NGK Spark Plugs Announces new President

Wixom, MI - NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. announced the promotion of Hideyuki Koiso to President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2009. Koiso previously served as Executive Vice President, and is a 31-year veteran of NGK Spark Plugs Co., LTD. He also served as Vice President in the Unites States from 1997 to 2006.

In his new role, Mr. Koiso will oversee all functions for NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc. He replaces Shinichi Odo, who is returning to Japan to assume the position of Director - Automotive Division.

"The U.S. aftermarket and OE industries have many opportunities and our team at NGK is positioned to support our industry with the highest quality parts and the highest quality people. It is my pleasure to lead this team and help support our customers", remarked Mr. Koiso.

During his time as Vice President, Mr. Koiso was instrumental in the organization of the Aftermarket Sales division, an initiative that has led to increased sales and efficiency. He also oversaw a re-engineering of the Logistics Area, which has the potential to dramatically improve on-time delivery.

Mr. Koiso began his career with NGK in 1978, in the Japan headquarters. He then worked in the Osaka sales office from 1980 to 1986, and was in charge of OEM customers. Mr. Koiso next served in the Tokyo sales office for a year and was placed in charge of aftermarket customers. His first overseas assignment was with NGK Germany where he was responsible for aftermarket customers throughout Europe. He then began his career with NGK Spark Plugs, U.S.A. After his first stint in the United States, Mr. Koiso returned to Japan to the position of General Manager, Overseas Sales and Marketing before returning to the U.S. in 2008.

NGK Spark Plugs - World Leader in Spark Plug and Oxygen Sensor Technology
Since 1936, NGK Spark Plugs has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygensensors. Today, NGK manufactures NGK Spark Plugs and NTK Oxygen Sensors for virtually every automotive manufacturer in the world.

NGK has built a reputation for quality and reliability, and a commitment to excellence continues to be the driving force behind the company's advanced research and development programs. With state-of-the-art manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities, NGK is dedicated to providing customers with world-class products and services.

In addition to serving OE automotive and aftermarket customers, NGK also produces spark plugs for motorcycle, power sports, marine and small engine manufacturers. NGK also offers complimentary product lines including resistor caps, spark plug wires, and high performance cables.

In North America, NGK is headquartered in Wixom, MI and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, Sissonville, WV, and Chicago, IL.

Our Mission:
"We improve life through the environmentally responsible manufacture and precise application of advanced ceramic technologies for all of North America. Focused on innovation and teamwork, we contribute to local and global economic growth by matching our products to our customers' visions each day, exceeding their expectations in quality, value, service and performance."