Bosch Technologies Honored as Finalists for 2011 Automotive News PACE™ Awards

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire/ --

• Bosch has developed the world's first P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System in series production using a single electrical machine and advanced clutch control algorithms
• Windshield Wiper Direct Drive System, a mass market industry-first, allows the wiper arms and blades to be directly mounted to the electric motors

Bosch has been named a finalist for two 2011 Automotive News PACE™ (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contributions to Excellence) Awards. The company earned finalist recognitions for its P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System (P2 system) and Windshield Wiper Direct Drive System, both in the product category.

P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System reduces emissions and provides full integration

Bosch's innovative P2 Full Hybrid System for passenger and light commercial vehicles utilizes a single e-machine with advanced clutch controls for seamless transition from a fully electric to internal combustion engine (ICE) driving.

"The P2 system is uniquely designed for full hybrid vehicles, by integrating the clutch into the e-machine housing it allows for optimum packaging and component reuse," said Sujit Jain, regional president, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "By consolidating the system into one e-machine, Bosch is able to reduce cost, size and weight compared to other full hybrid systems. The P2 system offers reduced CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy up to 25 percent."

In addition to the e-machine, the system includes an inverter with integrated DC-DC converter, clutch control hardware and a Motronic electronic control unit (ECU), which utilizes Bosch Hybrid Vehicle Control Software. As part of this software, the system uses advanced clutch control algorithms for precise and seamless application of the clutch to restart the engine while the vehicle is driving electrically.

The P2 system is currently in use on the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg and 2011 Porsche Cayenne S.

Windshield Wiper Direct Drive System reduces part count and weight, while improving functionality

Bosch's Windshield Wiper Direct Drive System is an innovative wiper system, allowing the wiper arms and blades to be directly mounted to the electric motors, reducing the need for any additional components. This new system's compact design and reduced part count deliver considerable weight and space savings for automakers.

"Bosch's innovative wiper system can be utilized on any vehicle make or model, helping automakers reduce the need for specialized tooling, while delivering mechanical robustness," explained Danny Hyman, regional president, Electrical Drives North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Meanwhile, the system's electronic control also offers drivers improved functionality and performance by providing increased visibility and wiper blade durability."

The Bosch wiper system is the industry's first to be applied to a mass market, high-volume vehicle platform and its unique packaging concept allows automakers to implement new vehicle styling concepts. The wiper system makes its U.S. and European debut on the new Ford Focus starting in early 2011.

Bosch, a pioneer in wiper systems since 1926, received a 2002 PACE Award for the Aero-Twin wiper blade. Through the Bosch Center for Competence for Wiper Systems' research and development in Buehl, Germany, the company continues to gain knowledge and experience with integrating electronics into electric motors and mechanical systems, in addition to gaining world-class manufacturing expertise.

Automotive News PACE™ Awards recognize industry innovations

First introduced to the industry in 1995, the Automotive News PACE™ Awards are an annual set of recognitions celebrating superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. This prestigious award, now in its seventeenth year, is recognized around the world as the industry benchmark for innovation. The 2011 Awards will be presented on April 11, 2011, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

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 275,000 associates generated sales of $53 billion (38.2 billion euros) in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than $5 billion (3.5 billion euros) for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and communication systems, packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare products. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 20,000 associates in more than 70 locations, with reported sales of $7.3 billion in fiscal 2009.

For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

SOURCE The Bosch Group