Cover story 6 www.aftermarketonline.net MAY 2025 Niterra UK — celebrating half-a-century of excellence This year, Niterra UK Ltd and its NGK Ignition Parts and NTK Vehicle Electronics brands celebrate an incredible milestone: 50 years of service, innovation and commitment to the UK automotive aftermarket. From its origins in a small warehouse in Hendon in 1975, Niterra has grown into a trusted leader, supplying a comprehensive range of quality products to distributors, motor factors and workshops across the UK. Strong foundations The foundation for Niterra’s success was laid in the 1970s, when the company first entered the UK market. According to UK Managing Director Marko Wowczyna, the journey began with a focus on motorcycles before expanding into the four-wheel market. “We originally gained traction in the UK through motorcycles. That was our first penetration into the market. But as NGK brand awareness grew, it allowed us to evolve into four-wheel markets too,” he explains. Early Original Equipment contracts with Lotus and Aston Martin helped establish the NGK brand, and Niterra continued building its reputation by supplying premium manufacturers like Jaguar, Rolls Royce and Bentley. By 1993, NGK had achieved number one status in the UK spark plug market, a title it still holds today. This initial success was driven by the Japanese parent company, which instilled core values that remain at the heart of Niterra’s operations. “The original principles and values from Japan are still there today. A focus on customer service, support and product quality has always been at the heart of what we do. Even as we’ve evolved and grown significantly, those foundational values remain unchanged,” Wowczyna says. Motorsport pedigree Motorsport has played a vital role in Niterra’s evolution. Throughout its 50-year history, the company has consistently delivered performance and reliability at the very highest levels of competition. Beyond its famous Formula One partnerships with teams such as Lotus and Ferrari — securing multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ World Championships — Niterra has also successfully supported champions across diverse racing disciplines. From British and World Superbike Championships to Speedway and the rigorous World Rally Championship stages, NGK’s spark plugs have powered countless teams to victory. These motorsport endeavours underscore the brand’s relentless commitment to precision, quality and innovation, inspiring respect and trust in the automotive aftermarket. Motorsport achievements have not only reinforced NGK’s reputation for quality but have also served as a powerful endorsement of its products. Whether it’s igniting the engines of Formula One champions or ensuring reliability on a dirt track, these competitive arenas demonstrate NGK’s
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