Manila / September 2008 – Bosch ventures further in pushing vehicle safety and emission standards as well as the efficient use of clean energy as its commitment to innovating technology that provides solutions to ecological concerns. Franz Roland Odenthal, President and Managing Director of Robert Bosch Inc. Philippines, cited Bosch’s Clean Air initiatives, in view of the recent Philippine International Motor Show organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

Bosch, firm supporter of CAMPI initiatives, renewed is backing for the organization in promoting their shared vision for a sustainable automotive industry powered by technology that cares for the environment.

The important role of the automotive industry in maintaining the critical balance between economy, society and the ecology was made clear by Odenthal. That is why Bosch leads the revolution in the automotive technology towards environmental sustainability through its innovations. For Bosch, CAMPI’s vision for sustainable growth in the local automotive industry can materialize only through technology that also protects the environment.

“For over 100 years, Bosch has been instrumental in the development of the automobile,” states Odenthal, citing innovations from the first sparkplug to modern-day standard equipment like the anti-lock braking system (ABS), traction control system (TCS) and the electronic stability program (ESP).“ And with the onset of global warming, Bosch worldwide has institutionalized its clean air initiatives in one statement: We provide technological answers to ecological questions,” he says.

Technology that cares for the environment

Bosch’s 3S Program – a German acronym which stands for safe, clean and economical vehicles (Ger: Sicher, Sauber, Sparsam) – is the innovative drive train for the company’s innovations, placing Bosch at the intersection of both automotive and environmental components. As the country endeavors to adopt the same road safety standards being mandated in the US, Japan and EU, local motorists seek even more safety features and alternatives drives that are fitted in vehicles produced outside the Philippines. Being the largest independent supplier of automotive technology in the world, Bosch has committed itself to developing solutions for such needs in the Philippine automotive market through its technology.

Bosch introduced its Clean Diesel Program – a project that produces injection components that yield 30% less consumption compared to gasoline, 25% less CO2 emissions – and with diesel engine management – a further reduction of 10% CO2 emissions. In addition to that, Bosch’s downsizing concept (turbo charging) and hybrid systems also reduce CO2 emissions by 10% and 25%, respectively.

Bosch has produced more than 33 million commonrail systems of which nearly 7 million were in 2006 alone. Commonrail systems provide cleaner and more efficient combustion to a car’s fuel. This same technology is fitted in vehicles available in the local market, providing cleaner and more efficient combustion. Some 85% of diesel vehicles in the Philippines run on Bosch diesel components while 50% of vehicles in Europe run on diesel fuel.

“Through Bosch diagnostic technology and automotive aftermarket products, Bosch is able to help transport groups and commercial vehicle operators to comply with the country’s Clean Air standards,” Odenthal cites, in reference to previous programs initiated with the USAID Energy and Clean Air Project.

Bosch’s contributions to the development of today’s automobile related to clean air also include components for compressed natural gas (CNG), Flex Fuel (Ethanol-driven), thermal / vehicle electrical system management, and super efficient alternators– all of which help reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Also developed is a diesel hybrid, which reduces CO2 emissions up to 40%.

Investing in the future

In 2007, Bosch has registered over 3,200 patents and invested a record 3.6 billion Euros – about 7.7% of sales – on research and development, some 40% of which are related directly to environmental preservation.

Bosch clean air initiatives in recent years highlight its organizational thrust; its commitment for quality products and the ingenuity to make life better. Moreover, Bosch has invested in clean energy production long before it was called “renewable,” adding a new dimension to its corporate motto of “Invented for Life.” Consistent with this thrust, Bosch has introduced its Renewable Energy business sector. The development has taken progressive steps in further harnessing wind and solar technology.

“With over 270,000 associates worldwide, Bosch is dedicated to providing technological answers to ecological questions,” Odenthal concludes. Bosch Automotive Aftermarket in the Philippines consists of 10 core product lines, which includes Diagnostic Equipment for automotive service workshops.