Knorr-Bremse

What Knorr-Bremse does

Knorr-Bremse AG is a Munich-headquartered global manufacturer of braking systems and related safety-critical subsystems for rail vehicles and commercial vehicles, founded in 1905 and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA:KBX). The company operates through two divisions: Rail Vehicle Systems, which supplies braking systems, entrance systems, HVAC, platform screen doors, control components, and driver assistance for mass transit, freight, locomotive, and high-speed rail; and Commercial Vehicle Systems, which supplies braking, electronic control, air supply, steering, powertrain, and torsional vibration damping systems for trucks, buses, trailers, and agricultural machinery, with the Bendix brand serving North America. The company generated approximately EUR 7.8 billion in 2025 revenue, employs roughly 30,000 people across 100+ locations in more than 30 countries, and reports a record EUR 5.93 billion rail order book. Revenue is generated through direct OEM hardware sales, an extensive aftermarket network (TruckServices, RailServices, Alltrucks workshop concept, Bendix), and an emerging digital services layer (TRAVIS Road Services, Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics, PleaseFix, Data2Action).

The underlying technology portfolio includes the EP2002 electronically controlled pneumatic brake system for rail, the Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) and Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT) platforms for commercial vehicles, the DAC 5 digital automatic coupler, and the rGSBC, rEPS, and rPMS redundant architecture for SAE Level 4 automated trucks. Recent strategic activity has broadened the technology base into rail embedded electronics and signaling (duagon Group acquisition January 2026, Alstom Signaling North America 2024), commercial vehicle multi-brand diagnostics (Cojali S.L. majority stake June 2026), and digital aftermarket booking (TRAVIS Road Services 2025). The company has entered a strategic cloud and AI partnership with AWS (February 2026) and is investing up to EUR 200 million over five years in a modular Chennai, India campus that combines production, engineering, and AI activities for up to 3,500 employees, supplementing existing India operations in Pune and Faridabad. The go-to-market motion is enterprise field sales to rail and commercial vehicle OEMs, complemented by an extensive channel and workshop aftermarket network, with a growing digital self-serve and subscription layer.

Name

Knorr-Bremse

Legal name

Knorr-Bremse AG

Website

https://knorr-bremse.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1905

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Knorr-Bremse AG is a global manufacturer of safety-critical braking systems and related subsystems for rail and commercial vehicles, serving OEMs and fleet operators across 30+ countries with approximately 30,000 employees and EUR 7.8 billion in 2025 revenue.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rail and Commercial Vehicle Braking Systems

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing (33634), Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (33633), Transportation Equipment Manufacturing (336)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Truck Chassis, Axle, Suspension & Brake Systems Manufacturing (IMACABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Brake-Based Active Safety Hardware Manufacturing (ABS/ESC/AEB Actuators & Modulators) (IMACAMAH), Brake Control & Modulation Systems (ABS/ESC/EBD Modules & Hydraulics) (IMACAIAF), Braking Systems Maintenance & Overhaul (Pneumatic/Electro-Pneumatic) (TLAKAIAF), Steering Systems & Components (Columns/Racks/EPS Pumps & Motors) (IMACAIAB)

Keywords

• Rail braking systems
• Commercial vehicle brakes
• Truck safety systems
• Rail vehicle subsystems
• Automotive braking technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Munich

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Original Equipment (OEM) Sales: Direct sales of braking systems, entrance systems, HVAC, and other subsystems to rail vehicle and commercial vehicle manufacturers. Products integrated into end products delivered to OEM customers.
2. Aftermarket Products and Services: Sales of service parts, remanufactured components (EconX line), workshop services, and technical support through TruckServices brand. Includes distribution through Expert Network of distributors and workshops.
3. Digital Services Platform: Revenue from digital aftermarket services including TRAVIS Road Services platform for booking road services, and Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics subscription platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Knorr-Bremse AG is a global manufacturer of braking systems and other safety-critical subsystems for rail vehicles and commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, trailers, agricultural machinery). The company operates two divisions: Rail Vehicle Systems (braking, entrance, HVAC, platform screen doors, driver assistance, control technology) and Commercial Vehicle Systems (braking, steering, powertrain, air supply, driver assistance), supported by a global aftermarket network under TruckServices and RailServices.

Product overview

Knorr-Bremse is organized into two core divisions: Rail Vehicle Systems and Commercial Vehicle Systems. The Rail Vehicle Systems division provides braking systems and subsystems for rail vehicles including mass transit, freight trains, locomotives, long-distance passenger and high-speed trains, along with entrance systems, HVAC, power systems, control components, platform screen doors, driver assistance, and control technology. The Commercial Vehicle Systems division offers braking systems for trucks, buses, trailers, and agricultural machinery, plus electronic control, driver assistance, air supply, steering, powertrain, and vibration damping systems. Key products include the EP2002 electronically controlled brake system for rail, the GSBC/GSAT scalable platforms for commercial vehicles, the DAC 5 Digital Automatic Coupler, and Data2Action digital solutions. The company operates several sub-brands including TruckServices (aftermarket), Bendix (North American commercial vehicle systems), Selectron (rail control units), and EconX (sustainable remanufactured products). Recent acquisitions include duagon (rail electronics, finalized January 2026), Cojali (multi-brand diagnostics, majority stake), and TRAVIS Road Services (truck service booking platform, expected Q1 2026 close). The Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics platform provides AI-enabled diagnostics for Australian fleets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bendix: Commercial vehicle brake systems brand operating in North America
• TruckServices
• RailServices
• EconX
• KB Signaling
• Cometfans
• Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics

Products and services

• Rail Vehicle Systems Division Braking systems and subsystems (braking, entrance systems, HVAC, auxiliary power supply, control components, windscreen wipers, platform screen doors, friction materials, driver assistance, electrical traction equipment, control technology) for mass transit vehicles, freight trains, locomotives, long-distance passenger trains, and high-speed trains. Customers are rail vehicle OEMs and operators.
• Commercial Vehicle Systems Division Braking systems, electronic control, driver assistance, air supply systems, steering systems, powertrain systems, and torsional vibration dampers for trucks, buses, trailers, and agricultural machinery OEMs.
• EP2002 Electronically Controlled Brake System Digitally-controlled electro-pneumatic brake system for heavy-freight and high-speed rail operators, offering precise, redundant braking and easier maintenance. Customers are rail OEMs and rail operators.
• Global Scalable Brake Control (GSBC) Advanced brake control platform for commercial vehicles, supporting the transition to electric and highly automated commercial vehicles. For truck, bus, and trailer OEMs.
• Global Scalable Air Treatment (GSAT) Scalable air treatment platform for next-generation commercial vehicle braking and air systems. For commercial vehicle OEMs.
• DAC 5 Digital Automatic Coupler Digital automatic coupler with electrical actuator for automatic uncoupling in rail applications. For rail vehicle OEMs and freight operators.
• rGSBC Redundant Braking System Redundant Global Scalable Brake Control system for SAE Level 4 automated trucks, featuring modular braking with failsafe architecture as part of Knorr-Bremse's redundant architecture solutions (with rEPS and rPMS). For commercial vehicle OEMs developing autonomous trucks.
• Data2Action Digital solutions portfolio for rail operations optimization that enables data-driven decision making for rail operators.
• Knorr-Bremse TruckServices Aftermarket service and parts brand for commercial vehicles, offering service new parts, remanufactured EconX products, service kits, wear parts, special tools, and retrofit solutions, plus workshop services and the Alltrucks workshop network. Customers are fleet operators and commercial vehicle workshops.
• EconX Remanufactured Components Remanufactured commercial vehicle component line including calipers, air treatment products (EAC, cartridges), electronic clutch actuators, and compressors. For commercial vehicle aftermarket customers.
• Knorr-Bremse Diagnostics Subscription-based advanced diagnostic platform for fleets and workshops, offering trailer, truck, and bus diagnostics compliant with European cybersecurity and Software Update Management System regulations. Developed in partnership with Cojali using Jaltest Diagnostics software. Customers are commercial vehicle fleet operators and workshops.
• TRAVIS Road Services Platform Digital platform for booking road services for commercial vehicles, serving over 2,500 partners across 26 countries. For fleet operators, service providers, and commercial vehicle operators.
• Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems North American commercial vehicle braking and safety systems brand serving OEMs and fleets, employing more than 3,600 people with manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico.
• Selectron Rail Control Units Control units for rail applications used in traction control systems and other rail electronics. For rail vehicle OEMs and operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Q1 2026 EBIT of €261 million beat consensus by 1% with 13.5% margin, up 140 basis points year-over-year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.

• Cojali S.L.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 June 2026Spanish developer of multi-brand diagnostics systems for commercial vehicles. Knorr-Bremse acquiring majority stake to boost aftermarket business by approximately 160 basis points. Cojali posted EUR 77.6 million in fiscal 2021 revenues with 16% average annual growth over five years. Companies plan to jointly expand remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance solutions.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or Integration · 16 February 2026Strategic cloud and AI partnership to accelerate AI adoption across Knorr-Bremse's global manufacturing operations. Initiative focuses on AI operating model, autonomous industrial solutions, and workforce AI training. Pilot project in India demonstrating expected productivity gains of up to 30%. Company plans to train ~4,000 employees on AI technologies.
• CIRCULAR REPUBLIC (UnternehmerTUM)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026Partnership for Circular Technology Award initiative, Knorr-Bremse's first green technology initiative. Offers €25,000 prizes to four winners and up to €150,000 in proof-of-concept funding for startups developing AI and robotics solutions for automated component disassembly and critical raw materials recovery.
• Heinz Hermann Thiele Family FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026Co-partner in Circular Technology Award initiative supporting startups in circular economy technologies for automated disassembly and raw materials recovery.
• WAGH B.V. (WESP-Group)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2026Joint venture WESP CV established with Knorr-Bremse holding 51% majority stake. Germany-headquartered entity developing data-driven benchmarking tools and digital services for commercial vehicle aftermarket. Combines WESP-Group's digital workshop tools with Knorr-Bremse's commercial vehicle market expertise for predictive maintenance solutions.
• duagon GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2026Swiss-based leading supplier of electronics, hardware, and software solutions for the rail industry headquartered in Dietikon. Acquisition expands Knorr-Bremse's expertise in embedded electronics and signaling technology. duagon achieved ~15% CAGR between 2022-2025 with ~1,000 specialized experts.
• VTGstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025Strategic framework agreement signed to promote digitalization in rail freight. Knorr-Bremse manufactures braking systems and subsystems for rail vehicles serving various types of trains.
• TRAVIS Road Services International B.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2025Dutch digital platform for booking road services for commercial vehicles acquired by Knorr-Bremse. Platform serves over 2,500 partners across 26 countries. Acquisition aims to expand Knorr-Bremse's digital aftermarket services ecosystem, with deal expected to close by Q1 2026.
• ATLAS-L4 Project ConsortiumstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2025Joint development project including MAN Truck & Bus, LEONI, Bosch, and other partners to deploy autonomous Level-4 trucks on motorways. Project budget approximately €59.1 million, focused on addressing Europe's growing truck driver shortage.
• Siemens Mobility (Munich S-Bahn)strategicTechnology or Integration · 3 April 2025Knorr-Bremse secured order to equip at least 90 new suburban trains for Munich S-Bahn with braking and coupling systems. First time Siemens Mobility selected Knorr-Bremse's coupling technologies. Order valued in mid double-digit million-euro range with series delivery beginning end of 2025.
• Alstom Signaling North AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 April 2024Acquisition of Alstom's North American conventional rail signalling business for €630 million. Marks Knorr-Bremse's entry into control, command, and signalling segment in North America, strengthening market presence and technological capabilities. Transaction completed September 2024.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• Wabtec (Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies): Direct competitor in rail braking systems and rail equipment globally, including freight and transit markets. Through the Faiveley Transport acquisition, Wabtec is the closest direct peer to Knorr-Bremse's Rail Vehicle Systems division, competing head-to-head on OEM contracts and signaling.
• Haldex: Direct peer in commercial vehicle brake and air suspension systems. Haldex supplies braking and air management components to the same truck, bus, and trailer OEM customers as Knorr-Bremse's Commercial Vehicle Systems division, with comparable aftermarket exposure.
• Brembo: Global leader in braking systems primarily for passenger cars and high-performance vehicles. Competes with Knorr-Bremse in advanced brake caliper and disc technologies and increasingly in commercial vehicle and EV applications, with similar safety-critical technology positioning.
• Mando Corporation: Korean supplier of brake, steering, and suspension systems to global OEMs with strong commercial vehicle and EV exposure. Competes with Knorr-Bremse in commercial vehicle brake calipers, electronic brake systems, and increasingly in electric vehicle brake-by-wire solutions.
• Akebono Brake Industry: Japanese brake system specialist with global OEM supply for passenger and commercial vehicles. Competes directly with Knorr-Bremse on friction materials, calipers, and advanced braking technologies, particularly in Asian OEM relationships.

Broad incumbents

• Bosch Mobility Solutions: Diversified Tier 1 supplier with a broad portfolio of braking systems (ABS, ESC, iBooster), steering, and ADAS components for commercial and passenger vehicles. Overlaps with Knorr-Bremse's commercial vehicle brake control and ADAS offerings as a co-supplier to major truck OEMs including the ATLAS-L4 partnership.
• Continental Automotive: Large diversified automotive supplier offering brake systems, electronic stability control, and ADAS alongside tires and other product lines. Competes with Knorr-Bremse in commercial vehicle brake electronics and active safety systems across European and global OEMs.
• ZF Friedrichshafen: Global Tier 1 supplier of driveline, chassis, and active safety technologies for commercial and passenger vehicles. Overlaps with Knorr-Bremse's commercial vehicle steering, brake control, and automated driving systems, including in the ATLAS-L4 autonomous truck consortium.

Others

• Hitachi Rail: Rail signaling, rolling stock, and digital systems provider that complements rather than directly competes with Knorr-Bremse's rail offering. A potential customer or partner for rail electronics given duagon's signaling integration, and an adjacent peer in the broader rail systems market.
• Alstom: Major rail OEM and signaling supplier that is both a key customer of Knorr-Bremse (Coradia Max, VLocity) and a partial competitor following Knorr-Bremse's acquisition of Alstom's North American conventional signaling business. Represents a customer-competitor dynamic in the rail signaling space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments7 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Knorr-Bremse