• Bosch technologies as viable solutions for the challenges of environmental protection, energy saving and rapid development of the local automotive industry.
• Advantages of diesel and ESP® demonstrated through CAAM-VDA diesel drive day and ESP® test drives.
• Opening of only professional braking system verification road in China owned by an automotive supplier.

Beijing, 20 November, 2006 – During Auto China 2006 the Bosch Group emphasized its commitment to the China market as well as to cultivating the competitiveness of China’s automotive industry. Backed by an innovation-oriented growth strategy, improved R&D facilities and a planned investment of 620 million euros in China between 2006 and 2008, the world’s leading automotive supplier presented numerous innovations for the automobile in China.

By year end, China is expected to surpass Germany in global annual vehicle production, making it the 3rd largest vehicle producer in the world. “As the Chinese automotive industry continues to develop, Chinese car manufacturers will need viable solutions to meet demanding international standards.” says Rudolf Colm, Member of the Board of Management of the Bosch Group responsible for the coordination of Bosch activities in the Asia-Pacific region. “Bosch’s leading automotive technologies are an integral part of many world famous car brands. We are ready to support the Chinese manufacturers to introduce the necessary future technologies that are of high quality, reliable and beneficial to society.”

Modern diesel technology contributing to environmental protection in China

Modern diesel engines with high pressure Diesel fuel injection systems from Bosch provide a viable solution for the Chinese automotive industry in light of a growing vehicle population and increased necessities on environmental protection and on energy saving.

Earlier today at Beijing’s Golden Port Motor Park, Bosch participated in a vehicle test drive event co-organized by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The event demonstrated the substantial advantages of modern diesel engines of local and international car manufacturers such as high fuel economy, reduced emissions and high torque.
Bosch began production of modern common rail systems in China earlier this year, supporting local OEMs to launch China’s first locally made modern Diesel engines with state-of-the-art electronically controlled fuel systems for SUVs and commercial vehicles.

Latest technologies for greater road safety and driving comfort

In addition to modern drive concepts such as common rail diesel injection systems, the latest technologies for greater safety and comfort of vehicle drivers and passengers have been developed by Bosch.
ESP® (Electronic Stability Program), which integrates two technologies: ABS (Antilock Braking System) and TCS (Traction Control System) can prevent vehicles from skidding which is a major reason for severe or fatal accidents. ESP®premium, a high-end ESP®, is even more improved for shorter braking distances compared with earlier generations and raises the level of comfort, while at the same time providing additional safety.

• For the latest European high-end models, Bosch developed a night vision system which makes the road ahead, obstacles and traffic situations clearly visible over a great distance. With a range of 150 meters, the infrared light reaches four times as far as the traditional low-beam lights making driving in darkness safer and less stressful.
• An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system makes easier driving under dense traffic as it automatically regulates the distance to the vehicle in front. This intelligent speed controller observes the traffic, and adapts the vehicle’s speed to the traffic flow.
• Intelligent parking will come into the market from 2008. These systems will make parking easier by giving the driver clear recommendations and as further development by directly controlling electrically supported steering.

Future intelligent functions will arise from the close networking of both active and passive safety systems with predictive driver assistance systems. Bosch has coined the term Combined Active and Passive Safety (CAPS) for all these projects. The Bosch Group’s Automotive Technology business sector spends close to 9% of its sales revenue on research and development – far more than the industry average. Worldwide the company is leading the field in automotive patents.

“With our three automotive technology centers in Shanghai, Suzhou and Wuxi we will push further ahead with technological developments for road safety, for environmental protection, for energy saving and for driving comfort”, said Rudolf Colm. “We will also continue to utilize various events to demonstrate the advantages and outstanding performance of these systems.”

On the 18th and 20th of November 2006, respectively, Bosch organized another ABS and ESP® test drive in Beijing to provide a living experience on Bosch active safety systems and also to increase the awareness on road safety by demonstrating the specific benefits of ESP®. Recently Bosch unveiled its Vehicle Verification Road designed specially to test brake systems, including ABS and ESP® at the Bosch Suzhou Engineering Center, which covers a total area of close to 37,000 square meters and represents a total investment of 1.8 million euros. “This is another milestone that strengthens the application of technology and production capability in China, ensuring the fastest response time to our customers”, said Rudolf Colm.

Cultivating local talent

Bosch’s commitment to technology advancement in China is also reflected by collaborating with several prestigious Chinese academic institutions. Bosch has also been active in training the local management as well as engineering teams in China with ongoing training programs at home and abroad.

“Bosch has long shown its commitment to China by introducing the latest technologies and fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities in environmental protection, safety, and education,” said Peter Pang, President of Bosch (China) Investment Ltd. “This is what we mean by our slogan, ‘Invented for Life’, which refers not only to technological advancement but also to the improvement of the quality of life.”

About the Bosch Group

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros, or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

About Bosch in China

Bosch founded its first trading office in China as early as 1909. In 1926, the first car service workshop opened in Shanghai. Today, all Bosch business sectors are present in China: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology. The company operates 44 legal entities in China and has a holding company in Shanghai. Consolidated sales in China reached 2.2 billion euros in 2008. Some 20,200 Bosch associates in all legal entities and facilities are committed to bringing to Chinese customers the latest technology as well as the most reliable services to help improve their quality of life.

For more information on Bosch, please visit www.bosch.com.cn