From pioneering hydraulic brakes to revolutionizing safety with ABS, Ate Car Parts have been at the forefront of automotive technology for over a century. ATE’s journey is a testament to relentless innovation and a commitment to enhancing vehicle safety through superior engineering and manufacturing. This dedication has cemented ATE’s position as a leading name in the global automotive aftermarket and a trusted provider of high-quality car parts.
The Enduring Legacy of ATE Car Parts
The ATE story is one of continuous evolution and adaptation, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in braking technology. Even after 100 years of remarkable achievements, ATE remains driven by a pioneering spirit, constantly developing new solutions and setting industry benchmarks.
Key Milestones in ATE Car Parts History:
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2016: Demonstrating its ongoing innovation in aftermarket solutions, ATE introduced the first Mercedes brake disc specifically designed for aftermarket applications for the C and E Classes. This highlights ATE’s responsiveness to market needs and its commitment to providing solutions for even the latest vehicle models.
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2010: ATE expanded its product portfolio with the launch of innovative low-dust ATE Ceramic brake pads, catering to the growing demand for cleaner and more environmentally conscious car parts. Simultaneously, the ATE Classic product range was introduced, ensuring that owners of classic vehicles could also benefit from ATE’s quality and expertise.
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2006: Further refining its caliper technology, ATE introduced the enhanced 2FNR-VEVO FNR caliper to the market, showcasing its dedication to continuous improvement and optimizing the performance of its car parts.
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2005: Recognizing the increasing sophistication of electronic braking systems, ATE developed the special low-viscosity ATE SL.6 brake fluid. This fluid is specifically formulated to be compatible with the intricate hydraulics of systems like ABS and ESP®, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of these critical safety features.
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2002: ATE’s commitment to driving dynamics and safety reached a new level with the presentation of ESP® II. This groundbreaking system was the first ESP® to incorporate active steering intervention, marking a significant advancement in vehicle stability and control and solidifying ATE’s leadership in safety-critical car parts.
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1998: A pivotal moment in ATE’s history occurred with the acquisition of the Brake and Chassis Group of ITT Industries by Continental AG. This merger led to the formation of Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG, strengthening ATE’s R&D capabilities through the resources of the Continental Group and opening doors to new global markets for ATE car parts.
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1996: ATE revolutionized brake disc technology with the introduction of the PowerDisc. This innovative disc design minimized fading and significantly extended service life thanks to its unique score-free abrasion pattern. Its debut at Automechanika 1996 signaled a new era in brake disc performance and durability for ATE car parts.
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1984: A landmark achievement for ATE and the automotive industry as a whole: the launch of series production of the world’s first integrated ABS. The ATE ABS MK II was adopted by Ford USA and Ford Europe, with a remarkable quarter of a million systems delivered within just two years, demonstrating the rapid adoption and impact of ATE’s safety innovations.
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1980: The ABS MK II marked a critical milestone as Teves’ first anti-lock braking system ready for mass production. This innovation underscored ATE’s product philosophy: making safety systems affordable to enhance driving safety for everyone, a principle that continues to guide the development of ATE car parts.
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1979: ATE’s floating caliper disc brakes made their mark in high-performance motorsport, being adopted in the BMW M1 Group 4 racing version. This demonstrated the performance and reliability of ATE car parts even under the most demanding conditions.
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1977: ATE expanded its global footprint, becoming one of the first suppliers to establish manufacturing facilities in North America. The Culpeper, Virginia factory began producing floating caliper disc brakes and vacuum brake boosters for Ford and Volkswagen, further solidifying ATE’s presence in the international car parts market.
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1972: The Teves plant in Rheinböllen supplied high-performance ATE four-piston fixed-caliper brakes for prestigious models like the Ferrari 365 GTB and Porsche 911 S. This highlighted ATE’s capability to produce car parts meeting the rigorous demands of high-performance vehicles. Also in 1972, the first in-house developed vacuum booster, the ATE T52, entered volume production, achieving impressive production figures that continue to this day.
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1960: ATE expanded its manufacturing capabilities by taking over disc brake production under license from Dunlop at its Frankfurt factory. The Ford 17M, a popular model of the era, was offered with ATE Dunlop disc brakes, showcasing the growing acceptance and demand for disc brake technology and ATE car parts.
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1958: ATE patented the “negative scrub radius” design principle, a significant contribution to improved directional stability during braking. This innovation, coupled with the start of mass production of disc brakes in Germany in the same year, cemented ATE’s position as a leader in brake technology and manufacturing of advanced car parts.
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1954: ATE pump circulation brake boosters made history as the first hydraulic brake boosters used in Formula 1 racing, featuring in the legendary Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow. This demonstrated the cutting-edge performance and innovation of ATE car parts in the highest levels of motorsport.
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1952: Recognizing the technological superiority of disc brakes over drum brakes, Teves initiated disc brake development in Frankfurt, demonstrating foresight and a commitment to future-oriented car parts technology.
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1948: Despite significant wartime damage, the company rebounded remarkably, regaining its pre-war size with 3,500 employees. The establishment of a new factory in Gifhorn emphasized the company’s renewed focus on hydraulic brake system development, signaling resilience and a forward-looking approach to car parts manufacturing.
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1939: ATE expanded its manufacturing processes to include centrifugal casting for cylinder liners and ribbed cylinders at the Frankfurt am Main factory, diversifying its production capabilities and expertise in automotive components.
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1937: The introduction of the ATE tandem master cylinder for cars, trucks, and buses marked another innovation in braking system design, enhancing safety and performance across a range of vehicle types with advanced ATE car parts. Also in 1937, ATE brakes were trusted in motorsport, equipping racing cars that secured first and second place at the British Grand Prix, highlighting the performance and reliability of ATE technology in demanding racing environments.
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1934: ATE brake systems, optimized for motorsport, were chosen by Auto-Union and Daimler-Benz for their 750 kg formula racing cars, further establishing ATE’s reputation for high-performance and reliable car parts in competitive racing.
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1926: The Adler Standard became the first continental car to feature a hydraulic braking system – the ATE Lockheed brake. This pioneering adoption of hydraulic brakes marked a significant advancement in automotive safety, with ATE at the forefront of this technological shift in car parts. ATE also strengthened its market position through innovative technical developments and new casting processes.
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1921: The ATE brand name was officially adopted, replacing the previous logo and establishing the now-iconic blue packaging that became synonymous with top-quality ATE car parts in workshops and companies.
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1911: Alfred Teves Maschinen- und Armaturenfabrik was founded, marking the official beginning of the ATE legacy. Following World War I, in-house manufactured parts became increasingly important, and the company established itself as a reputable automotive parts supplier with high-quality piston rings and braking systems.
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1909: Teves co-founded the Mitteldeutsche Kühlerfabrik (Central German radiator factory), expanding his business ventures and securing contracts with prominent manufacturers of the time, including Audi and Wanderer.
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1906: Alfred Teves founded his initial company as a general representative for automotive accessories, presenting his products at the IAA in Frankfurt and laying the foundation for the future ATE brand in car parts.
ATE Car Parts: Driving Forward
ATE’s century-long journey is a story of continuous innovation, quality, and a deep-seated commitment to automotive safety. From its early pioneering days to its current position as a global leader, ATE has consistently delivered cutting-edge car parts that enhance vehicle performance and safety. With a focus on research and development and a dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the automotive industry, ATE is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence for many years to come, ensuring that “ATE car parts” remain synonymous with quality and pioneering technology in the automotive world.
