Bosch Technology Earns Automotive News PACE™ Award

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Bosch honored with PACE™ Award two consecutive years
• Bosch developed the P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System in series production using a single electrical machine and advanced clutch control algorithms

Bosch received the 2011 Automotive News PACE™ (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contributions to Excellence) Award for its P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System (P2 system). In addition, the company was named a finalist for its windshield wiper direct drive system.

"This prestigious award is representative of the innovative culture Bosch was founded on 125 years ago," said Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC. "In 2010, Bosch's research and design expenditure was roughly $5.3 billion, nearly half of which was invested in technologies to advance energy-efficiency and resource conservation capabilities, vehicle safety and driver convenience."

P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System reduces emissions and provides full integration

Bosch has brought the world's first P2 Hybrid System into series production that integrates the clutch into the e-machine housing, which allows for optimum packaging and component reuse for full hybrid vehicles. The system reduces CO2 emissions, and improves fuel economy up to 25 percent. Improvement to the transition from fully electric to internal combustion engine driving is achieved by utilizing one e-machine and complex software functionality.

"Bosch's automotive expertise allowed us to deliver an enhanced system while minimizing cost, size and weight," said Sujit Jain, regional president, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Our full hybrid system is differentiated from our competitors through our single, consolidated e-machine."

In addition to the e-machine, the system includes an inverter with integrated DC-DC converter, clutch control hardware and Motronic electronic control unit, 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 series production on the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg and 2011 Porsche Cayenne S.

This is the second consecutive year Bosch earned a PACE Award. Since 1997, Bosch has been a PACE Award recipient six times.

Bosch's awarding-winning technologies include:

• 1997 – Automotive Motor Systems
• 2001 – High Pressure Common Rail
• 2002 – Aero-Twin Wiper Assembly System
• 2003 – Cassette Chrome Plating Process
• 2010 – Innovative Partnership with Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.  in developing the Vehicle Stability System for the three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder
• 2011 – P2 Parallel Full Hybrid System

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 were presented on April 11, 2011, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

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.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 283,500 associates generated sales of 47.3 billion euros ($62.7 billion) in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2010. 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 further growth. Bosch spent some four billion euros ($5 billion) for research and development in 2010, and applied for over 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.  Bosch is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2011. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, and www.125.bosch.com.

SOURCE The Bosch Group