Editor's note: This story is part of the WardsAuto digital archive, which may include content that was first published in print, or in different web layouts.

Denso Corp. doesn't always get the headlines when it comes to common-rail diesel fuel injection, but the Japanese supplier was first to market with the technology, in a commercial vehicle in 1995. Denso's first passenger car application of common-rail came in 1999, two years after Robert Bosch GmbH.

Since '99, Denso has won passenger car common-rail contracts with Toyota Motor Corp., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Mazda Motor Corp. and Saab Automobile. Denso also will supply common-rail to Renault SA in early 2002. Denso has a common-rail plant in Japan and recently opened one in Europe as well.