KYB: Brand overview
KYB, formerly known as Kayaba, is a Tokyo-based company founded in 1919 as the Kayaba Research Center and is known for its expertise in shock absorbers, hydraulic equipment, and suspension components. In the 1930s, this Japanese corporation expanded its hydraulic shock absorber manufacturing capabilities and has since become one of the world’s largest suppliers of shock absorbers to automotive OEMs.
KYB’s product catalog is not limited to shock absorbers and includes various components such as struts, hydraulic cylinders, actuators, and pumps. This diversity allows the company to meet the needs of various industries, including construction equipment, industrial vehicles, and rail cars, further emphasizing its versatility and adaptability to different sectors.
Some prominent automakers supplying KYB components include Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. The company’s diversified product portfolio covers motorcycle, automotive, and industrial applications, which is a testament to its ability to handle different categories of vehicles.
With a global presence characterized by manufacturing facilities in various countries and sales offices worldwide, KYB has a workforce of approximately 15,000. The company’s financial strength is evidenced by its listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and annual revenues of approximately $4 billion.
Despite its strong market position, KYB faces competition from other industry players, such as Hitachi Astemo, Showa Corporation, and Tenneco’s Monroe brand.
Meaning and History
What is KYB?
This manufacturer’s automotive components specialize in shock absorbers, suspension systems, and hydraulic equipment. Its products are used in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial machinery. The company is known for the quality, technological sophistication, and reliability of its solutions in motion control and vehicle stability.
before 2005
2005 – 2008
2008 – 2011
2011 – today
The KYB logo is designed in a bold, dynamic style, highlighting the company’s active presence in the automotive components market. At the center of the composition is the abbreviation “KYB,” displayed in large, uppercase letters. Inside the letters are diagonal cutouts resembling rays of sunlight illuminating the road. These cutouts are shaped like elongated triangles and evoke the appearance of shock absorbers, valves, and cylinders—typical brand products.
The red color of the abbreviation conveys joy, warmth, and enthusiasm, reflecting the company’s passion for working with automotive parts. It is associated with the excitement of high-speed driving and evokes the sound of a powerful car engine. The letters are slightly slanted, creating an impression of speed and forward motion. They flow smoothly into one another, giving the composition a unified look.
At the bottom of the logo is the company’s slogan, “Our Precision, Your Advantage.” It is written in italic gray text, contrasting the bright abbreviation gently. The thin, slanted font appears calm and composed, like a quiet voice delivering a message about the importance of precision in the company’s work.
The diagonal cutouts also resemble beams of light passing through a dark tunnel, guiding a car forward. The elongated shapes are reminiscent of tools from a mechanic’s kit—simple and essential. The red and gray color scheme creates a balanced image, emphasizing the brand’s reliability and technological focus.