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Bosch Reports Automotive Sales Growth in 1998

2 March 1999

Bosch Reports Automotive Sales Growth in 1998

    DETROIT, March 2 -- Robert Bosch North American OE sales rose
by four percent in 1998, from $3.3 billion to $3.4 billion.  Overall, Bosch
North American net sales, including automotive and non-automotive operations,
rose from $5.3 billion in 1997 to $5.5 billion last year.  Bosch's 1998 net
sales figures include joint venture operations in North America.
    Bosch also saw an increase in North American employment figures last year,
from 13,900 to approximately 15,000 associates in 1998.  Robert Bosch Corp.'s
automotive OEM operations consist of 20 technical and manufacturing facilities
in North America.

    Bosch Group Continues Worldwide Growth
    The Bosch Group's total sales in 1998 increased by seven percent to $28.6
billion.  Most of the growth took place in the first half of the year, while
the second six-month period was influenced by economic conditions in Asia,
South America and Russia.  Worldwide, sales of automotive equipment rose 11
percent to $18.2 billion.
    The number of Bosch associates rose by approximately 8,400 worldwide, from
180,600 at the beginning of 1998 to 189,000 at the beginning of 1999.
    The Bosch Group invested approximately $2.05 billion in fixed assets in
1998, 55 percent of which were invested in Germany.  Investments for the
current year are projected to reach $2.3 billion.
    Bosch's innovative resources will be further strengthened in 1999 by an
increase in research and development expenditures.  Approximately $2.0 billion
worldwide was invested in 1998 and the company predicts it will invest $2.2
billion in 1999, amounting to about seven percent of planned sales.
    The major area of investment lies in the production of diesel fuel-
injection systems.  In this area, new high-pressure injection systems for
direct injection diesel engines in passenger vehicles will almost completely
replace conventional injection systems in the future.  Bosch began producing
its VP44 in 1996; production of the Common Rail and unit injector systems
began in 1997.  In addition, investments will be made in the new fuel-saving
gasoline direct injection technology and in electronic braking systems.
    In 1998, Bosch continued to expand its areas of activity in Automotive
Equipment.  In March 1998 Bosch took over a majority holding in Diesel
Technology Company, Kentwood, Mich.  Diesel Technology Company manufactures
high-pressure diesel injection systems for heavy-duty truck engines.  In
addition, a joint venture with ZF Friedrichshafen was formed in the area of
steering systems that began operation at the beginning of this year.
    Bosch designs and produces precision automotive components and systems
sold to vehicle and powertrain manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad.  These
include systems and components for gasoline and diesel injection, airbag
components, ABS and conventional brake systems, lighting components, as well
as small motors, electrical equipment and electronics.
    Robert Bosch Corporation is the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Robert
Bosch GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.