Denso: A Globally Renowned Automotive Parts Manufacturer

Much of car reliability is down to third-party parts makers that quarantee quality, consistent performance and parts that last. Multiple car brands can share the same or similar parts from a single manufacturer. This can be anything from regular service items like spark plugs and filters, to complicated electronics and engine management systems. 

Where most car owners stumble is in choosing the right car parts brand. While there’s an overwhelming selection, its quality and compatibility that matter most. Do the parts fit the car? And are they guaranteed to perform and last without causing the other maintenance issues?

Beyond the marketing hype, few brands can compete with the proven track record of Japanese automotive giant Denso. You’ll find Denso automotive parts factory fitted in car brands that regularly top reliability charts (Toyota, Lexus and Honda) and their extensive range of specialist components (AC units, sensors, starter motors) span multiple brands and vehicle categories. 

Company Profile

Denso’s rich heritage and history in the automotive market date back to 1949. Founded as NIPPONDENSO CO. LTD, the company split from parent Toyota and entered a technical partnership with now rival, Germany’s Bosch in 1953 in the development of electric starter motors and generators for combustion engines. This expanded to the development and production of spark plugs several years later. 

By nurturing a “quality first” culture, Denso soon became the automotive benchmark for quality standards, evidenced in the Deming Prize in 1961. And this cleared the path for global expansion. Outside the local Japanese market, the company established itself as a major player in North America, Australia and Thailand in the 1970s. 

Subsequent years saw other firsts. The first quality test course in the Nukata Proving Ground (1984), the WorldSkills Competition Gold Medal (1977) and technological breakthroughs like the first QR code (1994)  that lead to improved productivity. 1996 saw the company renamed to Denso Corporation, a portmanteau of the Japanese words “denki” (electricity) and “sochi” (device) as evidence of the wide scope of automotive electrics and management systems in current vehicles. 

Today, Denso employs over 162,000 people, distributes its products globally through 193 consolidated companies and has invested considerable amounts in new technologies, specifically electrification as a tribute to a sustainable future. 

Why Denso? 

As part of the bigger Toyota Group (alongside another afterparts heavyweight, Aisin), Denso has become the automotive benchmark for quality, reliability and value. Whether it’s supplying carmakers with OE parts, or developing aftermarket solutions and replacements, the wide selection of reliable Denso parts delivers all-day performance without breaking the bank. 

Each product that leaves the company’s production lines undergoes stringent safety and performance tests to ensure it upholds or exceeds demanding OE standards. QS9000 and ISO9000 certification is a testament to the quality control and high standards of each product. This reassures car owners, with zero reported defects in millions of cars, and adds value to car makers. 

The company also prides itself on a “first time fit” policy for its line of A/C compressors, alternators, oxygen sensors, fuel pumps, filters, wiper blades and more, with exacting dimensions, precision build and quality materials. Its dedication to innovation and developing new technologies paves the path for the future and the shift to electrification. 

Product Lineup 

A/C Compressors 

To ensure a first-time fit and unmatched reliability, Denso A/C compressors feature thrust bearings structured without tension and stress, PTFE-coated pistons, lightweight aluminium valve shafts and swash plates, O-rings and seals specified to R12 and R134a refrigerants, snap rings designed to perform under intense heat. Compressors come readily topped with OE-spec oil. 

Alternators 

Denso alternators feature in numerous production and one-off racing applications. They’re lightweight, highly efficient and durable, and offered in versions between 40 and 160 Amperes. With cars now featuring multiple electric and electronic systems, choose the reliability, minimal installation times, and high standards set by a Denso alternator.

Remanufactured alternators go through a rebuild and gruelling testing that includes checking housings for heat damage, corrosion, and misalignment, stators and rotors are insulation tested up to 600 volts, slip-rings are re-machined down to 8 microns, and hardware is stripped and replated. Denso does bearing and voltage testing in the regulators to ensure they perform to 100 percent OE requirements, and performance tests rectifiers to 300 volts to ensure proper battery charging. 

Double Platinum and Iridium Spark Plugs 

Denso introduced platinum plugs to the market. Their innovative approach has also resulted in the double platinum line of performance spark plugs in both the centre and ground electrodes. This ensures no rust buildup, minimal wear, superior spark performance and plugs rated for at least 60,000 miles. 

For high horsepower and engines using special fuels, choose their Iridium line. The “Long Life” plugs feature a fine wire center electrode, platinum grounds and laser welded tips that ensure sustained spark and improved firing performance for over 100,000 miles. The Iridium “Power” plugs have tapered cut, U-groove ground electrodes, better spark ignition and high durability.

Ideal uses are in performance vehicles like the Corvette, Viper and Harley bikes. “Racing” plugs go with the thinnest Iridium centre electrodes, patented self-cleaning insulators and 0.8mm thin pure platinum ground electrodes that can stand their ground in high boost applications and heat ranges exceeding 4000F. For the ultimate performance and durability choose the company’s “TT” spark plugs, with titanium in the ground electrodes, 1,1mm platinum centers and the highest heat resistance of any plug on the market. 

For everyday use and if fuel economy is important switch to the Platinum TT range. And for consistent firing in anything from classic to collector’s cars, go with Denso’s patented U-groove plugs. These are also rated to last twice as long as conventional spark plugs. 

Air Filters 

Denso also leads in the global air filter market. Their patented filter designs employ three filtering layers that trap more particulates and contaminants to limit wear and engine damage. Coarse layers filter out large dirt and dust particles, intermediate layers go with intermediate particles, and the final fine layer is the last line of defence against finer dirt and dust. The filters also have precision-moulded seals to limit bypass and provide a first-time fit. 

Oxygen, MAF, TPMS and other Sensors 

If you’re noticing higher fuel use and increased emissions, consider a replacement Oxygen sensor.  Denso’s superior design maximizes performance, deals with fueling issues and features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel outer housing, a PTFE filter and zirconia element for improved readouts. 

For precise air-fuel ratios, consider Denso Mass Airflow sensors with platinum wire sensing elements and a compact and lightweight design that saves space and ensures an easy fit. 

Newer vehicles can also benefit from the direct-fit TPMS sensors that ensure long life and consistent tire pressure. 

The company additionally provides cam/crank position, MAP, coolant temperature and A/F sensors, charging system parts, brake pads, radiators, oil filters, OE-spec wiper blades, relays and more. Shops for quality parts with your car’s VIN number for proven performance, reliability and durability.