Bosch, DEUTZ, and Eberspächer Explore Possibility of Joint Activities in Non-Road Exhaust-Gas Technology

ESSLINGEN, Germany--Robert Bosch GmbH, DEUTZ AG, and J. Eberspächer GmbH & Co. KG have announced they are interested in collaborating in the area of exhaust-gas treatment for non-road vehicles. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed by the three companies. Its stated aim is to further pursue negotiations relating to joint activities in the development, manufacture, and sale of diesel exhaust-gas treatment systems for this market segment.

The non-road market for diesel engines mainly comprises applications for construction and agricultural machinery. With stricter emissions regulations coming into force from 2011 – stage III B and IV in Europe, Tier 4i and Tier 4 in North America, and comparable regulations in Japan – the demand for exhaust-gas treatment systems for this segment is growing significantly. As the negotiations stand at present, the planned joint venture would supply complete diesel exhaust systems to all engine and machinery manufacturers worldwide. The complete system would be made up of standardized modules with customized tubing. In mobile machinery especially, this would significantly increase flexibility with respect to installation space. The requisite know-how is available in the three companies. Bosch can contribute its SCR metering systems, as well as expertise in electronic control units and systems competence. DEUTZ has a wealth of experience in the area of reducing diesel engine emissions, as well as the necessary application know-how. And, as a specialist in exhaust technology, Eberspächer is a leader in the area of exhaust gas aftertreatment. Depending on how the talks progress, the objective is to launch the joint venture and start series production as soon as possible.

Eberspächer ranks amongst the leading system developers and suppliers of exhaust gas technology and vehicle heating worldwide and is also involved in vehicle electronics and automotive bus systems. Its customers include almost all European and North American manufacturers for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. In 2008, the internationally active group of companies, with approximately 5500 employees in 19 countries, generated a turnover of more than 2.2 billion EUR.