MEYLE has been named a winner at the Automechanika Innovation Awards 2026, with its new MEYLE HD brake disc taking the top accolade in the ‘Advanced Parts & Vehicle Technologies’ category at Automechanika Frankfurt.
The award marks an important milestone for MEYLE, with the new brake disc extending the company’s established HD (High Durability) engineering philosophy into the braking system for the first time.
Developed in response to the changing demands placed on modern braking systems, the MEYLE HD brake disc has been designed specifically for vehicles with regenerative braking, where reduced use of the mechanical brakes creates a different set of challenges for conventional braking components.
While regenerative braking can reduce reliance on the friction braking system, brake discs may consequently remain unused for longer periods. This increases the importance of effective corrosion protection and creates new requirements for maintaining reliable braking performance over the long term.
MEYLE has addressed these challenges through an innovative laser-coated friction surface, developed with both current and future braking requirements in mind. Improved long-term corrosion protection is also applied to both friction and non-friction surfaces.
The brake disc is offered together with a matched MEYLE brake pad, creating a coordinated friction pairing designed specifically for the demands of modern braking systems. The new range has been designed to tackle upcoming Euro 7 regulations by drastically reducing brake rust and emissions.
Michael Hamann, Interim Head of Product Team Brakes / Drivetrain, at MEYLE, commented: “Winning an Automechanika Innovation Award is fantastic recognition for the engineering expertise that has gone into developing our first MEYLE HD brake disc. The way vehicles are designed and driven is changing and aftermarket components need to evolve with them. Our HD philosophy is about understanding where components experience the greatest stresses in real-world operation, identifying potential weak points and determining how materials, design or geometry can be optimised to create a more durable solution.
The MEYLE HD brake disc is a great example of that philosophy in action. It has been developed with the changing requirements of modern braking systems in mind, particularly as regenerative braking becomes increasingly common – and we’re incredibly proud to see that innovation recognised on an international stage.”
HD stands for High Durability and represents MEYLE’s engineering-led approach to developing technically enhanced components for demanding applications. By combining engineering expertise, manufacturing excellence and rigorous quality assurance, MEYLE’s engineering teams analyse where components are subjected to the greatest stresses during everyday operation, identify common weak points and determine where design, materials or geometry can be improved.
The Automechanika Innovation Award for the MEYLE HD brake disc further reinforces this approach, recognising the company’s continued investment in developing solutions that respond not only to the requirements of vehicles today, but also to the changing demands of the future. The award was presented during Automechanika Frankfurt 2026, where MEYLE showcased its latest product innovations and technical expertise to show visitors from across the world.
The result is a growing range of HD components developed to offer enhanced durability and reliable, long-lasting performance under real-world operating conditions. This engineering approach can also be seen in the new MEYLE HD drive shaft. Drive shafts are subjected to significant loads in everyday use, transmitting torque while simultaneously compensating for steering movements and suspension travel.
The MEYLE HD drive shaft has therefore been developed specifically to address typical weak points found in conventional solutions and increase durability. TPE boots provide enhanced protection against abrasion, dirt, moisture and stone impacts, while optimised joint technology is designed to improve longevity. High-quality materials also provide enhanced wear protection, helping to ensure reliable power transmission even under heavy loads.
Available exclusively from MEYLE, the new HD drive shaft demonstrates how the company applies its engineering expertise to identify real-world challenges and develop aftermarket solutions designed to address them.
