Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has honoured NGK with the group’s Collaboration Award 2015, the latest in a long line of accolades the vehicle manufacturer has given the ignition specialist. The award was granted in recognition of NGK’s technological expertise and its high level of customer service.

NGK has been one of FCA’s most important development partners for many years, supplying more spark plugs and sensors than any other manufacturer. This award was made in particular to recognise the company’s “excellent product technology” and the “high level of collaboration in every step of business development”, which was evident, for example, in the recent technical development of the GME T4 engine.

Marko Wowczyna, Automotive Director, NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, said: “As a company we have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Fiat and FCA and we are delighted to receive this award which is testament to the technical excellence of our products and the hard work and application of our staff.”

The relationship between FCA and NGK dates back to the early 1990s, when Alfa Romeo used NGK spark plugs in series production Fiat following suit in 1994. NTK Lambda sensors and knocking sensors have also been adopted by the Fiat Group and in 2006 Fiat used NGK glow plugs for the first time. Fiat also recently installed NGK ceramic glow plugs in one of the group’s engines; the NHTC2 glow plug is exclusive OE in the new 2.2-litre Multi-Jet II Common Rail engine which powers the Jeep Cherokee Limited.