• Market launch of first handheld power tools with electric motor in the handle in 1928
• Increase in the pace of innovation to 100 new power tools products per year
• Expanding China market strategy with trendsetting innovations

Hangzhou – After the launch of its largest training centre in the Asia Pacific region at Hangzhou last year, Bosch Power Tools, world market leader in portable electric power tools and accessories, celebrates its 80th year anniversary this year. During his visit to China early this April, Peter Ribinski, Executive Vice President of Bosch Power Tools Division, introduced the success stories of Bosch Power Tools through 80 years of development, and its future China development plan.

80 Years of Bosch Power Tools

When Bosch presented the "Forfex" hair clipper with an electric motor in the handle in 1928, it thereby defined the design principle of power tools. With constant innovations and technological advances, Bosch Power Tools has become a world leading power tools manufacturer with worldwide recognition from professional users and DIY enthusiasts. By end of 2007, there are more than 16,000 Bosch associates all over the world develop, manufacture and sell more than 32 million power tools every year. Every second a user chooses a power tool from the Bosch, Skil or Dremel brands at a specialist retail outlet or hardware store.

“Bosch Power Tools launches approximately one hundred new products onto the market each year 36 per cent turnover is now achieved with products launched onto the market less than 24 months beforehand. Bosch Power Tools remain the No.1 in portable power tools segments, and our Li-ion technology is in the leading position in the industry.” said Peter Ribinski .” With the takeover of RoboToolz at the end of 2007 - a leading manufacturer of innovative leveling-laser products , Bosch is boosting its Power Tools division, and further expanding its activities in the globally dynamic measuring-tools segment. “

Expanding China Investment with Trendsetting Innovations

Since entering the Chinese market in 1995, Bosch Power Tools has been committed to bringing its cutting-edge technology and trendsetting innovations to China, strengthening its local engineering team, developing new products that best suit the local market, and helping further the development of China's power tools industry. With more than 150 people in product engineering Bosch Power Tools ( China) Co., Ltd is developing products for worldwide markets. In 2008, its annual output is expected to reach 6,000,000 units power tools and 200,000,000 units of accessories, with 4,200 employees in China.

Meanwhile, the company operates largest Asia Pacific training center in for power tools Hangzhou. More than 1500 dealers, users and the associates from China and from other Asia Pacific countries were trained since its opening on March 15 th 2007.

In order to reinforce its sales through traditional distribution channels, Bosch introduced Specialist Systems Shops in 2007. Since last March, 51 Bosch Specialist Systems Shops have opened across China, aiming to assist its traditional dealers become real experts of Bosch Power Tools and Accessories. As of Jan 1 st, 2008, Bosch took over the power tools businesss in Hong Kong and Macau from its agency Melchers and further established its own sales and marketing team based in Hong Kong.

Bosch has continuously launched new products: after launching the full range of 10.8V Li-Ion cordless tools, Bosch launched innovative 36V Li-Ion cordless hammer and IXO II. The IXO is the most popular power tools in the world. Moreover, Bosch newly launched GSH16 professional demolition hammer, and GCO2000 cut-off saw – a benchtop product meets Chinese market requirements.

With innovative products and excellent service, Bosch Power Tools is increasing its market share in China. According to Mr. Peter Ribinski, Executive Vice President of Bosch Power Tools, “ China is one of the most important growing markets for Bosch PowerTools, The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai and the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou represent exciting business opportunities. We will continue to expand our investment in infrastructure, brand promotion, and product and service in China. I am confident that Bosch Power Tools China will continue to maintain its current growth momentum over the coming years.”

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.

About Bosch Power Tools in China

Bosch Power Tools is the leading supplier of portable electric power tools and accessories, committed to high standards of quality, technical innovation and after-sales services. It owns three brands: Bosch Skil and Dremel and it has 5 business segments: portable power tools, accessories, lawn and garden tools, benchtop and measuring tools.

Bosch Power Tools (China) Co. Ltd. is established in 1995 and located in Hangzhou with a manufacturing site comprising some 70,000 square meters, a product training centre for Asia Pacific and an Asia Pacific engineering center .

At the Hangzhou plant, Bosch produces the full range of products, including the rotary hammer, impact drill, jigsaw, demolition hammer, grinder, planer and sander, serving the concrete, woodworking and metal working industries. Innovative cordless tools are also available and suitable for use by furniture manufacturers, renovation professionals and Do-It-Yourselfers. In addition, over 1,000 different types of Bosch accessories are sold in China.

For more information on Bosch China, please visit http://www.bosch.com.cn