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NGK announces name change
NGK Spark Plugs Canada will be known as Niterra Canada Ltd. as of April 1.
The ignition and sensor specialist announced the name change late last year but had not picked the date for the new name to be official.
The change includes a new corporate logo and identity as part of its goal to unify the global brand in an effort to transform the company’s business portfolio. The global enterprise is also taking on a name change, becoming known as Niterra Co. on the same day.
The NGK and NTK brands, which the company called “trusted” in the industry, will continue to be used for its portfolio of spark plug and ceramic-related products.
The word ‘niterra’ is a combination of the Latin words ‘niteo’ — which means shine — and ‘terra’ — which means Earth. In its announcement, the company said it chose the new name and colours — the name is in green with a golden accent on the dot of the lowercase ‘i’ — to present a broader image of its modern identity.
Michael Schwab, NGK’s Canadian president, said the company has a rich history and the name change represents an exciting time.
“We are becoming an increasingly progressive corporation as we strive to meet our vision for the future,” he said in the announcement. “A future where we expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond our traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.”
I worked for a high tech company that went through a name change from a well known name to something obscure and it didn’t end well.
Niterra Canada Limited doesn’t roll off the tongue like NGK or NTK. I’m pretty sure they’ll see sales drop during the transition. Most will think NGK is gone from the market and switch to Champion (God forbid) or AC Delco (fair).
Just what we’re all thinking about when ordering spark plugs. Choosing a “progressive” manufacturer. This has looming corporate sale all over it, trying to appease some sort of buyer who cares about this image.
The modern world is a head scratcher. Saving the planet, one navel gazing rebrand at a time.