The Ford Motor Co. has included brake company Brembo on a preferred supplier list.

The goal is for Brembo to enter a long-term relationship with Ford to strengthen collaboration and drive mutual profitability and technology development, according to a press release.

Brembo was named an Aligned Business Framework supplier as Ford consolidates global vehicle platforms and engine architectures while increasing part commonality across its product line. Ford is growing in its traditional home base of the U.S. and Europe to the emerging markets of Brazil and China, where sustained growth is forecast over the coming years, according to the release.

Brembo maintains a manufacturing presence in 12 countries on three continents. Along with other preferred suppliers in the ABF, Brembo will be able to build an even closer relationship with Ford, including the opportunity—in a long-term scenario of partnership and research—to share information on new products and business plans, according to the release.

Today, Brembo supplies Ford with brake discs for the Focus, Fusion and MKZ Lincoln and with brake systems for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 and Ford Mustang GT (optional) in the U.S.