• Bosch Power Tools: growing in a declining market
• Roll-out of new small angle grinder GWS 7 Professional and a range of Lithium-ion cordless tools
• Opening its Test Center to the media for the first time, Bosch Power Tools further explores technology innovation in the China Market

24 June 2009, Hangzhou – Bosch Power Tools organized an interactive press roundtable with industry media, showcasing its newly-launched small angle grinder, the GWS 7 Professional, and a range of Lithium-ion tools while saluting Bosch 100 years in China with its trendsetting innovations. "Bosch continuous innovation and reliable services guarantee its leading position in a declining market and also our deeper development in the Chinese market." said Xiaodong Wang, general manager of Bosch Power Tools, China.

Bosch Power Tools: growing in a declining market
Bosch Power Tools was again able to achieve growth in 2008, despite a declining global market. Sales of power tools rose in real terms by 3.3 percent to EUR 3.15 billion, after adjusting for currency effects. The growth regions were Asia-Pacific including PRC, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.

Bosch was able to consolidate its position as a world market leader for portable electric power tools and also further strengthen its leadership for accessories – two achievements resulting from its own efforts and acquisitions of the accessories business of the Freud Group, which includes high-performance circular saw blades and router bits, and of sia Abrasives, a manufacturer of flexible abrasive systems.

In acquiring RoboToolz and CST/berger, Bosch has also invested in the growth segment of measuring tools for Do-It-Yourselfers and professionals, and is now one of the world's two leading suppliers of rangefinding, detection, and leveling tools.

"With our own growth and the five acquisitions in our five business segments – portable electric power tools, benchtop tools, accessories, measuring tools, and electric garden tools, we have laid the foundations for further growth and strategic acquirement," Xiaodong Wang added. "Bosch Power Tools will launch more than 50 new products in these five segments to share with the Chinese market the profession and convenience proudly brought by Bosch innovations at the time of the Bosch Centennial Anniversary."

Further development in Chinese market by launching new innovative products
At this press roundtable, the newly launched small angel grinder GWS 7 Professional was the undoubted highlight. Bosch small angle grinders are some of the most popular power tools used across a wide range of industries. With the launch of new 7 series, the 56mm diameter slim, fatigue-free grip and 720W motor make it stand out in the small angle grinder range. Ergonomically designed, the Bosch GWS 7 Professional affords tradesmen stable and easy operation. The new design of the body has optimized cooling for the motor and the full body dust protection prevents dust from damaging the machine. Such innovative engineering and ergonomic features mean GWS 7 boasts improved performance and durability, giving more to its users. The extra-long lifetime and wide range of applications will make the GWS 7 Professional another classic power tool.

The newest range of cordless power tools is no less important amongst the latest series of products. Since Bosch introduced lithium-ion technology to power tools in 2003, the company has consolidated its position as a technology leader with its range of cordless tools. Today Bosch offers these tools in all conventional voltage classes (from super compact 3.6 volt to super duty 36 volt) to meet various application needs. Bosch cordless tools incorporating "Premium" lithium-ion technology best exemplify the advantages of a rechargeable battery system that not only saves energy but also offers up to 400 percent longer life.

Besides a series of newly launched products, this press roundtable also showcased to trade media Bosch Power Tool’s professional production line as well as its Test Centre, opened to the media for the first time. The Test Centre, founded in February 2007, is responsible for providing professional test to determine product safety, electromagnetic compatibility, aerodynamics and motor performance. It has already received recognition of the European and American professional organizations. The Test Centre‘s advanced testing equipment, professional expertise and values of ‘pursuing scientific, accurate, fair and satisfactory test results‘, have enabled Bosch Power Tools to continuously provide the most reliable products for the marketplace.

Product and technology innovation drive Bosch’ continuous growth in the Chinese market. “Despite the downturn of world economy, the Chinese market remains energetic and promising. The Chinese Government’s stimulus plan and Expo 2010 Shanghai China will unfold great opportunities for Bosch Power Tools. We will continually invest in the Chinese market and strengthen Bosch’ leading role with our innovative products, leading service network and all-round marketing strategies.” said Tang Kim Kok, sales director of Bosch Power Tools, 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.

About Bosch Power Tools (China) Co., Ltd
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. Now, it has 5 product segments: portable power tools, benchtop, measuring tools, lawn and garden and accessories.

Bosch Power Tools established its joint-venture in Hangzhou in 1995 and it became a wholly foreign invested enterprise of Bosch in 2003. Bosch Power Tools (China) Co., Ltd. now occupies 140,000 square meters, which includes Bosch, Skil and Accessories manufacturing, and Bosch Power Tools China Sales & Marketing Center, Asia Pacific R&D Center, Asia Pacific Logistic Center, Asia Pacific Product Training Center, and the Global Purchasing and Quality Offices. Now the company become the important power tools location within Bosch worldwide.

In China, we offer full range of products including rotary hammer, impact drill, jigsaw, demolition hammer, grinder, planer and sander and measuring tools, serving the concrete, woodworking and metal working industries. Innovative Li-ion 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. Bosch has its own service center in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenyang and Wuhan as well as a nation-wide service network to meet our customers' needs.

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