NTK vehicle electronics boosts its aftermarket offer with new EGR Valve range

The new range will offer the same high quality that all the other products of NGK SPARK PLUG are renowned for, supplying emission performance that is in accordance with ‘EC Euro’ norms and similar to that of their OE equivalents. To ensure this, all references will undergo, and pass testing carried out in extreme conditions. This includes thermal shock testing in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C, tests on valve, cavity and cooling leakage, as well as electrical resistance and lifecycle. OE-style accessories such as gaskets and/or O-rings will also be included in the box. In addition, smart and well-protected packaging will allow for easy identification, stock management, inspection and scanning, as well as safety.

“With the upcoming launches of our EGR valve ranges, we will yet again improve on the comprehensive coverage and convenience that we provide to our Aftermarket customers,” comments Frank Massia, Director Marketing Aftermarket EMEA NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE GmbH. “An EGR valve range has been a market request for many years. This demand will now be fully satisfied, enabling our loyal customers to access all their vehicle electronics portfolio needs in one convenient place.”

The principal function of the exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) is to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that are produced during the combustion process. NOx is created when high combustion temperatures enable the nitrogen and oxygen present in the air-fuel mixture to combine. EGR valves come in three different types – ‘pneumatic’, ‘electric’ and ‘electric with cooler’ – and operate by taking exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and then reintroducing these gases into the intake manifold, mixing them with fresh air.

Originally developed at the beginning of the 1970s, EGR valves first started to be used in Europe in the 1990s in order to meet the ‘Euro 1’ emission standards. Today, 100% of diesel cars are equipped with EGR valves. In contrast, only 30% of petrol cars are equipped with EGR valves. Many new models will be even equipped with two EGR types (low pressure and high pressure), which means that the replacement part market for these types of valves is likely to grow, corresponding to the level of demand.

Within a three-year period, NGK SPARK PLUG will introduce its EGR valve range over three phases, along with a further fourth phase which will focus on range optimisation.

• Phase 1 will occur in 2022 with the launch of 84 references, delivering an EMEA car parc coverage of 125 million vehicles.
• Phase 2 will take place in 2023 and will see the addition of another 46 references, taking the range number to 130, with a subsequent car parc increase to 132 million.
• Phase 3 will see the completion of the EGR valve range in 2024, with addition of 40 more references, extending the number to 170 and the car parc coverage to 153 million.
• Phase 4 will be implemented in 2025 and will focus on range consolidation and the identification of new stock keeping units (SKUs). A more than 75% market coverage is projected for diesel and petrol vehicle applications by this stage.

NTK Services for the new EGR range will be wide-ranging. These will include a local distribution presence and premium quality service. In terms of documentation, customers will be able to locate specific references on NGK SPARK PLUG’s ‘Part Finder’, ‘TecDoc’ and ‘Catalogue’ (both PDF and excel master). Customers will additionally be able to avail of technical videos which will provide detailed insights into the workings and installation procedures of the EGR valve range. More details can be found at www.ngkntk.com.