LAS VEGAS — “The government’s ‘Cash-for-Clunkers’ program isn’t the only success story we’ve seen in the automotive industry lately,” said Richard Shiozaki, senior vice president of DENSO Sales California, as he addressed the media at a press conference at the DENSO booth Tuesday. 
“With a greater number of consumers keeping their cars longer, the need for vehicle repairs and replacement parts has gone up. And that’s great news for the aftermarket,” said Shiozaki.
Shiozaki shared with attendees some positive news about his company, saying last year, DENSO Sales California posted gains of more than 20 percent in its aftermarket sales division and that its sales team brought in 83 new accounts.
“That’s a 71-percent increase from the previous year,” he said, adding that with the introduction of hundreds of new part numbers, DENSO’s First Time Fit product lines now provide greater coverage for all major vehicle manufacturers, both imports and domestics.
“We are studying several new products, and we expect customer expansion to continue,” Shiozaki said.
He also said that earlier this year, DENSO Sales California launched two new products — fuel injectors and the Platinum TT spark plug — bringing the company’s total number of First Time Fit brand of aftermarket products to 15.
“Our new fuel injectors meet some of the lowest emission standards in the U.S., while our TT spark plug, with unique twin-tip design, offers powerful and fuel-efficient combustion,” he said.
Shiozaki also told the booth visitors that the company is celebrating its 60th anniversary next month.
“With that many years of experience, we are continuously finding innovative solutions for vehicle improvements,” he said, adding “All of our aftermarket products are built to original equipment standards and incorporate the latest technological advances.”
Other topics Shiozaki addressed included how in May, DENSO made headlines when it introduced the world’s first passenger-vehicle air conditioning system that uses ejector technology.
“The ejector, which is a small refrigerant injector, contributes to an overall reduction in power use, while producing environmental benefits. The system is featured on Toyota’s new Prius.”
He also said that last year, DENSO launched the world’s first permanently engaged starter for idle stop and start systems. With a permanent connection to the engine, the starter contributes to 3 percent improvement in fuel consumption, and quicker and quieter idle starts.
“As government has issued tougher rules for emissions and mileage, we’re continuing to put more of our development efforts on improving fuel efficiencies and reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases” Shiozaki said. “Our technology presence is everywhere. DENSO products and systems are installed on all major car brands across the globe.”
Shiozaki concluded his presentation by discussing the DENSO Parts Professional program, or DPP, which offers online technical information to professional technicians 24/7. He explained that at this time, it is primarily OE information on wiring diagrams, service bulletins, engine specs and DENSO product information and specs available through the program. Access to the database requires a yearly subscription and can be acquired by visiting the DPP Web site at www.densoaftermarket.com/support.
“While we’ve made many technology advances over these past six decades, one of our main challenges today is to improve cost while providing more value to our customers," Shiozaki said. “Whether you’re a distributor, dealer, installer or end-user, our aim is the same — meeting your needs with new and expanded premium products.”
