DENSO’s TT spark plugs are available in both nickel and iridium, and since their introduction in 2009 and 2015 respectively, the range has continued to grow in popularity with motor factors countrywide; however, DENSO Pan EU Strategic Marketing Manager, Fatiha Laauich, explains how factors needn’t commit to “huge stock commitments to effectively cater for the relevant vehicle parc”.
Spark plugs play an important role for vehicle manufacturers (VMs), as they respond to global legislation and seek to maximise engine efficiencies and minimise exhaust emissions. DENSO is an original equipment (OE) supplier to VMs worldwide and also has a long-standing commitment to the aftermarket, where it supplies OE quality products that are designed and manufactured in the company’s own QS 9000 and ISO 9000 certified factories.
Few part numbers, large range coverage
The DENSO Twin Tip or TT spark plug was originally developed for VMs for OE applications in 2003, with the original Nickel TT introduced to the aftermarket in 2009; however, the range was boosted in 2015, when the company added its Iridium TT plugs, which feature the world’s smallest diameter iridium alloy centre electrode (0.4mm) and a platinum ground electrode of just 0.7mm diameter, which improves performance by up to 20% compared to conventional nickel spark plugs, as it allows the spark they generate to grow 360 degrees in all three dimensions.
This improves the ability of the fuel/air mix to both ignite and expand more quickly, maximising the amount of fuel that is burned during each combustion cycle, optimising engine performance and efficiency in the process.
In addition to emission reductions and increased fuel economy, Iridium TT plugs provide better cold starting performance, which is an important factor for motorists in the depth of winter. They also deliver an extended lifespan of up to 75,000 miles – more than three times that of a standard nickel plug, meaning they also make sense economically for owners looking to reduce their running costs, without jeopardising their vehicle’s reliability.
Additional benefits for both distributors and installers are that the entire Iridium TT range consists of only 19 part numbers and just 10 of these account for 97% of the total range coverage, which means that neither party has to make huge stock commitments to effectively cater for the relevant vehicle parc.
Delivering OE quality solutions
Today, the complete TT range is made up of 35 consolidated part numbers, 16 for Nickel TT and 19 for Iridium TT, which, together, cater for 83% of the European car parc. The offering is designed to allow factors to provide independent workshops with the highest quality replacement parts, as well as upgrades to the vehicle’s original spark plugs.
DENSO remains dedicated to enhancing automotive technology and bringing OE quality solutions to the independent aftermarket, the company’s TT range evidence of this.
It is this advanced technology that levels the playing field between independent workshops and their VM franchised dealer counterparts, too, enabling professional technicians to access the most technically advanced vehicle parts, thus increasing customer confidence and loyalty.
