Ignition Lead - Bosch Australia

A2A2 | The Bosch Automotive StoryThe Bosch Automotive StoryThe Bosch Group is a leading global supplier oftechnology and services, with more than 300subsidiaries and regional companies in over50 countries.The beginnings were humble. In 1898 Robert Boschdeveloped a magneto ignition device and adapted itto suit a vehicle engine. In doing this he developedthe first reliable ignition system, solving one of thegreatest technical problems faced by the automotiveindustry at that time. This key innovation was thefirst chapter in the success story of Bosch as anautomotive supplier.From 1902 Bosch developed a high voltagemagneto ignition system incorporating spark plugs.While the magneto ignition has long since beenreplaced by battery ignition systems, Bosch todaymanufactures more than 300 million spark plugs peryear, using the very latest precious metal technology.As cars became a product for the masses, Boschrecognised the prospects for developing motorvehicle lighting. Research in this area resulted inthe launch of the Bosch automotive lighting system,comprising of headlights, a generator, a regulator anda battery. This was a significant milestone for bothBosch and the industry, being the first all-in-onesystem available to consumers, and also the basisfor components such as starters, horns, windshieldwipers, indicators and car heating systems to bedeveloped and added to the business.From about 1920, the growth of diesel enginesin trucks was a concern at Bosch, because dieselengines did not need an ignition system, thecompany’s main sales driver. To capitalise on thistechnological advance, Bosch began developing dieselinjection pumps and in 1936 launched the first dieselinjection pump for passenger cars. Today, Bosch isthe global leader in diesel technology, whether it befor passenger cars, trucks or injection systemsfor ships.In the years that followed, Bosch made numerousdevelopments with other automotive products.Gasoline injection systems were developed from1935 and by 1967 had all but displaced thecarburettor. Braking systems have also been part ofthe Bosch offering since 1927. The introduction of theBosch ABS antilock braking system in 1978 was asignificant development in vehicle safety, laying afoundation for the development of further systems,such as Traction Control and the Electronic StabilityProgram (ESP®).In today’s market, vehicle manufacturers and serviceorganisations face the worldwide challenge ofefficient service for highly evolved vehicle systems.This includes not only mastering the electronicsystems in today's automobiles, but also utilising thelatest state-of-the-art diagnostics technologies toimprove servicing efficiencies. The growing range ofBosch diagnostic and service equipment delivers asophisticated solution for today’s workshops to meetthese challenges.Bosch spends billions of dollars annually in researchand development to preserve its position as atechnological leader. The company’s technologicalcompetence is evident in the fact that Bosch is worldleader in the number of automotive technology patentapplications it submits each year. Every hour Boschresearch teams create new patents to make Boschproducts safer, more efficient and moreenvironmentally friendly.As one of the world’s largest independentmanufacturers of automotive parts and systems,Bosch products and technology, supplied through aglobal network of factories, can be found on virtuallyevery make of car currently produced throughout theworld. This strong link to original equipmentdevelopment and innovation means Bosch is ableto deliver a superior aftermarket offering toits customers.With most vehicles on the road incorporating manyBosch manufactured components, it made sense forBosch to support these products with local servicecentres. Bosch Authorised Service Dealers are agroup of over 14,000 independent workshopsworldwide, offering the latest technical expertise,tools and equipment to motorists.Bosch Automotive Aftermarket 2009 | 2010