Robert Bosch has announced the launch of a new spark plug which will use platinum to improve the efficiency of fuel combustion.

Bosch's new Platinum Iridium Fusion spark plug will use platinum and iridium in its centre electrode in conjunction with the firm's surface air gap technology to provide more efficient fuel combustion.

The new spark plug is the only one of its kind to combine platinum and iridium in this way and also uses yttrium to deliver improved resistance to wear and tear from oxidisation and erosion, explains Martin Kashnowski, director of product management at Bosch.

He added: "Combining precious metals such as platinum and iridium with multiple electrodes ensures a 'correct,' consistent spark necessary to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently, while holding the emissions under control."

Bosch is the leading supplier of spark plugs for vehicles across the globe and helped to pioneer "pure platinum technology" in spark plugs after discovering the value of using platinum in the devices in the 1960s.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd