Founded in 2002, the Trebur, Germany-based X-raid team has enjoyed unprecedented success, winning 11 FIA World Cups for Cross-Country Rallies, three FIA World Cups for Cross-Country Bajas as well as six Dakar Rallies, the last of which was in 2021. In addition, X-raid has made its name by developing and building off-road rally vehicles for competition as well as for both sale and rent. These include classics such as the MINI JCW Buggy, the MINI JCW Rally and the MINI ALL4 Racing.
For the 2023 Dakar Rally, the X-raid team will be entering four teams, two of which will be competing in the MINI JCW Rally (T1+) all-wheel race, with the two remaining teams competing in the MINI JCW Buggy race. The MINI JCW Rally T1+ teams consist of: Jakub ‘Kuba’ Przygonski [driver] and Armand Monleón [co-driver] & Sebastian Halpern [driver] and Ronnie Graue [co-driver]. The MINI JCW Buggy race teams consist of: Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi [driver] and to be confirmed [co-driver] & Denis Krotov [driver] and Konstantin Zhiltsov [co-driver].
X-raid’s emphasis on sustainability, moreover, will be increasingly evident at the 2023 event. This is demonstrated by the use of second-generation HVO fuel in the T1+ category, a biodiesel that is made from sources such as used vegetable fats and plastic bottles. As a result, the fuel does not compete with food production like HVO1. Furthermore, the engine power in the near future will be regulated electronically, instead of with an air restrictor. Both of these actions will ultimately result in enormous CO2 savings.
“We are very happy to be teaming up with the X-raid team for the second year in a row at the 2023 Dakar Rally,” says Frank Massia, Director Marketing Aftermarket EMEA NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE GmbH. “As one of motorsport’s classic and most formidable endurance races, the Dakar Rally lives up to the rich tradition of motorsport which our company has always been involved in. Together with the X-raid team, we are looking forward to contributing to the increased performance and sustainability of the vehicles competing at the event.”
The 45th edition of the Dakar Rally looks set to be the toughest one yet and will feature 14 different stages (two more than in 2022). In addition, 70 percent of the racetracks will be new. Beginning on the shores of the Red Sea and finishing on the opposite side of the Arabian Peninsula 18 days later, the coast-to-coast race will encompass almost 5.000 kilometres of Saudi Arabia.
First staged in 1978, the Dakar Rally is an annual off-road endurance event that has been held in a range of locations throughout Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East. Featuring five competitive classes (motorcycles, quads, the cars class [ranging from buggies to small SUVs], UTVs, and trucks class), the 2023 ‘Dakar’ will take place in Saudi Arabia between 31 December 2022 and 15 January 2023.
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