Bosch Showcases Advanced Green Performance Technologies

FLAT ROCK, Mich., Sept. 26 -- Robert Bosch LLC hosted a gasoline systems driving event today at its proving grounds in Flat Rock, Mich., to showcase its commitment to developing cleaner, more fuel efficient gasoline powertrain technologies that still offer optimal performance.

"Although alternative propulsion systems are growing in popularity, conventional internal combustion engines will remain the dominant powertrain option among U.S. light vehicles in the near future," said Sujit Jain, general manager, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Today's consumers are faced with rising fuel costs and a desire to reduce their impact on the environment. Bosch is committed to developing technologies that meet driver demands while benefiting the environment."

During today's technology demonstration, Bosch showed several green performance technologies that are either on the road today or will be in the future:

Start/stop system, which switches off the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is at a standstill to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 8 percent in urban traffic. Bosch supplies the starter, which is a key component to the system and has been developed specifically for start/stop applications. The system switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and seamlessly restarts it again as soon as the driver wants to drive on.

DI-Motronic, Bosch's second generation gasoline direct injection system (GDI), which offers greater revving range as well as higher torque at a lower speed range. In combination with turbocharging, GDI enables automakers to develop smaller engines, while maintaining performance. These downsized engines with GDI achieve the same output with a smaller displacement, and also consume less fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent.

Continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can be used in vehicles from sub-compact cars to SUVs with diesel, gasoline or hybrid drive systems, allows the vehicle to use up to 5 percent less fuel and emit less CO2. The CVT continuously adjusts the transmission ratio without interruption via a flexible steel belt, placed between two sets of pulley halves, which deliver power from the engine to the wheels. As the vehicle speeds up, the first set of pulleys move closer together as the second set move farther apart and the belt moves toward the axle. The gear ratio changes as the belt rides higher or lower on each set of pulley halves. Due to the fuel efficiency and emissions reduction features, CVT transmissions are attracting growing interest from automotive manufacturers worldwide. Bosch's annual CVT belt production figure is currently 2 million and the company predicts that by 2015 there will be 8 million newly licensed vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions.

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 260,000 associates generated sales of 43.7 billion euros in fiscal 2006. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 300 subsidiary and regional companies in over 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spends more than three billion euros each year for research and development, and in 2006 applied for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861- 1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs 24,750 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of $8.8 billion in 2006. For more information on the company, visit www.bosch.us.