Wholesalers stocking spark plugs may need to become more specialized as the volume of parts carried increases, according to Tim Howes, technical manager at NGK.

NGK claims that wholesalers need 40 spark plug types to cover 80% of the market, compared to just 25 types five years ago.

Brian Childs, deputy managing director sales and marketing, says: “This results from the current trends in new engine design where each new engine has the spark plug specifically designed to meet its individual needs.

“Each wholesaler will make his own decision as to how many part numbers are needed for his own local requirements.”

Howes adds: “If a wholesaler really wants to develop in the market, then he will need to embrace the technology and become really bespoke.”