In an upfront interaction, Sudipto Sanyal, Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing at Niterra India PVT. LTD. spoke to Ashish Bhatia about the new brand identity furthering the commitment to offer innovative and customer-centric solutions.
Q. What is the objective of the re-branding?
A. The objective is to announce and communicate to our valued customers and partners that in line with the global change of the Parent and Group company’s identity, NGK Spark Plugs (India) Pvt. Ltd. has changed its company name to Niterra India PVT. LTD., with effect March 16, 2023. This change is a testament to our company’s growth and progress, as well as our unwavering commitment to providing innovative solutions to our valued customers and partners. Our new name ‘Niterra’ is a unique term coined by combining two Latin words ‘niteo’ meaning ‘shine’ and ‘terra’ meaning ‘earth’. This signifies our vision of becoming a company that contributes to a sustainable society while making the earth shine, as outlined in our 2040 Vision plan. Although Niterra will be our overall Group name across the globe, our distinguished brands, NGK and NTK, will remain intact, representing their respective businesses.
“Although Niterra will be our overall group name across the globe, our distinguished brands, NGK and NTK, will remain intact, representing their respective businesses.”
Q. In hindsight, how was the fiscal year 2023 for the company?
A. Despite facing several challenges during the last fiscal year, we have managed to meet and exceed our business targets with the help of our valued stakeholders. We have successfully positioned ourselves as a significant Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) supplier in both the two-wheeler and four-wheeler segments and have also strengthened our aftermarket presence by partnering with over 200 distributors and 400 sub-distributors.
Q. How has spark plug technology evolved leading up to the rollout of RDE norms?
A. The emphasis on emission norms by regulatory bodies and OEMs has steadily increased. At Niterra India, we have consistently strived to anticipate future requirements with our product offerings. Our Spark plug product range is already compliant with BSVI standards, and we are committed to introducing further products that prioritise reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment.
Q. How is it linked to clean commercial vehicle combustion in the case of natural gas options like CNG and LNG?
A. Spark plug technology has undergone several advancements over the years, with a focus on reducing emissions and improving engine performance. Natural Gases like CNG and LNG require higher voltage in spark plugs for their ignition. Overall, the evolution of spark plug technology has been focused on reducing emissions and improving engine efficiency. Some of the significant changes in spark plug technology led up to its sparking tendency that helps to meet the emission norms are mentioned below:
Fine-tip Spark Plugs: Fine-tip spark plugs have a smaller diameter electrode that requires less voltage to produce a spark. These spark plugs can produce a more reliable ignition and reduce emissions.
Iridium and Platinum Spark Plugs: Iridium and platinum spark plugs have become popular due to their ability to withstand higher temperatures and last longer than traditional copper spark plugs. These spark plugs help to improve the combustion inside the engines.
Laser-Iridium Spark Plugs: Laser-iridium spark plugs have a fine-wire centre electrode and a small diameter laser-welded iridium tip. This design provides better ignition performance, longer life, and lower emissions.
Q. Do the characteristics differ from a single fuel source ICE to a hybrid?
A. The characteristics of NGK spark plugs are not typically affected by whether the vehicle is a single fuel source ICE or a hybrid. NGK spark plugs are designed to provide reliable ignition in a wide range of internal combustion engines, regardless of the fuel source. However, some factors may affect the performance of spark plug-in hybrid vehicles. For example, hybrid vehicles may have different engine designs or operating conditions that could impact spark plug performance. Also, hybrid vehicles may have additional electrical components that could affect the spark plug’s performance or life span. Overall, NGK spark plugs are designed to provide reliable ignition in a wide range of internal combustion engines, including those in both single fuel source ICE and hybrid vehicles. However, it is always important to consult the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for spark plug replacement and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
“Natural Gases like CNG and LNG require higher voltage in spark plugs for their ignition. Overall, the evolution of spark plug technology has been focused on reducing emissions and improving engine efficiency.”
Q. Will the higher ethanol blends proposed, make a difference to optimal performance?
A. Higher ethanol blends can potentially affect the optimal performance of a spark plug, particularly if the engine is not designed to operate with high levels of ethanol. Ethanol has different combustion characteristics than gasoline, and higher ethanol blends can lead to increased engine deposits, corrosion, and other issues that can impact the performance of the spark plug. However, NGK typically offers oval-shaped spark plugs that are compatible for use with ethanol blends, including high ethanol blends. These spark plugs may have different design features, such as different electrode materials or insulators, that are better suited to the specific combustion characteristics of ethanol.
Overall, the impact of higher ethanol blends on spark plug performance will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific engine design, the type of spark plug used, and the operating conditions of the vehicle. It is always important to consult the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel and spark plug use to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
“Higher ethanol blends can potentially affect the optimal performance of a spark plug, particularly if the engine is not designed to operate with high levels of ethanol.”
Q. A word on the reception of oval shape spark plugs, single precious metal spark plugs and double precious metal spark plugs?
A. NGK is a well-known manufacturer of spark plugs, and they offer a wide range of spark plugs to meet the needs of various engines and applications. The most popular spark plug are – Oval shape high ignitability spark plugs, single precious platinum spark plugs, single precious iridium spark plugs, and double precious metal spark plugs.
Oval Shape High Ignitability Type: With its Oval shape ground electrode design, it helps in considerable fuel efficiency. Also, it helps to efficiently burn Ethanol Blended (E10 and E20) fuels. The preferred oval shape spark plug part numbers are CR6HSAPLUS, CPR8EA-9PLUS, MR7E-9, MR8E-9, etc.
Platinum Type: It has a small precious platinum tip on its centre electrode. With its fine tip centre electrode, it helps to increase the ignitability (ignition and combustion) of the spark plugs which ultimately results in better performance.
Iridium Type: It has a small precious iridium tip on its centre electrode. With its fine tip centre electrode, it helps to increase the ignitability (ignition and combustion) of the spark plugs which ultimately results in the best performance.
Double Precious Type: Both its electrodes are made up of double precious metals (the centre electrode tip is iridium and the ground electrode is platinum). These are well known for long change intervals and the best performance.Precious metals like platinum and iridium are used in the electrodes because they are highly conductive and can withstand high temperatures and pressures. These metals can also improve the spark plug’s lifespan by reducing electrode wear and corrosion. Overall, NGK’s spark plugs are popular choices for many engines due to their durability, performance, and use of precious metals. However, it’s important to note that the specific spark plug design and electrode material needed for a particular engine may vary depending on the engine’s specifications and usage.
Q. How far have the oxygen sensors first introduced for two-wheelers come?
A. NTK oxygen sensors were accepted and fitted by OEMs for many years but since the year 2020 when BSVI got implemented in India, Niterra India started local production in India for its mass fitment in the motorcycle and scooter segment. Since then, NTK has made significant advancements in its oxygen sensor technology to improve its performance and reliability.
In the motorcycle segment, NTK’s oxygen sensors are widely preferred and used by the majority of OEMs in various types of scooters and motorcycles, including commuter bikes, sports/performance bikes, and adventure bikes. These oxygen sensors help in running motorcycle engines efficiently, which improves fuel economy, reduces emissions, and enhances performance. These are trusted products by not only the motorcycle manufacturers but the mechanics as well which re-enforces the trust in the brand and the technology.
Q. A word on the compatibility with fuel injection systems?
A. With the implementation of BSVI in India, many changes have taken place especially in the two-wheeler segment, like the oxygen sensor becoming mandatory, fuel grade changed from BSIV to BSVI, OBD incorporation, carburettors replaced by injectors, etc. The accurate signal from the oxygen sensor helps the ECU to control the fuel supply through the Fuel Injection system. NTK Oxygen sensors help to create and send the most accurate signals to ECU and based on those signals, the ECU commands the injectors to inject the fuel.
Q. What are the focus areas for the next fiscal year?
A. The focus areas for the next fiscal are exploring new business opportunities with NTK Brand and its product lines. We see huge potential in this vertical and are gearing up to maximise it. The other focus area for us is OBD-2. This will act as a catalyst for our overall growth. We expect the market to be receptive in a positive way to the changing trends and norms in the coming times with increased awareness about emissions.
Q. How do you plan to augment capacity and utilisation to align with the next fiscal?
A. We have already aligned our production capacity to the key focus areas.
“The accurate signal from the oxygen sensor helps the ECU to control the fuel supply through the Fuel Injection system.”
Q. What is the near to medium-term outlook from both a passenger car and CV segment perspective?
A. Our medium-term outlook remains very bullish. Over the next three fiscals, we are aiming for a 2X growth through new business development opportunities in both the OEM as well as aftermarket segments. These will be spear-headed by our NTK brand and its current product lines as well as future offerings. We continue to seek technological innovations and improvements across our segments which are sustainable and environmentally friendly, resonating with our brand vision. ACI
Also, read A New Spark
