DENSO Europe was established in 1973 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Until 1996 we were known as Nippondenso Europe. Starting with six employees the objective was to gain a better understanding of the specific requirements of the European Market. Very quickly Porsche was the first European manufacturer to sign a contract with DENSO. Due to the 1970 Muskie Clean Air Act, they required air pumps for vehicles exported to the USA. Many others followed, including Mercedes-Benz in 1980.

In the 70’s One of DENSO’s goals was to become a supplier to Fords European operations. DENSO accomplished this with its state-of-the-art windshield wiper with electric washer system. The benefits of being local soon became apparent. In the trials it became apparent that the windshield wipers blew away due to the high speeds on the German autobahns and for some reason the washer system wouldn’t work if it got completely empty. Local engineers quickly solved the problems and DENSO gained credibility with Ford which would be the basis of a long relationship.

DENSO’s business expanded and in 1984 DENSO opened office in London and Munich. The break into the previously closed French market came in 1980. Peugeot was looking for a development partner for an electronic suspension control system. The co-development was a success. In the late 1980’s, the Peugeot 605 came to market in Europe. It boasted a top speed of 200 km/h. A Peugeot director was quoted in a publication, saying “we’re very satisfied. What’s different is that we didn’t outsource part of the responsibility, we collaborated with DENSO”.

With sales going strong, the next obvious step was to localise production in Europe. In 1991 DENSO started production in Barcelona, Spain. At around the same time discussions with Magneti Marelli resulted in DENSO establishing a company producing air conditioning systems and radiators. DENSO's experience of starting overseas companies in the US and Asia helped the company plan a trouble-free start up.

In the 1990’s there was a growing demand for improved economy and comfort in the European automotive market. DENSO established technical facilities for engine management systems in Coventry, UK, and for air conditioning systems in Munich, Germany, in anticipation of car makers’ move towards procuring whole systems rather than individual components. This close cooperation with automotive manufacturers led to a clearer understanding of their business. DENSO was honored to be chosen as supplier of the engine management system for Jaguars sports car, the XK8.

After succeeded in securing business with Volvo, DENSO opened a sales company in Sweden in 1998.