• Worldwide push-belt CVTs are being applied in more than 70 different vehicle models
• CVT-equipped automobiles offer a 3 – 14% better fuel efficiency than comparable models with a manual transmission
• Bosch supports local CVT development through know-how transfer and engineering support

Tianjin –Bosch experts showcased Bosch CVT Fuel Saving technology in Tianjin from November 7th to 8th, 2008 at the (SAE) Annual Congress organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers of China. The technical seminar and test drive was attended by government officials, executives, experts, and media from the automotive industry.

Differently from conventional systems, CVT has un-fixed gear ratios allowing the engine to run at its most efficient level resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Cars equipped with this technology can offer a 3 – 14% improved fuel efficiency than comparable models with a manual transmission. “CVT can bring tangible benefits to Chinese consumers such as less fuel consumption and reduction of exhaust emissions, ,” said Mr. Elias van Wijk, Vice President of Bosch CVT Business Unit, “CVT fuel savings can contribute to achieve the goals of energy saving of China’s 11th Five Year Plan.”

As a global leading supplier for CVT push-belts and pioneer in the field of this technology, Bosch provides the new generation CVT metal push-belt. Current CVT push-belt technology makes it possible to cover a broad range of engines starting from 1.0 L engines up to 3.5 L engines and higher. Currently Bosch CVT push-belts are being applied in more than 70 different vehicle models in diverse power trains such as gasoline, diesel and hybrid drives. Worldwide over 30 years of CVT experience already resulted in more than 13 million push-belt CVT vehicles.

CVT technology also offers a smoother and more comfortable ride because of its step less or continuous variable principle. Mr. Elias van Wijk explained, “CVT offers drivers 100% smoothness.”

Globally the fast growing automatic transmission market offers opportunities for CVT technology. We forecast that global CVT production will be 4.3 million in 2008 and will continue to grow 18% per annum until 2015. The Chinese market will be one of the main contributors to this substantial growth.

In China, Bosch has already cooperated with a few OEMs and independent tier-one suppliers in CVT joint development programs. Bosch not only provides innovative, durable and high quality CVT push-belts, but also offers technical know-how transfer, engineering support, and joint marketing programs. “We are dedicated in supporting local CVT development with Chinese OEMs and are actively searching for cooperation opportunities in China.” said Mr. Zhang Hui, Sales Manager of Bosch’s business unit GS-CT.

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 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.

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

For further details please contact:

Ms. Helen He Bosch(China) Investment Ltd. Tel: +86-21-2898 1111 Email: helen.he@cn.bosch.com

News sourc: Bosch China
Publish date: October 2008