Which country does NGK spark plug come from?
3 Answers
NGK spark plugs are from Japan, and NGK is a Japanese company. The spark plug is an important component in the automobile ignition system, which is crucial for the engine. The ignition system of a car engine mainly consists of spark plugs and ignition coils. Spark plugs are wear-prone parts that require regular replacement. If spark plugs are not replaced for a long time, the electrode gap will increase, and carbon deposits will form on the electrodes, which can affect the spark plug's ignition. If the spark plug fails to ignite properly, it will prevent the combustible mixture in the combustion chamber from burning completely, affecting the engine's power output and increasing the vehicle's fuel consumption.
I've researched NGK, this brand's spark plugs are a long-established Japanese product. It was founded in 1936 by Nippon Soken, Inc. and is headquartered in Nagoya. Nowadays, it basically monopolizes the OEM market for Japanese cars - if you open the hood of a Lexus or Toyota, there's an 80% chance the spark plugs inside are NGK. Interestingly, they pioneered the insulator ceramic technology, and now even F1 racing cars use their products. But don't think they're all made in Japan - they have factories in 19 countries worldwide, and some boxes marked 'Made in USA' are produced at their Ohio plant. However, core technologies and R&D remain in Japan, with ceramic formulas kept confidential at the Nagoya research institute.
Car modification enthusiasts should all know that NGK is a Japanese brand. When I modified my Civic, I specifically chose its iridium platinum spark plugs. Japanese-made spark plugs are indeed precise, with electrode gaps as fine as 0.6mm and a lifespan twice as long as regular ones. Here's a fun fact: every NGK spark plug undergoes laser marking and X-ray inspection before leaving the factory, capable of detecting even tiny bubbles in the ceramic body. While Thailand-made products offer better value, top-tier models like the LFR7AIX still rely on Japanese craftsmanship. At the Tokyo Auto Salon, I saw them using 3D printing technology for custom electrodes - absolutely futuristic.
