Bosch: A Pioneer in Advanced Motorsports Technology

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Aug. 28, 2007 -- Diesel technology is just the latest development in Bosch's long history of motorsports tradition dating back to 1903. Bosch's advanced clean diesel technology will be showcased during Labor Day weekend on the Raceway at Belle Isle in Detroit.

On Sept. 1, 2007, Bosch will serve as presenting sponsor for the Detroit Sports Car Challenge, which is round 10 of the 12-race American Le Mans Series racing schedule. Bosch's involvement in the American Le Mans Series began in 2006 through its partnership with Audi Motorsports and the Audi R10 TDI.

Supplied by Bosch, the specially adjusted high-pressure pumps and piezo-inline injectors for the diesel common rail injection system have played a key role in the on-going success for the Audi R10. The 2006 American Le Mans Series LPM1 race class champ and two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner utilizes other Bosch technologies, which support its success on the track. Bosch has used its racing know-how as the basis for developing the new electronic control unit for the Audi R10's 12-cylinder engine, and also to supply a telemetrics system that guarantees an uninterrupted transmission of data from the vehicle to the pit during the race.

"Bosch's support of auto racing's comeback in Detroit was a natural decision given our long history in motorsports," said Chris Qualters, director of marketing, North American Diesel System, Robert Bosch LLC. "We are committed to developing innovative technologies, such as our diesel common rail injection system, which will bring success to both racers and consumers alike."

Bosch began its racing tradition in 1903 when a Bosch spark plug-equipped race car, the Mercedes-Benz type 60 stock car, won one of the first international auto races, the Gordon Bennett Race in Ireland.

Since then, Bosch has been a driving force in motorsports both in the United States and around the world. Bosch is actively involved in NASCAR, the Indy Racing League (IRL), Champ Car World Series and other racing events, supplying spark plugs, alternators and other technology to a variety of race cars.

Since 1991, Bosch spark plugs and/or alternators have produced nearly 350 NASCAR victories. In 2006 alone, teams running Bosch-equipped vehicles in the various NASCAR series logged 71 wins. Bosch's 2007 NASCAR roster of drivers includes defending Nextel Cup champion Jimmie Johnson along with superstars Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin and Ryan Newman, among others.

In IndyCar racing, Bosch has 11 IRL championships and more wins than any other spark plug. The 2007 season also finds Bosch closing in on its 20th straight Champ Car World Series title. Bosch spark plugs have won 26 Indianapolis 500 races, including the inaugural race in 1911. Bosch's 2007 roster of open-wheel drivers includes Marco Andretti, Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Sebastien Bourdais, and the 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner and IRL champ, Sam Hornish Jr.

Dr. Ulrich Dohle, president of the Diesel Systems division at Bosch, says "racing technology and series-produced systems exist in symbiosis. Our involvement in motor racing helps us to further improve on the weight and performance of our series-production injection systems. In turn, our many years of experience in series development are the bedrock for reliable racing technology."

For more than 75 years, Bosch has led the way in making diesel advantages a reality through major technology advancements. Over the last decade, Bosch has introduced technology that dramatically improves performance while making diesels clean, quiet and efficient. Bosch technology for diesel engines includes high-pressure common rail and unit injector systems, both vital to emissions reduction, and improved performance and fuel economy. The company is currently working with many automakers to advance the momentum of clean diesel technology.

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, or $54.7 billion, in fiscal year 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."

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.

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.