• Consolidated sales in China reached 22.8 billion CNY in 2008, a 25 percent increase from 2007

Shanghai, April 21, 2009 – Bosch exhibits its advanced automotive technology solutions at Auto Shanghai 2009. The company presents innovative technologies including gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a full range of components and solutions for new energy vehicles. In addition, Bosch showcases its latest products and solutions using local R&D and manufacturing.

At Auto Shanghai 2009 Bosch continues to introduce solutions which benefit China’s automotive industry and help make driving in China cleaner, safer and more energy efficient” said Uwe Raschke, member of the Board of Management of the Bosch Group and responsible for the Bosch activities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bosch China: Continuous business growth in 2008

The significant deterioration of the global economic situation has also affected the development of the Bosch Group in fiscal year 2008. Despite the sharp appreciation of the euro, sales and earnings developed as expected in the first half of the year, and were generally satisfactory. After adjusting for currency effects, sales increased by roughly five percent. However, the second half of the year, and especially the fourth quarter, brought a downturn, which for some sectors was severe. According to preliminary figures, the group’s sales amounted to roughly 45 billion Euros in nominal terms, 2.8 percent less than in the previous year. At constant exchange rates, sales were 0.6 percent below their prior-year level.

Despite the global economic downturn, Bosch China continued its growth path in 2008. Bosch’s consolidated sales in China reached 22.8 billion CNY (2.2 billion Euros) in 2008, a 25 percent increase in comparison to 2007.

Investment in employee development

Our long-term development strategy in China is firmly on track,” said Raschke. In 2008, Bosch invested some 3 billion CNY in China. At the end of 2008 Bosch China employed 20,200 associates working in its legal entities and facilities, the largest number outside of Germany. Peter Pang, President of Bosch (China) Investment, Ltd., said, “Our associates are our most important asset in China and we therefore aim to retain our core workforce during this difficult period. Furthermore, we will continue our investments in training of local associates in 2009.” According to preliminary figures, the company has spent some 36.3 million CNY on employee training in 2008.

Full range of innovative solutions for new-energy vehicles and localized products are highlights at the Bosch booth

The Bosch booth at Auto Shanghai 2009 is divided into two sections:
In the Global Innovation Section, Bosch highlights its global technologies for gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. Bosch has been working on new-energy vehicle technologies for over 30 years and has a wealth of experience at its disposal, including extensive know-how in battery, electric drive, and brakes as well as engine management and transmission control. In addition, the company has a wide range of components that can be used in both parallel and distributed hybrid systems, including powerful electric motors, power electronics, and DC/DC converters.

We will introduce lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles to support our customers in China” said Peter Pang, “the new developed batteries are suitable to automotive applications and will offer safety and a long service life.” Bosch established a Joint Venture with Samsung in 2008 to develop high power density Lithium-ion batteries.

In the Localization Solutions section of the booth, Bosch showcases the latest localized R&D and manufacturing. This is the first time in which Bosch displays its locally produced Start/Stop System. This system was first introduced in last year. Bosch has applied this technology for several Chinese OEMs. The company expects to achieve more than 70% localization rate for the major components of the Start/Stop system by 2010.

In addition, Bosch also exhibited for the first time its new Common Rail 1.3 System. The high-pressure pump is the first Bosch pump developed jointly with Weifu and manufactured by Weifu in China. Weifu and Bosch established their Joint Venture in 2004 to cooperate in the area of clean Diesel technology. With the Common Rail 1.3 System and a higher localization rate Bosch will meet a price level suitable even for low-priced light commercial vehicles. This system is capable of optimizing fuel injection for better combustion and it can easily be upgraded to CN4 requirements.

Beginning of new chapter in corporate history

Bosch first entered the Chinese market in 1909 and will celebrate in 2009 its centennial anniversary. “Bosch considers itself in China as a local company with strong roots in this country since 100 years” said Peter Pang. “Our centennial anniversary marks the beginning of a new chapter in our corporate history and we are excited to continue this journey for the next 100 years by contributing even more to the Chinese society.

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.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.cn