Trends: Bosch Contributes Key Technologies as Engines Become Smaller, More Powerful

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Nine of Ward's winning engines feature Bosch technologies
• Five of 10 Best Engines contain Bosch direct injection technologies
• Bosch direct injection technology helps automakers meet CAFE standards
• Bosch expects 39 percent of vehicles sold in the United States to feature direct injection by 2020

With automakers squarely focused on meeting the 2025 CAFE regulations and consumers wanting more miles per gallon and lower emissions, Ward's 10 Best Engines of 2012 indicate the direction in which the automotive industry is headed – smaller, turbocharged engines with direct injection.

Bosch technology is featured on nine of the 10 Best Engines of 2012, and its direct injection technology appears on five of the winning engines.  The main elements of the Bosch direct injection system include the engine control unit, high-pressure pump, and high-pressure fuel injector.

"Direct injection is a key technology in current and future engines, and we remain committed to developing the most innovative and advanced engine technologies," said Sujit Jain, regional president, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Providing advanced technologies, such as direct injection and turbocharging, are essential in helping automakers meet the demand to bring the most fuel-efficient vehicles to market."

By 2016, the number of highly efficient four-cylinder engines will increase by 20 percent to more than 20 million units globally, according to Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems, a joint venture between Bosch and MAHLE that produces turbochargers for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. "Based on this trend data," Jain said, "the forecast is clear: In the near future, every automaker will offer turbocharged gasoline engines."

In addition to direct injection systems and components, other Bosch technologies including port- fuel injectors, throttle body, oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, and other key sensors, to the various winning engines:

• 5.0-liter DOHC V-8 (Ford Mustang Boss 302)
• 2.0-liter EcoBoost DOHC I-4 (Ford Edge)
• 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo DOHC I-4 (BMW Z4/328i/528i)
• 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo DOHC I-6 (BMW 135i, 335i, 535i, X3)
• 3.6-liter Pentastar DOHC V-6 (Chrysler 300S/Jeep Wrangler)
• 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G DOHC I-4 (Mazda3)
• 3.0-liter TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi A6)
• 2.0-liter Ecotec Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Buick Regal GS)
• 1.6-liter Gamma DOHC I-4 (Kia Soul, Rio/Hyundai Veloster)

Direct Injection Improves Fuel Economy, Reduces Emissions
As automakers strive to reach new CAFE standards of 54.5 mpg by 2025, Bosch's high-precision injection technology allows vehicles to consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions without sacrificing torque performance. This technology, coupled with turbocharging and variable valve timing, can lead to as much as 18 percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.  In combination with additional technology packages and extreme downsizing, Bosch aims to achieve a 30 percent fuel efficiency improvement for the gasoline engine. Bosch anticipates that in 2020 U.S. sales will reach 16.3 million vehicles, with 39 percent featuring gasoline direct injection.

"This lineup of engines honored by Ward's goes a long way toward changing customer perception about the relationship between engine size, fuel economy and power," Jain said. "These smaller engines are, in fact, powerful as well as fuel-efficient."

Ward's 10 Best Engines Focus on Powertrain Excellence
Selected by the editors of Penton Media Inc.'s Ward's Automotive Group, the 2012 list marks the 18th year for the Ward's 10 Best Engines program, the only awards in the North American auto industry that honor powertrain excellence. The awards were presented in Detroit on Jan. 11, during the North American International Auto Show. Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years.

For more information on Ward's 10 Best Engines visit wardsauto.com.

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, healthcare telemedicine and software innovations. Having established a regional presence in 1906, Bosch employs over 22,500 associates in more than 100 locations, with sales of $9.8 billion in fiscal year 2011, per preliminary figures.  For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, more than 300,000 associates generated sales of 51.4 billion euros ($71.5 billion) in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal year 2011. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 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 more than 4 billion euros ($5.5 billion) for research and development in 2011, and applied for over 4,100 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.  Further information is available online at www.bosch.com and www.bosch-press.com.

SOURCE Robert Bosch LLC