Bosch, Audi Continue A Successful Partnership

Audi R10 TDI Diesel Racecar Wins Twelve Hours of Sebring

* Racecar with jointly developed common-rail system * Excellent engine performance and torque * Aim is to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans * Increasing acceptance of diesel in the U.S.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 21 -- On March 18, 2006, the new diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI celebrated a successful motor-racing debut in Florida, winning the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. In this long-distance classic, the racecar completed a total of 349 laps of the roughly 3.7-mile course.

As a development partner, Bosch supplies system components for the common- rail injection system of the R10 TDI - components which were developed together with Audi Sport. Bosch also redesigned the electronic control unit for the system.

"This victory is a fantastic achievement, and it goes without saying that we are proud that Bosch technologies played a key role in the success of the Audi R10," said Ulrich Dohle, president of the Bosch Diesel Systems Division. "Modern high-pressure injection technology has made series-produced diesel vehicles clean and economical, and agile at the same time. Now, thanks to Audi and Bosch, the diesel is showing what it can do on the race track."

The climax of the season will be the 24 Hours of Le Mans, June 17-18, the next race in which the R10 TDI will be competing. The excellent teamwork with Audi has already paid off there in the past. Le Mans racecars by Audi, equipped with gasoline direct injection developed together with Bosch, raced to victory in 2005, 2004, 2002 and 2001. The 2003 race was won by VW group subsidiary Bentley.

Diesel engines are very powerful and fuel efficient. These are useful advantages in long-distance races such as the Twelve Hours of Sebring or the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"The market for diesel passenger vehicles in the U.S. is growing steadily. The success of the Audi R10 TDI in Sebring helps to demonstrate the advantages of modern diesel technology," said John Moulton, president of the Powertrain Division, Robert Bosch Corporation.

Bosch has pooled all its motor racing activities into one separate unit, Bosch Motorsport. It is part of Bosch Engineering GmbH, the Bosch subsidiary that specializes in engineering services. Motor racing services at Bosch can look back on a long tradition. As early as 1903, Bosch engineering helped racing drivers to victory.

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2005, some 250,000 associates generated sales of 42 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 270 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 Service Centers in over 140 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, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs 22,700 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of $8.4 billion in 2005. This year marks Bosch's 100th year of operating in the U.S. For more information on the company and the Centennial, visit www.bosch.us.