NGK is one of the best-known suppliers to the UK automotive aftermarket. The company’s success in the UK was set in motion back in the early-1980s by former head Jim Hughes whose arrival from Champion started its inexorable rise to the top that was continued by his successor Brian Childs.
In the early years the name NGK was almost exclusively synonymous with spark plugs where their quality proved not only popular within the industry, but also in the field of motorsport where they sparked numerous teams and competitors to World titles on two and four wheels.
The company subsequently introduced glow plugs and other components successfully to the UK including NTK Lambda and other management sensors and is now renowned through its expertise in both ignition and electronics.
NGK is an original equipment (OE) supplier to most of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers (VMs) with whom it works hand-in-hand to produce parts that are manufactured to meet their specific requirements with the same components being supplied to the independent automotive aftermarket.
Marko, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, joined NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd in 2012 as General Manager – Aftermarket, since when he has held a number of senior management positions including those of Automotive Director and Deputy Managing Director.
The 56-year-old’s new appointment comes at a time when the country is faced with unprecedented challenges; namely dealing with the aftermath of the UK’s coronavirus-related restrictions and Britain’s departure from the European Union.
But Marko says he is looking forward to ensuring the company continues its success in the automotive industry and leading its expansion into other areas.
He said: “I am looking forward to my new role and the opportunities that will open up as NGK continues to expand product ranges and actively seeks new markets for the future. COVID-19 obviously had an impact on the company, particularly at the peak of the first lockdown, but we have been pleasantly surprised and pleased at how quickly the business has recovered, in both the aftermarket and OEM sectors.
“It has been a positive response and we have seen very strong demand for our product. As most companies, we have had to change how we operate the business over the past twelve months and have had to adapt to operate in a more virtual way.
“Although business wasn’t in line with our original plans, it has been good and with the OEMs recovering strongly demand has exceeded expectations. Also, along with every other UK business, we have also had to deal with BREXIT which has led to an increase in administration and costs.”
In addition, the company has also had to consider the ramifications of the Government’s decision to outlaw the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.
Marko said: “We need to be ready for the changes and how as a company we address the pace of change. The move towards electrification is currently driven mainly by the variants of hybrid vehicles (PHEV; HEV or MHEV) where there will still be a need for spark plugs, glow plugs and sensors. We are however not burying our heads in the sand and as a company are actively planning for the future as new technologies have a habit of gaining speed and traction in markets.”
In the past year, on three continents, NGK experts in automotive parts and advanced technical ceramics have been meeting up with prospective business partners to discuss technological advancement in a range of sectors – from automotive and medicine, to the environment and energy.
They are meeting at purpose-designed ‘Venture Labs’. The first one was founded in 2018, quickly followed by inaugurations of all three Venture Labs the subsequent year. The centres are intended as hubs for collaborative, creative technical thinking, that also provide an inspirational showcase for some of the company’s latest innovations. Situated in Tokyo, Japan; Silicon Valley near San Jose in the USA; and Paris, France; they embody the progressive approach to business development that has increasingly been taken by NGK in recent years.
According to Damien Germès, Regional President EMEA, President & CEO NGK SPARK PLUG EUROPE and Corporate Officer, it’s a global initiative that is designed to become one of the key drivers for future company expansion.
He said: “By establishing these Venture Labs, we are opening up fresh horizons in new markets where we can make a valuable contribution. The automotive industry is currently undergoing a disruptive change, propelled by globalisation, electrification, digitisation, competition and environmental regulations. We therefore want to contribute to a sustainable society by creating new businesses in sectors with potential for future growth, such as next-generation vehicles, medical care and environmental energy. Our Venture Labs are helping us to reach that goal.”
Marko emphasised the goal for the company now is to realise new areas of opportunity while retaining its strong position in the automotive sector.
He added: “We certainly don’t want to lose our traditional core business and values but do not intend to rest on our laurels which is why we have set up the Venture Labs to seek out new ideas and areas of possible business expansion.
“We have introduced a number of new products over recent years to expand our portfolio and grow our footprint. Later this year we plan to announce another new product to the UK.”
Outside of work, father-of-two Marko is a keen cyclist and is looking forward to taking part in endurance charity rides when the current restrictions have ended, having previously taken part in fund-raising rides including a near 425-mile cross-Channel cycling marathon with NGK colleague Stuart Bayne.
He said: “I used to enjoy motorcycling but unfortunately sold my last bike as I was finding I hadn’t the time to get out on it much. I still really enjoy cycling and in normal times like to go out regularly each week and build up my distances. It would be good to organise a charity event with a team from NGK when the World returns to some sort of normality.
“Other than that, I still love my music and look forward to doing some travelling again when conditions allow.”