• Bosch first launched ABS in 1978 - 76 percent of new light vehicles worldwide have ABS on board
• More than 60 percent of new light vehicles produced in China are equipped with ABS
• ABS is an active safety system that ensures safe braking during emergency braking

03 April, 2008 – Bosch Chassis System Control China celebrates the production of its 1.5 million th Antilock Braking System (ABS) at the state-of-the-art Bosch Chassis Systems Control China plant in Suzhou. The success story began in 1978 when Bosch launched the first electronically controlled Antilock Braking System. This technology still is the basis for all current brake control systems. Its function has been enhanced by the Traction Control System (TCS) in 1986 and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP ®) in 1995. All three technologies have been pioneered by Bosch and are known as active safety systems. In contrast to passive safety systems, their aim is crash avoidance.

“Our production milestone reflects the growth of the Chinese automotive industry and the increasing awareness among Chinese auto manufacturers about meeting international safety standards,” said Ferdinando Sorrentino, Regional President of Bosch Chassis Systems Control China. “This achievement not only reflects the passion and dedication of Bosch's local partners, it also confirms the success of the Bosch Production System – BPS. ”

A brief history of ABS development

On slippery surfaces, the wheels of a vehicle may lock during braking, thus preventing the steerability of the vehicle and increasing stopping distances. ABS detects imminent wheel locking and modulates braking pressure at individual wheels, enabling the driver to brake safely and steer around sudden obstacles. ABS is standard equipment in many regions around the world: some three quarters of all new vehicles below six tons have ABS on board. In Europe, North America, Japan, Korea and Australia, ABS is increasingly being enhanced by the Electronic Stability Program ESP ®. In China, more than 60 percent of new light vehicles produced are equipped with ABS.

Bosch was the first supplier to launch a reliable ABS 30 years ago. Since then Bosch has played a leading role in the further development of this safety technology. The ABS system introduced in 1978 weighed over 6 kilograms, and its separate control unit consisted of 140 components and had a memory capacity of 2 Kbyte. The most compact variant of today's Generation 8 weighs a mere 1.4 kilograms and consists of 14 components with a memory capacity of 256 Kbyte. The postage stamp-sized control unit is integrated into the hydraulic unit. Engineers have succeeded in substantially reducing noise and vibration during ABS interventions.

Leading example of successful localized production

Bosch localized its ABS production in China in 2003. The Suzhou plant of Bosch Chassis Systems Control China is part of a worldwide Bosch production network. In seven locations worldwide Bosch produces around 80,000 ABS a day according to the Bosch Production System BPS. BPS relies primarily on “lean thinking” to realize a high degree of flexibility in production and to eliminate waste from the production process. The Suzhou plant produces the latest ABS Generation 8.

The plant has two ABS/ESP ® flexible production lines, one for wheel speed sensors, two deburring lines and nine machining centers. In additio n, Bosch will continue to invest in the local engineering facility and production in 2008. “Reaching this achievement of 1.5 million ABS produced in China merely marks the start of the development and localization of Bosch Chassis Systems Control China,” noted Ferdinando Sorrentino. “We will further invest to expand our local production, facility and engineering capabilities to bring the most advanced active safety technology to Chinese auto makers. This will strengthen their competitiveness and provide more effective and economical safeguards to drivers and occupants in China.”

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 China, please visit http://www.bosch.com.cn