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Newsletter| Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales

Issue number 43 | April 2015

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Inside this issue…> Wiper blade coverage increases > Lambda sensors: the definitive guide> Global website re-launch > DENSO Aftermarket Iberia wins

Special Mention prize for i-ART

> Masato (Max) Nakagawa is the new Chief Executive Officer and President of DENSO International Europe.

DENSO International Europe has announced that Masato (Max) Nakagawa has replaced Yasushi Yamanaka as Chief Executive Officer and President of DENSO International Europe on April 1st. Yasushi Yamanaka has become Senior Executive Director at DENSO Corporation in charge of overall R&D, Engineering Research and Development Centre.

“I am both enthusiastic and privileged to be appointed as the next CEO and President of the European region,” Nakagawa said. “I will not only focus on innovative technologies but also on establishing a recognisable presence in the European market. Besides that, the realisation of open and transparent communication in the EU region will have my full attention.”

Having gained a Mechanical Engineering degree at Hiroshima University in 1980, Nakagawa joined DENSO Corporation (formerly Nippondenso Co., Ltd.) in the same year.

Nakagawa’s career has included senior automotive engineering and managerial roles around the world. These included five years working for DENSO in Iowa, one year in London and eleven years in Düsseldorf.

Nakagawa was previously based at DENSO’s Aachen Engineering Centre in Germany, where he led expert engineering teams pioneering Powertrain, Electronics/Electric & EHV, and Information & Safety Engineering technologies. For the time being, he will continue to be in charge of

this function on a concurrent basis.Yamanaka has served as DENSO International Europe CEO and President since June 2013. Yamanaka established the Mid-Term Policy 2018 and was strongly advocating communication and collaboration which he believes will foster individual growth and ability in the workplace.

“I believe Nakagawa is the best person to take over my role, since he has more than 12 years’ experience in the European region and is well aware of what is needed to realise a robust European business operation that will benefit DENSO Group as a whole,” Yamanaka commented.

Announcement of new CEO and President

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 20152

DENSO Aftermarket increases coverage of Wiper Blade programme

DENSO Aftermarket is proud to announce a further extension of car parc coverage for its Wiper Blade programme. DENSO’s range of Conventional Blades is now fully compatible with competitive brands, offering customers complete convenience and choice.

DENSO compared fitting options, size and shape of Conventional Blades with each main competitor and is now able to support customers with access to the most complete range of all-round, long-lasting blades in the aftermarket. All cross-referenced parts will be available from May on TecDoc and from July on the DVD or via your DENSO sales representative.

DENSO Aftermarket Product Manager Wiper Blades, Nick Thomas, explained: “We have been working hard to increase the coverage of our leading Wiper Blade

programme. Our Conventional Blade range now matches parts offered by competitor brands and we are currently reviewing our Flat Blade range to ensure we match coverage available through competitive brands.

“Once complete and together with the unmatched, advanced technology of our Hybrid Blade range, which is unique in the aftermarket, the DENSO Wiper Blade programme will offer customers a complete and flexible solution.”

DENSO’s Wiper Blade programmeWith 1,700 applications - covering 85% of the European car parc - there is a DENSO Wiper Blade for almost every car. Yet that coverage is achieved with only 141 convenient part references, making the programme the most consolidated in the aftermarket. Designs include curved, pre-shaped and spoiler-type blades, with easy fitting options including bayonet, hook or twin screw installation systems.

• Conventional Blades - A popular choice for the everyday motorist, offering all-round, long-lasting performance with eight, equally spaced contact points to evenly distribute wiper arm load. As well as front wipers, this range includes OEM specification Rear Wiper Blades, ensuring a complete replacement option.

• Flat Blades - Engineered for close, even contact on any windscreen, these blades deliver long-lasting, streak-free performance in all weathers. You can also upgrade left-hand drive customers to DENSO’s Flat Blade technology with our extensive Flat Blade Retrofit range.

• Hybrid Blades - Ultra-advanced, OEM specification wiping technology - developed and originated by DENSO - that blends outstanding performance with stylish, integrated design. You can also specify our Hybrid Upgrade Blade range to switch drivers from Conventional to this high performance technology.

A clean sweep for DENSO Wipers

> DENSO Hybrid Wiper Blades.

> DENSO’s Wiper Blade range covers 1,700 applications and 85% of the European car parc.

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 2015 3

> The latest catalogue contains up to date listings of DENSO’s advanced Conventional, Flat and Hybrid Wiper Blade ranges.

Reminder - The new DENSO Aftermarket Wiper Blade Catalogue 2015 is available nowThe new catalogue brings you the very latest inside information on DENSO’s unique wiping technologies for the aftermarket.

The catalogue (ref: DEWB14-0001) contains up to date listings of DENSO’s advanced Conventional, Flat and Hybrid Wiper Blade ranges - which include OEM specification Rear Wiper Blades, an extensive Flat Blade Retrofit range, and just-expanded selection of 9x3 and 9x4 Hybrid Upgrade Blades.

Fitting options, design types, cross reference lists and a helpful buyer’s guide are also included. For easy reference when specifying upgrades, the catalogue also highlights Conventional Blades alongside their corresponding ‘premium’ DENSO Wiper Blade products.

Find out moreAs well as the free, printed catalogue, details of DENSO’s replacement Wiper Blade programme are available online at www.denso-am.eu, in TecDoc or from your local DENSO Aftermarket Sales contact.

> DENSO’s Wiper Blade programme offers customers a complete and flexible solution.

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 20154

You know your car has a lambda sensor (or even two!)… but what does it do? How do they work? Stefan Verhoef, DENSO Product Manager Lambda Sensors answers some of the most frequent questions.

Q: What do lambda sensors do?A: Lambda (or oxygen) sensors help to control the amount of fuel burned by your car, in order to reduce environmentally harmful emissions from the engine. They work by continually measuring the amount of unburned oxygen present in the vehicle’s exhaust gases, and sending the data to the car’s electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU adjusts the A/F (air/fuel) mixture according to each lambda sensor reading, and this enables the catalytic converter to run efficiently so it can remove as many harmful emissions as possible from the exhaust gas before it leaves the car.

Q: Where are the lambda sensors?A: Every new car, and most cars manufactured since 1980, has a lambda sensor. It is usually positioned in the vehicle’s exhaust pipe before the catalytic converter. However the exact location of the lambda sensor varies according to whether the vehicle has a V-type or In-line type exhaust system, and on the make and model. To locate your lambda sensor, refer to a repair information handbook for your car make and model.

Q: Why does the air/fuel mixture need to be continually adjusted?The air/fuel balance is important because it affects the catalytic converter’s

performance. The job of the catalytic converter is to remove harmful Carbon Monoxide (CO), unburnt Hydrocarbons (HC), and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) molecules from your car’s exhaust gases. In order to work efficiently, the exhaust gasses that

flow into the catalytic converter should contain exactly the right concentration of oxygen. By working together with the ECU, the lambda sensor helps to get the ratio of air to fuel entering the engine just right. It does this by transmitting a fast-

Lambda sensors: the definitive guide

> Stefan Verhoef, DENSO Product Manager Lambda Sensors.

> DENSO Lambda Sensors and packaging.

> DENSO Lambda Sensor close-up.

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 2015 5

changing voltage signal to the ECU that changes according to whether the oxygen content in the exhaust gas is too high (a lean mixture) or too low (a rich mixture). The ECU responds by adjusting the air/fuel mixture going into the engine. When the mixture is too rich, fuel injection is decreased. When the mixture is too lean, fuel injection volume is increased. The ideal air/fuel level is called the ‘stoichiometric’ point, which is when all of the fuel is burned using almost all of the oxygen in the air. The right amount of oxygen enables a chemical reaction to take place between the harmful gases and the oxygen, resulting in only harmless gases leaving the catalytic converter.

Q: Why do some cars have more than one lambda sensor?A: Many newer cars have a second lambda sensor mounted after the catalytic converter (post-cat lambda sensor), as well as a lambda sensor placed before it (pre-cat lambda sensor). In these cars the lambda sensors are doing two important jobs instead of one. The pre-cat lambda sensor acts as a ‘control’ sensor, helping the engine ECU to control the air/fuel ratio, as described above. But the rear, post-cat lambda sensor also acts as a ‘monitor’ sensor, monitoring the oxygen level in the exhaust gas that leaves catalytic converter. The purpose of this is to check that the catalytic converter is working effectively. If the catalytic converter is working correctly all the oxygen in the exhaust gases will be consumed by the chemical reaction taking place between the oxygen and the harmful emissions, so the sensor will give a high voltage reading. If the catalytic converter is wearing down, however, some of the harmful gases and oxygen are not included in the chemical reaction and will exit the converter unchanged. The oxygen readings from the post-cat sensor will therefore increasingly mirror the signal of the pre-cat sensor, until both show the same signal. This indicates failure of the catalytic converter.

> The lambda sensor output signal monitors the oxygen level in the exhaust gas instructing the ECU how to adjust the fuel injection rate.

> Engine with sensors and catalytic converter.

Fuel Injector

Pre CatLambda Sensor

Post CatLambda Sensor

Catalytic Converter

> Zirconia sensor output. > A/F sensor output.

1.0Senso

r Outp

ut (V)

0.5

0Rich LeanAF ratio

14.7

Rich Lean

Senso

r Outp

ut (mA

)

A/F

10

5

0

-5

-10

10 15 20

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 20156

Lambda sensors: the definitive guide

Q: What are the different types of lambda sensor?A: The main types are Zirconia, A/F and Titania sensors. These all do the same job, but using different technologies to measure the air/fuel ratio, and different output signals to indicate the result.

• Zirconia lambda sensors (which come in both ‘thimble’ and ‘planar’ types) are the more conventional technology. They can indicate only whether the air/fuel ratio is either above or below ‘Lambda 1.00’ (the ideal, ‘stoichiometric’ ratio). In response, the engine ECU alters the fuel quantity step by step until the sensor indicates that the mixture is wrong again. At this point the ECU starts correcting again, step by step in the other direction. This method results in a relatively slow and constant ongoing correction around Lambda 1.00, never able to exactly maintain Lambda 1.00. Overall, especially in changing conditions (sudden accelerations or decelerations) systems with a Zirconia sensor will have an under - or overshoot in fuel, resulting in a less efficient catalytic converter.

• A/F sensors (which also come in both ‘thimble’ and ‘planar’ types) were first developed by DENSO to help vehicles meet tightening emission regulations, and are generally more sensitive and efficient than Zirconia lambda sensors. They produce a ‘linear’ electronic signal that can indicate the exact air/fuel ratio value. This tells the ECU how far off the air/fuel ratio is from Lambda 1.00, and therefore also how much it needs to correct the fuel injection. This allows the engine ECU to correct the injected fuel quantity very precisely; achieving and maintaining Lambda 1.00 almost immediately. Systems with an A/F sensor therefore have a reduced under - or overshoot in fuel. This enables optimum gas conversion inside the catalytic converter, resulting in cleaner air, lower fuel consumption and better driveability.

• Titania sensors are similar to Zirconia lambda sensors in many respects; but whereas Zirconia (and A/F) sensors require outside air to compare with the exhaust gas, Titania sensors can operate without outside air. This makes Titania sensors ideal for cars that may need to drive through water - such as 4x4 vehicles - as they are effectively submersible. Titania sensors also differ from other sensors in their output signal, which changes its resistance rather than outputting a voltage or current. In replacement terms, these characteristics mean that a Titania sensor cannot be exchanged with any other type of lambda sensor: the replacement must also be Titania technology.

Programme at a glance• 417 OEM specification part numbers and 5,584 applications covering more than

68% of the European car parc (and growing).

• Heated and unheated lambda sensors (switching type), A/F sensors (linear type), Lean Burn sensors and Titania sensors; both direct fit and universal.

• Regulating sensors (fitted before the catalyst) and diagnostic sensors (fitted after the catalyst).

• Laser welded and inspected at multiple checkpoints to ensure all characteristics accurately match OE specifications, in order to deliver long-term reliability and high performance.

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 2015 7

Poor fuel quality solved!Did you know that poor quality or polluted fuel can be bad news for lambda sensor lifespan and performance? If contaminated by engine oil additives such as detergent dispersant, petrol additives, sealing compound or crude oil deposits, fuel can emit a poisonous vapour when heated over 700 degrees Celsius. This affects the lambda sensor by clogging or poisoning the electrodes - a common cause of early lambda sensor failure. Fortunately, DENSO Lambda Sensors provide the solution. DENSO applies a special aluminium oxide layer around the sensor’s ceramic element; which protects the sensor from the polluted fuel and keeps it working effectively.

Q: What are ‘direct fit’ and ‘universal fit’ lambda sensors?A: These terms refer to the way the lambda sensor you buy can be installed. When you buy a direct fit sensor it will come complete with a fitted connector suitable for your vehicle, ready for installation. If you buy a universal fit sensor it will not have a connector, enabling you to re-use (and recycle!) the old lambda sensor’s connector.

Q: What happens if the lambda sensor fails?A: If the lambda sensor fails, the ECU can no longer sense the air/fuel ratio, so it has to ‘guess’ the amount of fuel to inject. This will cause a less efficient use of fuel, and therefore higher fuel consumption as well as poor acceleration, stalling and idling. Lambda failure can also cause the catalytic converter to function less efficiently, potentially resulting in higher levels of harmful emissions.

Q: How often should lambda sensors be replaced?A: DENSO recommends changing them as often as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. But even if they are still functioning, lambda sensors should still be checked for efficiency at every vehicle service, as they can become less sensitive when clogged. An engine that’s old or showing signs of excessive oil consumption will also need the sensors changed at shorter intervals.

Find out moreDetails of DENSO’s continually expanding Lambda Sensor programme are available online at www.denso-am.eu, on TecDoc or by contacting your local DENSO Aftermarket Sales representative.

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 20158

The new website ensures that the company’s latest information and innovations from around the globe are even easier to read and access. The compelling new content will keep visitors up to date on a wide range of topics including the latest corporate activities and career opportunities at DENSO worldwide. As well as an overview, the new website also includes in-depth sections on the latest breakthroughs in cutting edge technology and the development story behind each innovation. With approximately 100,000 visitors each month, the website continues to attract growing interest from around the world and serves as the face of the DENSO Group.

DENSO Corporation has re-launched its global corporate website www.globaldenso.com with fresh, diverse content and a brand new design.

Re-launch of global website

To take a look at the new website, visitors can take a quick tour in a two minute video by scanning the QR code.

“We are delighted with the successful re-launch of our global corporate website, not just with the improved functionality but also with its enhanced graphics and generally engaging, vibrant feel”, commented DENSO Aftermarket’s Marketing Manager Communication Hedy Borreman. “The ‘new look’ site is particularly designed to recruit people who can be active across national and regional borders, and to demonstrate DENSO’s global vision and outstanding technical capabilities.”

www.denso-am.eu

DENSO EUROPE B.V.Hogeweyselaan 165 | 1382 JL Weesp | The NetherlandsTel. +31 (0)294 - 493 493 | Fax. +31 (0)294 - 417 122

DENSO Newsletter: Your update on what’s new from DENSO Aftermarket Sales Issue number 43 | April 2015 9

DENSO Aftermarket Iberia has won the Special Mention prize for i-ART (intelligent-Accuracy Refinement Technology), at this year’s Innovation Gallery Awards, Motortec Automechanika Madrid.

A jury of industry representatives chose the winning products from services, innovative projects and products featured during the exhibition from 11 to 14 March at Feria de Madrid. i-ART emerged as a winner in the Electrical and Electronic product category.

The winners’ ceremony was attended by the director of Motortec Automechanika Madrid, Miguel Aguilar; President of the Coité Hall, Miguel Angel Horn, and by one of the fair’s partners Detlef Brawn. Also in attendance was Michael Johannes, a member of the Board of Messe Frankfurt and Brand Manager of Automechanika.

In 2012, DENSO commercialised its innovative intelligent-Accuracy Refinement Technology (i-ART), the world’s first engine control system in which the injectors have a built-in pressure sensor to measure fuel injection pressure in real time and controlthe fuel injection quantity and timing of each injector.

“We are truly delighted to win this award, which acknowledges DENSO’s commitment to developing technology”, commented Pablo Rodriguez, Director Marketing Spain, DENSO Thermal Systems. “It also reaffirms our position as one of the world’s leaders in innovation in the automotive industry.”

The idea behind the Innovation Gallery Awards is to encourage innovation through the application of knowledge and technologies in industrial development, while acknowledging the significant advances made. It brings recognition for the efforts and investments made by aftersales market companies in the fields of research, development and innovation.

DENSO Aftermarket Iberia wins Special Mention prize for i-ART

Motortec Automechanika Madrid, organised by IFEMA, is Spain’s leading international trade fair for the automotive industry, catering for trade visitors from Spain and Portugal, Latin America and North Africa.> i-ART emerged as a winner in the Electrical and

Electronic product category.