HISTORY
In the early 1900s, two companies teamed up in 1911 to illuminate streets with carriage lamps. By the 1930s, Autolite® had become a major player in car parts as automobiles evolved. In 1935, Royce G. Martin of Electric Autolite Company envisioned a spark plug that not only ignited engines but also sparked imaginations. Teaming up with ceramic engineering expert Robert Twells, Autolite® embarked on creating this innovation. Their hard work resulted in the first Autolite® spark plug, propelling the company to prominence with major automakers like Chrysler, Studebaker, Packard, and Willys. Autolite's journey from humble beginnings to industry success exemplifies the impact of innovation and dedication. Autolite’s commitment to innovation and delivering high-quality products has been a constant for nearly a century, and will continue to be for decades to come.
1930-1960
1936 - First Autolite Spark Plug produced - Fostoria, OH
1948 - The Autolite Resistor Spark Plug was introduced
1956 - Autolite produces first Power Tip Spark Plug
1960-1980
1961 - Autolite purchased by Ford
1973 - Autolite purchased by Bendix
1976 - Autolite produced first Suppressor Spark Plug
1980-1990
1983 - The Allied Corporation acquired Bendix. In the 1983 merger, the three brand names FRAM, Bendix, and Autolite became part of Allied Automotive, one of the five business sectors of Allied Corporation
1987 - Autolite produces first Platinum Spark Plug for Ford O.E.
1989 - Autolite produces Six Billionth Spark Plug
1990-2005
2002 - Autolite produces Nine Billionth spark plug
2003 - Autolite produces first High Thread Spark Plug for Ford Triton Engine with 3 valve design - released O.E. in 2004
2005 - Autolite produces first XP .6mm Fine Wire Xtreme Performance® Spark Plug
2005-2015
2007 - In April, the Autolite brand produced its 10 billionth spark plug. Autolite also introduces several new products including Coil-on-Plug Insulator Boots, Premium Small Engine spark plugs (Xtreme Sport™ and Xtreme Start™), and two new innovative lighting products, the Flareglo Safety Lite and the Spaceglo Utility Lite
2013 - Autolite debuts a new look and logo for the brand
2014 - Autolite, along with FRAM, is acquired by The Rank Group to form The Fram Group
2015-2024
2020 - Autolite, along with FRAM, is acquired by First Brands Group
2021 - Autolite launches its most premium spark plug, Iridium Ultra®
2024 - Autolite expands its ignition line with the launch of Distributors