NGK Spark Plugs has announced it is to continue as the sole supplier of original equipment glow plugs to Mercedes-Benz.

The two companies have enjoyed a successful collaboration over recent years and their exclusive cooperation agreement has now been extended to 2018.

Mercedes-Benz first chose NGK as a glow plug supplier in 2007. NGK’s advanced New High Temperature Ceramic glow plug (NHTC) has since gone on to become the only glow plug to be installed in passenger car diesel engines from the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer.

Apart from guaranteeing an optimal cold-start at the lowest ambient temperatures, NGK say the NHTC also ensures environmentally-friendly combustion and helps to minimise the output of noxious pollutants and particulate emissions.

As well as Mercedes-Benz, the Volkswagen Group and Mitsubishi also currently use the ceramic high-performance glow plug.