Bosch Marks Further Investment in Michigan

Completion of Plymouth Township Technical Center Expected in Late 2006

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich., Nov. 17 -- Executives from Robert Bosch Corporation were joined today by city and state dignitaries to commemorate construction of the company's Technical Center in Plymouth Township. The $37.5-million, 225,000 sq. ft. site, which sits on 76 acres, is expected to be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2007, and will initially house 475 associates.

"Michigan continues to provide an ideal location for Bosch's operations, offering a close proximity to customers and an atmosphere that fosters growth for the future," said Kurt Liedtke, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch Corporation, and member of the board of management, Robert Bosch GmbH, responsible for the Americas region. "This new facility will allow us to strengthen our foundation in the state, support the long-term growth of our North American automotive business and expansion of sales and engineering activities."

The Plymouth Township facility, located at 15000 Haggerty Road, will serve as a technical center for Bosch, housing research and development as well as administrative space for its automotive body electrical and electronics division. The Technical Center will assist Bosch in consolidating its associates into company-owned facilities and positioning the company for future growth.

Innovations to be engineered at the technical center in Plymouth Township include iBolt sensing technology, adaptive cruise control, predictive safety systems and driver assistance technologies -- which embody the company's commitment to innovation.

Over the course of the long term, the potential full capacity of the Plymouth facility combined with that of the Farmington Hills automotive headquarters could provide Bosch with the opportunity to house as many as 3,400 area associates. The company currently employs approximately 1,500 associates in Farmington Hills.

The new technical center is designed with the environment in mind. One important feature will include a closed-loop pump system, which will recover heat generated from thermal chambers and compressors in the lab to help heat the facility.

The facility will also include a unique storm water management system, which through the use of on-site wetlands and the planting of Michigan native grasses and other natural landscaping, will allow runoff water to be absorbed into the soil rather than retained in a holding pond. This system will help to promote a sustainable environment on the property.

Bosch has had a presence in Michigan since 1918. In 1983, Bosch established its Farmington Hills campus, which serves as the company's automotive headquarters in North America. Bosch also has automotive proving grounds located in Flat Rock, and manufacturing facilities in Bridgeman, Buchanan, Kentwood and St. Joseph.

"The decision by Bosch to invest in Michigan and build its state-of-the- art technical center here strengthens our standing as a global automotive R&D center and demonstrates that our state is the right place for international companies to grow," Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said. "We appreciate the company's continued commitment to Michigan and look forward to a strong partnership for years to come."

In honor of Bosch's new facility in Plymouth Township, $10,000 was donated by the company today to the Educational Excellence Foundation, in support of a foreign language program at the facility's neighboring Farrand Elementary School.

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2004, some 242,000 associates generated sales of 40 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 260 subsidiaries and more than 10,000 service centers in over 130 countries.

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, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 23,000 associates in more than 80 primary facilities throughout North America and reported sales of $7.8 billion in 2004. For more information, visit http://www.bosch.us/ .