One exciting development has been its research into solid-state battery technology, widely considered to be the next generation in energy storage. The company’s technical know-how in this area provided the gateway for it to become a corporate partner of HAKUTO-R, a multinational commercial lunar exploration programme operated by ispace. This expertise, ultimately, created the opportunity to send a trial design of its solid-state battery technology into space. Aboard the ‘Mission 1’ lunar lander, the technology will be transported to the Moon where it will undergo rigorous testing.
Speaking about NGK SPARK PLUG’s role in this venture, Takeshi Hakamada, Founder & CEO of ispace says: “Stable power supply will be the most critical component to enable industry to take to the Moon. Ultimately, this means NGK SPARK PLUG’s contributions will facilitate the expansion of human presence into outer space.”
The ‘Mission 1’ lander is planned to be launched into space on SpaceX’s ‘Falcon 9’ rocket in 2022; the original 2021 launch having been postponed in recent months. Assembly of the lunar lander will begin in Japan in 2021 before being moved to Europe. Final assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) activities for the lander will be carried out by ArianeGroup GmbH at its facilities in Lampoldhausen, Germany, before being delivered to Cape Canaveral in the USA for its launch.
Still an emerging technology and not yet on the market for practical use, several types of solid-state battery are under development. With over 80 years’ experience in manufacturing premium ceramics, NGK SPARK PLUG has been pursuing research and development on ‘oxide-based ceramic electrolyte’ battery technology, with a focus on providing a wider operating temperature range and higher safety than other types. The choice of oxide eliminates the risk of combustion or hazardous gas leakage. The company, moreover, has developed a unique capability of non-sintering the oxide-based electrolytes, instead of the more common practice of sintering. This means that it will eventually be able to make the batteries larger for multiple applications.
In space and lunar exploration, the current power supply solution is to attach an electrical generator to electrolyte batteries. This keeps the battery from freezing by generating heat from sources such as radioactive isotope, which can be hazardous. On the Moon, the solid-state battery will be tested in temperatures as low as -150°C, which can occur during the lunar night and in the permanently shadowed regions at the Moon’s poles. Withstanding these conditions will mean that the burgeoning lunar industry will have found a stable energy storage solution.
Commenting on this fascinating opportunity, Damien Germès, President & CEO of NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE GmbH, Regional President EMEA and Corporate Officer of the Global Headquarters in Japan, says: “We are very excited about the potential of our solid-state battery technology as well as being a Corporate Partner and payload provider for HAKUTO-R. The testing of our technology in extreme lunar conditions is ideal to further improve the performance of our solid-state batteries. It has always been in our company’s DNA to explore new possibilities and test its products in the most extreme conditions for multiple future endeavours.”
About NGK SPARK PLUG:
Worldwide: NGK SPARK PLUG is one of the leading automotive and technical ceramics suppliers, with its corporate headquarters in Nagoya, Japan and sales organisations and production facilities all over the world. The automotive side of the company specialises in the fields of ignition and sensor technology, supplying Original Equipment customers across the globe. For the Aftermarket, its product portfolio comprises spark plugs, glow plugs, ignition coils and leads under the NGK Ignition Parts brand. Under the brand NTK Vehicle Electronics the company offers oxygen sensors (including NOx sensors), exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS), mass air flow (MAF) and manifold absolute/boost pressure (MAP) sensors as well as engine speed and position sensors. With around 16,400 employees, the company’s automotive and technical ceramics activities generate a total annual turnover of around 3.7 billion Euros worldwide. NGK SPARK PLUG’s EMEA sales represent 27% of this global turnover. NGK SPARK PLUG operates on all continents and has 43 group companies, 33 production plants and five Technical Centres.
Aftermarket EMEA: NGK SPARK PLUG has seen significant growth across the Aftermarket since expanding beyond motorcycle parts into the automotive sector in the 1970s. With an outstanding commitment to quality, technology and research & development the company has become the world’s number one in spark plugs and oxygen sensors, and a leading provider of glow plugs, ignition coils and leads as well as further sensor technology. Organisationally NGK SPARK PLUG’s regional headquarters in Ratingen, Germany serves the Aftermarket across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In the EMEA region the company has six regional companies and more than 1,000 employees, as well as two production plants in France and South Africa and a Technical Centre in Germany.
For more information please visit: http://www.ngkntk.com/
About ispace, Inc.:
ispace is a lunar exploration company with over 100 staff and offices in Japan, Europe and the United States. Founded in 2010, ispace managed Team HAKUTO, one of the 5 finalists in the Google Lunar XPRIZE competition. The company has raised a cumulative total investment of approximately $125 million (USD) in investment. The funding is being used to build a small commercial lunar lander, which aims to provide a high-frequency, low-cost delivery service to the Moon. Aspiring to be a gateway for the private sector to bring their business to the Moon, ispace has also launched a lunar data business concept to support companies with lunar market entry. ispace is part of a team led by Draper, which was selected by NASA to compete in its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Program, and ispace Europe was selected by ESA to be part of the Science Team for PROSPECT, a program which seeks to extract water on the Moon.
For more information please visit: https://ispace-inc.com/
About HAKUTO-R:
HAKUTO-R is a multinational commercial lunar exploration program operated by ispace. It includes ispace’s first two lunar missions: Mission 1, a soft lunar landing planned to launch in 2022, and Mission 2, a lunar landing and deployment of a rover planned to launch in 2023. For both missions, the HAKUTO-R lander is planned to launch on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The program aspires to lay the groundwork for high-frequency lunar transportation. Partners of HAKUTO-R include Japan Airlines, Suzuki Motors, Citizen Watch, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, NGK SPARK PLUG, Takasago Thermal Engineering, and Sumitomo Corporation.
For more information please visit: https://ispace-inc.com/hakuto-r/
About ArianeGroup:
ArianeGroup develops and supplies innovative and competitive solutions for civil and military space launchers, with expertise in all aspects of state-of-the-art propulsion technologies. ArianeGroup is lead contractor for Europe’s Ariane 5 and Ariane 6 launcher families, responsible for both design and the entire production chain, up to and including marketing by its Arianespace subsidiary, as well as for the missiles of the French oceanic deterrent force. ArianeGroup and its subsidiaries enjoy a global reputation as specialists in the field of equipment and propulsion for space applications, while their expertise also benefits other industrial sectors. The group is a joint venture equally owned by Airbus and Safran and employs approximately 9,000 highly qualified staff in France and Germany. Its 2019 revenues amounted to 3.1 billion Euros.
For more information please visit: www.ariane.group
January 2023
NGK SPARK PLUG is proud to announce the renewal of its role as technical partner and sponsor to the X-raid motorsport team for the upcoming 2023 Dakar Rally. The news once again confirms the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist’s commitment to participating at several elite levels of motorsport.
Read moreDecember 2022
Following on from the success of its inaugural Esports Cup in 2022, NGK SPARK PLUG is excited to announce the renewal of the tournament in 2023. The SimRacing competition will take place in the first three months of the new year and will provide the company’s Social Media fans as well as ‘Generation Z’ gamers and mechanics with a fresh snapshot of the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist. The Esports Cup further strengthens the company’s involvement in online gaming and will be open to all gamers over the age of 16 and will take place on the ‘RaceRoom’ section of the gaming platform Steam.
Read moreJuly 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG is proud to announce the beginning of a strategic partnership with neoplas med GmbH, a German medical company that specialises in innovative cold plasma jet technology. The collaboration will involve the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist investing growth capital from its Venture Capital Fund CVC (jointly operated with Pegasus Tech Ventures) into this future-oriented medical company. The move further demonstrates NGK SPARK PLUG’s commitment to promoting the creation of new businesses.
Read moreJuly 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist, announces the relaunch of its online fanshop. With an improved new look, the updated online touchpoint aims to further enhance the user experience of its customers. Whether it's a key ring, a softshell jacket or a dartboard, all company fans will be able to find what they are looking for in the fanshop’s three product categories: Accessories, Clothing and Sports.
Read moreJune 2022
Following the 122nd Ordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders on 24 June 2022, NGK SPARK PLUG announces major news with its decision to change its English language company name to ‘Niterra’. World-renowned as an ignition, sensor and technical ceramics specialist, the Group rebrand reflects the journey which the company is currently on and will come into effect at the beginning of the company’s next fiscal year on 01 April 2023.
Read moreJune 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist, is excited to announce the launch of 50 new exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS) to its NTK Vehicle Electronics brand. The range extension sees the addition of PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) sensors to the company’s current NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) portfolio, making NTK Vehicle Electronics a comprehensive service provider for EGTS.
Read moreMay 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG is pleased to announce the launch of three new spark plugs for marine applications, with one also suitable for 4-wheel vehicles. The three new double precious metal references are pioneering in the Aftermarket and follow the OE business, with outstanding quality, high ignition performance and ignitability as well as high resistance to wear.
Read moreMay 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is excited to announce the update of its Part Finder for 4-wheel applications. Available in more than 40 languages, the e-catalogue provides global customers with a user-friendly experience, allowing them to access the company’s comprehensive portfolio of Aftermarket ignition and vehicle electronics parts.
Read moreMarch 2022
The world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, NGK SPARK PLUG, has further strengthened its Aftermarket provision with the release of 12 new, advanced technology spark plugs for hundreds of Europe’s fastest-growing 4-wheel applications. All of the references are offered under its precious metal Laser Iridium, Laser Platinum or Iridium IX ranges, and three are first to market. In addition, almost all of the introductions follow the OE business of NGK SPARK PLUG, guaranteeing the company’s exceptional quality and performance.
Read moreJanuary 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is proud to announce the phased introduction of a wide range of EGR valves to its NTK Vehicle Electronics brand. The valves, which in terms of quality are equivalent to their OE counterparts, will be released over a three-year period, ultimately providing a 153 million EMEA car parc coverage. The move further strengthens the company’s Aftermarket offer, which provides customers with a one-stop shop for all their vehicle sensor needs.
Read moreDecember 2022
Following on from the success of its inaugural Esports Cup in 2022, NGK SPARK PLUG is excited to announce the renewal of the tournament in 2023. The SimRacing competition will take place in the first three months of the new year and will provide the company’s Social Media fans as well as ‘Generation Z’ gamers and mechanics with a fresh snapshot of the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist. The Esports Cup further strengthens the company’s involvement in online gaming and will be open to all gamers over the age of 16 and will take place on the ‘RaceRoom’ section of the gaming platform Steam.
Read moreJuly 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG is proud to announce the beginning of a strategic partnership with neoplas med GmbH, a German medical company that specialises in innovative cold plasma jet technology. The collaboration will involve the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist investing growth capital from its Venture Capital Fund CVC (jointly operated with Pegasus Tech Ventures) into this future-oriented medical company. The move further demonstrates NGK SPARK PLUG’s commitment to promoting the creation of new businesses.
Read moreJuly 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist, announces the relaunch of its online fanshop. With an improved new look, the updated online touchpoint aims to further enhance the user experience of its customers. Whether it's a key ring, a softshell jacket or a dartboard, all company fans will be able to find what they are looking for in the fanshop’s three product categories: Accessories, Clothing and Sports.
Read moreJune 2022
Following the 122nd Ordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders on 24 June 2022, NGK SPARK PLUG announces major news with its decision to change its English language company name to ‘Niterra’. World-renowned as an ignition, sensor and technical ceramics specialist, the Group rebrand reflects the journey which the company is currently on and will come into effect at the beginning of the company’s next fiscal year on 01 April 2023.
Read moreJune 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and vehicle electronics specialist, is excited to announce the launch of 50 new exhaust gas temperature sensors (EGTS) to its NTK Vehicle Electronics brand. The range extension sees the addition of PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) sensors to the company’s current NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) portfolio, making NTK Vehicle Electronics a comprehensive service provider for EGTS.
Read moreMay 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG is pleased to announce the launch of three new spark plugs for marine applications, with one also suitable for 4-wheel vehicles. The three new double precious metal references are pioneering in the Aftermarket and follow the OE business, with outstanding quality, high ignition performance and ignitability as well as high resistance to wear.
Read moreMay 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is excited to announce the update of its Part Finder for 4-wheel applications. Available in more than 40 languages, the e-catalogue provides global customers with a user-friendly experience, allowing them to access the company’s comprehensive portfolio of Aftermarket ignition and vehicle electronics parts.
Read moreMarch 2022
The world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, NGK SPARK PLUG, has further strengthened its Aftermarket provision with the release of 12 new, advanced technology spark plugs for hundreds of Europe’s fastest-growing 4-wheel applications. All of the references are offered under its precious metal Laser Iridium, Laser Platinum or Iridium IX ranges, and three are first to market. In addition, almost all of the introductions follow the OE business of NGK SPARK PLUG, guaranteeing the company’s exceptional quality and performance.
Read moreJanuary 2022
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is proud to announce the phased introduction of a wide range of EGR valves to its NTK Vehicle Electronics brand. The valves, which in terms of quality are equivalent to their OE counterparts, will be released over a three-year period, ultimately providing a 153 million EMEA car parc coverage. The move further strengthens the company’s Aftermarket offer, which provides customers with a one-stop shop for all their vehicle sensor needs.
Read moreSeptember 2021
NGK SPARK PLUG’s extensive Aftermarket 4-wheel coverage has been even further bolstered by the launch of three new spark plugs and one new glow plug. All three spark plugs are double precious metal plugs that follow the OE business of the ignition specialist. The new spark and glow plugs offer premium performance levels and high resistance against wear.
Read moreAugust 2021
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is excited to announce the upcoming relocation of the company’s global head office functions in Japan. The move will take place in April 2022, with the new headquarters located at the ‘URBANNET NAGOYA nexta BUILDING’ in Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya City.
Read moreJuly 2021
As the automotive industry and the global society in general endeavours to overcome the challenges of climate change, NGK SPARK PLUG announces its ‘Eco Vision’. This bold new environmental policy sees the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist promoting environmental conservation activities. These are linked with corporate management maintaining a good balance with corporate growth – based on the participation of all company employees – in order to contribute to the construction of a sustainable society.
Read moreJanuary 2021
Ever since NGK SPARK PLUG manufactured its first spark plug in 1936, the company’s commitment to innovation and quality has resulted in it becoming the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist. This status has been gained by its consistent delivery of products that perform reliably in even the most extreme of conditions. Let’s take a closer look at three very different ignition heroes that continue to deliver when the going gets tough.
Read moreSeptember 2021
NGK SPARK PLUG’s extensive Aftermarket 4-wheel coverage has been even further bolstered by the launch of three new spark plugs and one new glow plug. All three spark plugs are double precious metal plugs that follow the OE business of the ignition specialist. The new spark and glow plugs offer premium performance levels and high resistance against wear.
Read moreAugust 2021
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is excited to announce the upcoming relocation of the company’s global head office functions in Japan. The move will take place in April 2022, with the new headquarters located at the ‘URBANNET NAGOYA nexta BUILDING’ in Higashisakura, Higashi-ku, Nagoya City.
Read moreJuly 2021
As the automotive industry and the global society in general endeavours to overcome the challenges of climate change, NGK SPARK PLUG announces its ‘Eco Vision’. This bold new environmental policy sees the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist promoting environmental conservation activities. These are linked with corporate management maintaining a good balance with corporate growth – based on the participation of all company employees – in order to contribute to the construction of a sustainable society.
Read moreJanuary 2021
Ever since NGK SPARK PLUG manufactured its first spark plug in 1936, the company’s commitment to innovation and quality has resulted in it becoming the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist. This status has been gained by its consistent delivery of products that perform reliably in even the most extreme of conditions. Let’s take a closer look at three very different ignition heroes that continue to deliver when the going gets tough.
Read moreNovember 2020
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, announces the release of 12 brand new spark plugs to its Aftermarket range. The majority double precious metal spark plugs, five of which are first to market, will cover over 3.5 million vehicles by 2023; further expanding the company’s already comprehensive car parc product range. Each spark plug follows the OE business of NGK SPARK PLUG, delivering the company’s renowned quality and performance.
Read moreSeptember 2020
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is a company with its eyes set firmly on the future. By leveraging its expertise in ceramics to contribute to visionary ideas and enterprises such as commercial lunar exploration, the company is placing itself at the forefront of the mobility of tomorrow.
Read moreNovember 2020
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, announces the release of 12 brand new spark plugs to its Aftermarket range. The majority double precious metal spark plugs, five of which are first to market, will cover over 3.5 million vehicles by 2023; further expanding the company’s already comprehensive car parc product range. Each spark plug follows the OE business of NGK SPARK PLUG, delivering the company’s renowned quality and performance.
Read moreSeptember 2020
NGK SPARK PLUG, the world’s leading ignition and sensor specialist, is a company with its eyes set firmly on the future. By leveraging its expertise in ceramics to contribute to visionary ideas and enterprises such as commercial lunar exploration, the company is placing itself at the forefront of the mobility of tomorrow.
Read moreSeptember 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE has launched the aftermarket’s most extensive selection of premium engine speed and position sensors at Automechanika Frankfurt.
Read moreJuly 2018
The sensor specialist is harmonising the lengths of its EGTS cables while also launching several revised sensor references.
Read moreJuly 2018
SMALL ENGINE CATALOGUE
Read moreJune 2018
The long-standing technical partnership between world-leading ignition and sensor specialis
Read moreJune 2018
A new, improved parts catalogue from the leading ignition and sensor specialist is offering customers easy access to over 1,000 additional 2-wheel applications, in perfect time for the motorcycle season.
Read moreMay 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG UNDERLINES AFTERMARKET COMMITMENT WITH TECALLIANCE SHAREHOLDING
Read moreMarch 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE EXPANDS AFTERMARKET ASSORTMENT FOR MOTORCYCLES AND QUADS
Read moreSeptember 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE has launched the aftermarket’s most extensive selection of premium engine speed and position sensors at Automechanika Frankfurt.
Read moreJuly 2018
The sensor specialist is harmonising the lengths of its EGTS cables while also launching several revised sensor references.
Read moreJuly 2018
SMALL ENGINE CATALOGUE
Read moreJune 2018
The long-standing technical partnership between world-leading ignition and sensor specialis
Read moreJune 2018
A new, improved parts catalogue from the leading ignition and sensor specialist is offering customers easy access to over 1,000 additional 2-wheel applications, in perfect time for the motorcycle season.
Read moreMay 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG UNDERLINES AFTERMARKET COMMITMENT WITH TECALLIANCE SHAREHOLDING
Read moreMarch 2018
NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE EXPANDS AFTERMARKET ASSORTMENT FOR MOTORCYCLES AND QUADS
Read moreNovember 2017
NGK Spark Plug Europe expands its popular Aftermarket spark plug range V-Line by nine references. The newly added V-Line plugs with the short numbers 46 to 54 are a perfect match for best selling cars
Read moreOctober 2017
NGK Spark Plug Europe has added five ignition coils for recent models from Peugeot-Citroën, General Motors, Range Rover and Ford to its Aftermarket range.
Read moreMay 2017
Ignition and sensor specialist NGK Spark Plug Europe has launched three new Lambda sensors for the Aftermarket.
Read moreNovember 2017
NGK Spark Plug Europe expands its popular Aftermarket spark plug range V-Line by nine references. The newly added V-Line plugs with the short numbers 46 to 54 are a perfect match for best selling cars
Read moreOctober 2017
NGK Spark Plug Europe has added five ignition coils for recent models from Peugeot-Citroën, General Motors, Range Rover and Ford to its Aftermarket range.
Read moreMay 2017
Ignition and sensor specialist NGK Spark Plug Europe has launched three new Lambda sensors for the Aftermarket.
Read more