BWI Group Opens Brazil R&D Center to Expand Brake Technology

BWI Group Expands R&D Presence in South America

BWI Group has started operations at its new BWI Group Brazil R&D Center, strengthening its global research and development network with a dedicated presence in South America. Located in the São Paulo region, the facility is designed to provide localized engineering capabilities for automakers operating in the region. The center will focus on product development, platform localization and technical support, initially concentrating on brake-by-wire technologies. The move reflects the company's strategy of combining regional engineering resources with its broader technology capabilities as automotive manufacturers continue expanding production and development activities across international markets.

New Brake Technologies Planned for South America

The new facility will support the introduction of BWI Group's ninth-generation Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system in South America for the first time this year. The company is also adding its integrated brake-by-wire system, iDBC (1-Box), to the regional product roadmap. The system entered mass production in China in 2025 and has more recently moved into production in Europe. These developments expand the company's advanced braking technology portfolio in the region while providing local automakers with access to systems that have already progressed through manufacturing deployment in other major automotive markets.

Localized Engineering to Support Automakers

The Brazil facility is intended to strengthen collaboration between BWI Group and automakers by providing engineering assistance closer to customers and vehicle development programs. Localized product development and platform adaptation can help manufacturers address regional requirements while drawing on the company's wider technical capabilities. The R&D center will therefore serve as a connection between global technology programs and South American vehicle applications, with technical support forming an important part of its initial operating scope. This approach is intended to improve collaboration as automakers expand their international operations and develop vehicles for specific regional markets.

Expansion of Braking Systems and Global Product Roadmap

Beyond ESC and iDBC, BWI Group said it plans to expand its integrated Electric Parking Brake (EPB) systems and brake calipers globally. The broader product strategy indicates continued development of braking technologies across different vehicle programs and markets. The company's South America expansion adds a regional engineering base to this global strategy, allowing technology development and customer support to be coordinated more closely with local manufacturers. By combining localized engineering with established global capabilities, the company expects the new center to support future product development and strengthen relationships with automakers operating across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of BWI Group's new Brazil R&D Center?
The new facility is designed to provide localized engineering, product development, platform localization and technical support for automakers operating in South America, initially focusing on brake-by-wire technologies. Located in the São Paulo region, the center expands BWI Group's global research and development network into South America. It is intended to strengthen collaboration with regional vehicle manufacturers while connecting local engineering requirements with the company's broader technology capabilities. The facility is also expected to support future automotive technology programs as manufacturers continue expanding their international operations and regional vehicle development activities.

Which braking technologies will BWI Group introduce in South America?
BWI Group plans to introduce its ninth-generation Electronic Stability Control system in South America for the first time this year, while its integrated iDBC (1-Box) brake-by-wire system has been added to the regional product roadmap. The iDBC system entered mass production in China in 2025 and later in Europe. The company also plans to expand integrated Electric Parking Brake systems and brake calipers globally. Together, these technologies form part of BWI Group's broader strategy to develop and deploy advanced braking solutions across international automotive markets.