A2A2 | The <strong>Bosch</strong> Automotive StoryThe <strong>Bosch</strong> Automotive StoryThe <strong>Bosch</strong> 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 <strong>Bosch</strong>developed 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 <strong>Bosch</strong> as anautomotive supplier.From 1902 <strong>Bosch</strong> developed a high voltagemagneto ignition system incorporating spark plugs.While the magneto ignition has long since beenreplaced by battery ignition systems, <strong>Bosch</strong> todaymanufactures more than 300 million spark plugs peryear, using the very latest precious metal technology.As cars became a product for the masses, <strong>Bosch</strong>recognised the prospects for developing motorvehicle lighting. Research in this area resulted inthe launch of the <strong>Bosch</strong> automotive lighting system,comprising of headlights, a generator, a regulator anda battery. This was a significant milestone for both<strong>Bosch</strong> 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 <strong>Bosch</strong>, because dieselengines did not need an ignition system, thecompany’s main sales driver. To capitalise on thistechnological advance, <strong>Bosch</strong> began developing dieselinjection pumps and in 1936 launched the first dieselinjection pump for passenger cars. Today, <strong>Bosch</strong> isthe global leader in diesel technology, whether it befor passenger cars, trucks or injection systemsfor ships.In the years that followed, <strong>Bosch</strong> 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 <strong>Bosch</strong> offering since 1927. The introduction of the<strong>Bosch</strong> 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 of<strong>Bosch</strong> diagnostic and service equipment delivers asophisticated solution for today’s workshops to meetthese challenges.<strong>Bosch</strong> 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 <strong>Bosch</strong> is worldleader in the number of automotive technology patentapplications it submits each year. Every hour <strong>Bosch</strong>research teams create new patents to make <strong>Bosch</strong>products safer, more efficient and moreenvironmentally friendly.As one of the world’s largest independentmanufacturers of automotive parts and systems,<strong>Bosch</strong> 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 <strong>Bosch</strong> is ableto deliver a superior aftermarket offering toits customers.With most vehicles on the road incorporating many<strong>Bosch</strong> manufactured components, it made sense for<strong>Bosch</strong> to support these products with local servicecentres. <strong>Bosch</strong> Authorised Service Dealers are agroup of over 14,000 independent workshopsworldwide, offering the latest technical expertise,tools and equipment to motorists.<strong>Bosch</strong> Automotive Aftermarket 2009 | 2010
The <strong>Bosch</strong> Automotive Story | A3In just over a hundred years, <strong>Bosch</strong> successfullytransformed from a small automotive supplierinto a modern, multinational group, which todayhas a workforce of more than 270,000 peopleworldwide.<strong>Bosch</strong> employs over 2,300 associates in <strong>Australia</strong>and New Zealand with activities spanning threebusiness sectors: Automotive Technology,Consumer Goods and Building Materials, andIndustrial Technology.During the past five decades <strong>Bosch</strong> has growninto a major force in the <strong>Australia</strong>n automotiveindustry. Today, Robert <strong>Bosch</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> is nolonger a local company manufacturingautomotive components only for <strong>Australia</strong>ncustomers. It is truly an integrated member ofthe <strong>Bosch</strong> global network supplying overseascustomers in Europe, Asia and America.In the automotive industry the name <strong>Bosch</strong> isnow synonymous with leading technology,sophisticated service solutions and high qualityreplacement parts.2009 | 2010 <strong>Bosch</strong> Automotive Aftermarket
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