Denso secure Toyota OE supply

DENSO Corporation has secured original equipment Spark Plug contracts with Toyota covering a number of the vehicle manufacturer’s latest vehicle models, DENSO Aftermarket Sales UK has confirmed.
The seven Toyota models that now feature original equipment DENSO Spark Plugs comprise the Toyota Avensis (3) 1.6i, 1.8i and 2.0i from November 2008; the Toyota IQ 1.0i from November 2008 and 1.3i from May 2009; the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.3i from January 2009; and the Toyota Prius 1.8i from April 2009. The plugs selected for the vehicles are DENSO Iridium Longlife Spark Plugs, which feature a 0,7mm Iridium alloy centre electrode and Platinum ground electrode tip to deliver an outstanding plug lifetime of up to 100,000km.
In additional news, DENSO has also announced the introduction of a new Spark Plug to its OE quality, all-makes aftermarket programme. The GX8-1 Spark Plug – a DENSO Iridium Spark Plug with 0.7mm Iridium centre electrode and a platinum tip on the ground electrode – is now available in four-packs for the high performance Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X.
Both announcements reflect the world-leading, patented innovations that mark out DENSO Spark Plugs from the rest of the field. Paul Payne, DENSO Aftermarket Sales UK manager said: “Our continuous acquisition of OE Spark Plug contracts illustrates how DENSO’s advanced Spark Plug technologies lead the world. Toyota chose DENSO for a modern Hybrid car like the new Toyota Prius, quite simply because DENSO Iridium Spark Plugs can meet the strictest standards in low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions. We are extremely proud to have added these important new Toyota models to our OE provision.”
Iridium Longlife Spark Plugs are just one example of the cutting edge OE Spark Plug innovations that have been developed by DENSO through its investment of eight percent of sales into R&D each year. But these technologies are not restricted to original equipment customers, as Paul Payne explains: “By self-manufacturing our aftermarket Spark Plugs to OEM standards largely in Japan, we also ensure that the same, market-leading OE technologies are available to our aftermarket customers through our replacement Spark Plug programme. Our ranges include Standard (Nickel) Spark Plugs as well as Single and Double Platinum, Iridium Tough, Iridium Long Life, high-performance Iridium Power and Iridium Racing Plugs, and the latest technology Super Ignition Plugs (SIP). Overall there are more than 6,450 automotive references, covering 99% of the European car market. Most of these references feature DENSO’s globally patented ‘U-groove’ electrode technology as standard, delivering better combustion for reduced emissions, enhanced ignition performance and fuel economy. Our Iridium ranges for the aftermarket also feature our patented, micro-fine, 0.4mm iridium alloy central electrode, which helps deliver racing-style performance with lower fuel consumption.”
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Willson Flies A Kite For Motorists

BSI Kitemark reach out to motorists highlighting the importance of using a bodyshop or garage with BSI Kitemark certification with a radio day held today (Friday, November 20th ) with consumer motoring champion Quentin Willson.
The two BSI Kitemark automotive schemes for servicing and crash repairs are one of the most stringent in the UK, reassuring motorists that the work being done on their car is of the highest standard. Despite being launched only two years ago, research shows that almost six in ten people (58%) would prefer to use garages signed up to the schemes rather than non-certified garages.
Not only do they reduce the risk of unsafe work being carried out, they have to offer fair and transparent billing. This is backed up with a massive 77% of drivers saying value for money is the most important element of a good service.
To obtain the Kitemark garages/bodsyhops must address key areas: customer service, customer satisfaction, customer facilities - such as waiting areas, staff competencies - the quality of workmanship in the garage, their ability to use the equipment available, technical inspection, safe repair methods and importantly fair and transparent billing. All these elements are then assessed by independent BSI inspectors and must meet stringent benchmarks if the valuable Kitemark is to be awarded by BSI.
Consumer motoring champion Quentin Willson commented: “While there are other industry codes that are subscribed to by mechanics, garages and bodyshops, many will be assessed only once, or in some cases not at all. The Kitemark scheme has the most rigorous of assessments and insists upon annual reassessment to make sure that that same quality and service is being delivered year after year.
“I strongly believe that with motoring costs spiraling, every garage/bodyshop needs to prove that they are offering industry leading standards and transparent billing. Without these standards the motorist will vote with their feet."
There are currently 479 bodyshops with the Kitemark and 126 garages.
For more information on the Kitemark schemes visit www.kitemark.com.