Where Did The PIAA Name Come From?

PIAA is a well known Japanese aftermarket brand that produces various automotive products. Some of PIAA’s most notable products among Filipino consumers are their line of wipers and its wide variety of halogen headlight bulbs, LEDs and halogen bulbs and lamps.

Established in 1963, PIAA is one of the largest suppliers of LED lamps for various motorsports purposes. For instance, PIAA is the official partner of Toyota Gazoo Racing, as well as various other racing teams and racing disciplines such as the Super GT and World Rally Championship. PIAA’s LED lights and halogen lamps have been proven to help racecar drivers traverse through the rain and the dark. Not only that, but the brand’s wipers, especially Si-TECH wipers have also been proven to be able to help drivers have better visibility in the rain. All of the brand’s racing technologies are applied to the brand’s aftermarket consumer products.

With its popularity in the global market, one does wonder, where did the PIAA name come from? Well apparently, the PIAA name doesn’t have a single story. As a matter of fact, there are five stories about the origin of the name.

During the discussion of PIAA’s latest products with Masashi Otsuka, Edbert Tiu, the president of PIAA Philippines, told us what is perhaps the most interesting version of the various stories regarding the origin of the PIAA name. As it turns out, one of the engineers of PIAA said that the headlights have a sort of “pyahhh” sound when one switches it on at night. Sounds strange, but I assure each one of you that this is as true as the truth can get. Also, the founder of PIAA is fascinated with names that sound European, which is the reason why the name is reminiscent of something that sounds quite Italian.

As the brand launches its new line of LED lights and horns, be sure to check PIAA’s booth at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show from April 4 to 7, 2019. You may even be able to land a special discount or promos from various products from PIAA Philippines.