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Premium and ultra-premium spark plugs are the main contributors to the growing revenues in the North American spark plugs aftermarket. The demand for these spark plugs will remain high as long as they continue to offer longer tune-up cycles and better durability than the conventional copper plugs.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (transportation.frost.com), North American Spark Plugs Aftermarket, reveals that revenue in this industry totaled $563.4 million in 2004 and can reach $614.9 million in 2011.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants an overview of the latest analysis of the North American Spark Plugs Aftermarket, then send an e-mail to Tolu Babalola, Corporate Communications at tolu.babalola[.]frost.com with the following information: your full name, company name, title, telephone number, e-mail address, city, state, and country. We will send you the brochure via email upon receipt of the above information.
“Platinum spark plugs are devised to last between 60,000 and 75,000 miles, which is almost twice that of the traditional copper spark plugs (30,000 to 40,000 miles) while in the case of ultra-premium spark plugs it is 100,000 miles,” explains Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Avijit Ghosh.
In addition to the heightened usage of precious metal, the continuous changes in engine designs by leading automobile manufacturers are resulting in design modifications in spark plugs.
With the growing number of automakers switching over to fine wire applications for their vehicles, the demand for spark plugs in the aftermarket has also increased. As the machinery used in the fine wire applications is different, additional costs in the aftermarket are also likely to rise.
Currently, almost 65 to 70 percent of the vehicles are equipped with distributorless ignition systems (DISs) and coil-on-plug (COP) technologies, which necessitate the passage of more voltage through spark plugs for longer durations.
In this scenario, automakers are insisting on the more durable platinum spark plugs (preferably double platinum) over the standard copper spark plugs, a change reflecting in the aftermarket also.
“Since almost all DIS and COP equipped vehicles must have a platinum spark plug to sustain the high voltage, it is likely that 85 to 90 percent of DIS installed vehicles have platinum, double platinum, or iridium spark plugs,” observes Ghosh.
Furthermore, copper spark plugs – though offering lesser product life than yttrium ones – can sustain in the aftermarket by catering to the price-conscious consumers.
In general, spark plugs must fit in all kinds of vehicles and enterprises need to make changes to keep the pace with the developments in the underhood technologies. Thus, aftermarket manufacturers need to diversify their product line in tune with the requirements of vehicle engines. They should focus on research & development (R&D) and building strategic alliances with automakers to ensure a steady stream of revenue.
Factors such as the expected increase in the average annual miles driven per vehicle, and speed at which vehicle manufacturers switch over to advanced spark plug systems with precious metals are also likely to drive the aftermarket.
The North American Spark Plugs Aftermarket, a part of the 9801 subscription, provides an overview and outlook for the aforementioned aftermarket. It segments the aftermarket into traditional, premium, and ultra-premium spark plugs. The study enables the manufacturers of these equipment to design strategies and position their products to benefit from the changing markets and obtain maximum return on investments. Analyst interviews and executive briefings are available to the press.
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics.
North American Spark Plugs Aftermarket
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Contact:
Magdalena Oberland
Corporate Communications – Europe
P: +44 (0) 20 7915 7876
F: +44 (0) 20 7730 3343
E: magdalena.oberland[.]frost.com
Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications – Asia Pacific
P: +603 6304 5832
F: +603 6201 7402
E: djeremiah[.]frost.com
Keywords in this release: spark plugs, North American, aftermarket, platinum, copper, traditional, premium, ultra-premium, distributorless ignition system, DIS, coil-on-plug, COP, underhood, iridium, yttrium, research, information, market, trends, technology, service, forecast, market share
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