India a Key Growth Market for Bosch Two-Wheeler and Powersports

BENGALURU, June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

- Developments in the Two-Wheeler Segment Paves Way for More Market-Specific Solutions 

- Bosch Solutions Makes Riding Safer and More Efficient 

• Two-Wheeler and Powersports are a major business area for Bosch
• India to contribute more than one-third of Bosch's global Two-Wheeler & Powersports revenue
• Bosch's new Engine Management System is built to provide advantages of migration to fuel injection at an affordable price point
• New generation ABS systems from Bosch brings safety to Indian riders even for bikes with front-only disc brakes at lower weight and box volumes
• Bosch is also working on connected solutions for bikes

Successive legislative mandates have reshaped the boundary conditions for two-wheelers in India. One such development is the introduction of the Antilock Braking System (ABS) as a mandatory requirement beginning April 2018. For Bosch India, this is a reinforcement of the life-saving potential of safety systems like ABS. Backed by a very strong engineering presence and capability, Bosch has proactively been working in India with its customers to offer the ABS. Commenting on the scope of the two-wheeler business, Geoff Liersch, Head of Bosch Business Unit Two-Wheeler & Powersports, said, "India is a key market for two-wheelers. Developments taking place here have the potential to influence other emerging markets, such as Indonesia and Thailand, where small two-wheelers also count as important means of transportation. Additionally, India also presents us with an opportunity to develop innovative solutions tailored to the need of emerging markets."

Given the significance of the two-wheeler industry in the Indian automotive context, Bosch India aims to contribute more than one-third of Bosch's global Two-Wheeler & Powersports business. "It is a target we aim to realize by the end of the decade," said Sandeep N, Regional Business Head, Two-Wheeler & Powersports business. An estimation from Bosch's accident research study suggests, that every third accident involving a two-wheeler in India can be avoided through the implementation of motorcycle ABS. Going beyond, the equipment can also reduce the collision speed of every fifth accident thus helping reduce the severity of injuries sustained.

EMS makes India's essential mode of transport highly efficient 

The Engine Management System (EMS) has been tailored to the requirements of emerging markets, especially to Asian countries like India. The EMS includes a control unit, a fuel injector, and software that makes it unnecessary to use individual sensors in the vehicle. By implementing new manufacturing processes and intelligent software algorithms, Bosch has been successful in keeping the development cost effective. Bosch's EMS can help India's wide-ranging two-wheeler segment make the transition to the next level of emission regulations as they become applicable. Compared with the traditional carburetor offering, and depending on the situation, the electronically controlled fuel-injection system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 16 percent.

Apart from paying significantly less for fuel when compared to a conventional carbureted vehicle, Indian riders can benefit from better cold-start performance as well as a more spontaneous engine response. An entire platform of two-wheelers in India has been built around it, which enables vehicles in the country to cost less but emit cleaner air. The Two-Wheeler & Powersports team in India has played a significant role in the development of the EMS. "We had to create a simple system capable of withstanding the two-wheeler environment at a price point that is both affordable and enables mass migration," commented Mr. Sandeep N on the development of the EMS.

A connected motorcycle is also a safer riding option  

Connected vehicles are the norm of the future and two wheelers will be no different. The availability of digital intelligence in a two-wheeler will pave the way for multiple functionalities that can be realized with an app-based approach. Digital connectivity will ensure that two-wheelers are not just safe and clean but fun and connected as well. Bosch already has various motorcycle connectivity solutions in its portfolio. The integrated connectivity cluster (ICC) is a rider information system that can connect motorcycles, smartphones and multiple apps. Through this the two-wheeler is enabled with rich functionalities, such as navigation and traffic guidance. Furthermore, it also offers lifesaving functions such as eCall - an automatic emergency call service in case of an accident. "It won't be long before we start to see increased demand for these connected functions in India. Bosch is getting ready for it," said Mr. Liersch.

About Mobility Solutions 

Mobility Solutions is the largest Bosch Group business sector. According to figures, its 2015 sales came to 41,7 billion euros, or 60 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. The Mobility Solutions business sector combines the group's expertise in three mobility domains - automation, electrification, and connectivity - and offers its customers integrated mobility solutions. Its main areas of activity are injection technology and powertrain peripherals for internal-combustion engines, diverse solutions for powertrain electrification, vehicle safety systems, driver-assistance and auto-mated functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, repair-shop concepts, and technology and services for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch is synonymous with important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology. 

About Bosch in India 

In India, Bosch is a leading supplier of technology and services in the areas of Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. Additionally, Bosch has in India the largest development center outside Germany, for end to end engineering and technology solutions. The Bosch Group operates in India through nine companies, viz, Bosch Limited, Bosch Chassis Systems India Limited, Bosch Rexroth India Limited, Bosch Engineering and Business Solutions Private Limited, Bosch Automotive Electronics India Private Limited, Bosch Electrical Drives India Private Limited, BSH Home Appliances Private Limited, ETAS Automotive India Private Ltd. and Robert Bosch Automotive Steering India Pvt. Ltd. In India, Bosch set-up its manufacturing operation in 1951, which has grown over the years to include 15 manufacturing sites, and seven development and application centers. Bosch Group in India employs over 30,000 associates and generated consolidated revenue of about ₨.17,022 crores in 2015 of which ₨. 12,100 crores from third party. The Group in India has close to 14,000 research and development associates. 

In India, Bosch Limited is the flagship company of the Bosch Group. It earned revenue of over ₨. 10,415 crores (1.4 billion euros) in 2015-16. Additional information can be accessed at http://www.boschindia.com

About Bosch 

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 375,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2015). The company generated sales of 70.6 billion euros in 2015. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing and sales network covers some 150 countries. The basis for the company's future growth is its innovative strength. Bosch employs 55,800 associates in research and development at roughly 118 locations across the globe. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to deliver innovations for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life."  

Media contact:
Roohie Menon
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Aditya Kumar Nayak
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Senior Account Executive
Edelman India Pvt. Ltd.