several durability issues the aftermarket is still learning to design around.

The conversation closes on where the brake corner is headed next — from brake-by-wire adoption to the possibility of EVs eliminating rear friction brakes altogether — plus a candid take on how much of what gets called “AI” in friction design today is really just numerical modeling with a new label. Vyletel also makes his case for why the industry’s next generation of engineers needs to be cross-disciplined, not just mechanical.

About the SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition

Now in its 44th year, the SAE Brake Colloquium & Exhibition brings together OEMs, tier one and tier two suppliers, raw material providers, and academia — what Vyletel calls the industry’s version of a one-stop supply-chain visit. This year’s event runs September 20–23, 2026, in Palm Desert, California. Registration is open at sae.org/events/brake.

In this Coffee Brake episode, Luis Maurel discusses the competitive nature of racing and the critical role engineers play in enhancing performance. He reflects on his experience as a director of global motorsport and emphasizes the importance of collaboration between engineers, teams, and brands to achieve success in the racing industry.

In this Coffee Brake episode, Lloyd Ker, CEO of Orthene, discusses the company's legacy as the world's largest specialist producer of brake fluids and shares insights into their future vision, including the launch of the Halo brand for motorsport. He addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by electric vehicles and brake-by-wire technology, and outlines Orthene's global market presence and growth strategies.

How does a leading brake component manufacturer stay ahead in an era of electric vehicles and supply chain disruption? In this episode, we get the answers from Andy Mayfield and Andrés Sendagorta of Frenkit.

This conversation explores the strategic decisions that power a global leader, from achieving a 98% supply chain fill rate to pioneering innovative Super Kits. You’ll hear firsthand about Frenkit’s proactive approach to the EV revolution, their deep commitment to sustainability, and their vision for the future of braking systems.

For anyone looking for a masterclass in global strategy and operational excellence, this episode is a must-listen.

In this conversation, Brian Hagman interviews Gordon Heidacker, CEO of PureForge, discussing the company's recent developments in the aftermarket sector, innovations in brake technology, and their engagement in motorsports. Heidacker shares insights on testing results that validate their product claims, customer success stories, and the strategic direction of PureForge, including e-commerce initiatives and future growth plans.

Host Brian Hagman is the Founder of Hagman Media, a publisher of digital media platforms covering the automotive and transportation segments. Platforms include The BRAKE Report, The EV Report, and Self Drive News.

Brian is also the President of Hagman Search, a boutique firm devoted to helping clients recruit and hire top industry talent. Our three primary markets are Brake Systems, eMobility, and Automated Driving.

In the latest Coffee Brake podcast, Brian Hagman sits down with Volker Van Lier, Director of Business Segment Chassis and Brake Systems at Continental Engineering Services (CES). They discuss the journey behind CES and take a deep dive into the development of the Motorsport ABS kit—a cutting-edge plug-and-play braking solution crafted for both professional and amateur racing enthusiasts.

Host Brian Hagman is the Founder of Hagman Media, a publisher of digital media platforms covering the automotive and transportation segments. Platforms include The BRAKE Report, The EV Report, and Self Drive News.

Brian is also the President of Hagman Search, a boutique firm devoted to helping clients recruit and hire top industry talent. Our three primary markets are Brake Systems, eMobility, and Automated Driving.

This episode of Coffee Brake features an in-depth conversation with David Kidd from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), recorded live at the 42nd Brake Colloquium & Exhibition in Grapevine, Texas. Host Brian Hagman and Kidd discuss the evolution of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) technology and its significant impact on vehicle safety. Listeners will learn about the ongoing collaboration between IIHS and regulatory bodies, as well as the challenges and opportunities in AEB implementation.

Host Brian Hagman is the Founder of Hagman Media, a publisher of digital media platforms covering the automotive and transportation segments. Platforms include The BRAKE Report, The EV Report, and Self Drive News.

Brian is also the President of Hagman Search, a boutique firm devoted to helping clients recruit and hire top industry talent. Our three primary markets are Brake Systems, eMobility, and Automated Driving.

In this episode of Coffee Brake, Dr. Matthias Ostertag, head of the global business segment automotive components and interior components at the FUCHS Group, delves into the intricacies of brake system lubrication. Dr. Ostertag discusses the FUCHS 3C commitment, which guarantees consistent global quality standards and production equipment for lubrication solutions.

Host Brian Hagman is the Founder of Hagman Media, a publisher of digital media platforms covering the automotive and transportation segments. Platforms include The BRAKE Report, The EV Report, and Self Drive News.

Brian is also the President of Hagman Search, a boutique firm devoted to helping clients recruit and hire top industry talent. Our three primary markets are Brake Systems, eMobility, and Automated Driving.