Ultra Clean Diesel: A Viable Alternative for California's Future

IRWINDALE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2006 -- Working together with others in the automotive industry, Bosch continues to provide advancements in diesel technology. The introduction of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel this fall, coupled with new technologies in aftertreatment, turns clean diesel passenger vehicles into ultra-clean diesel passenger vehicles that can help California meet its policy objectives of reduced emissions with reduced fuel usage.

"With the new advancements in technology, diesel passenger vehicles are capable of meeting the strict emissions regulations of the California market," said John Moulton, president, powertrain division, Robert Bosch Corporation. "In meeting these regulations, diesel passenger vehicles may offer significant advantages to consumers looking for alternative powertrains."

According to the 2005 Integrated Energy Policy Report, issued by the California Energy Commission and the California Air Resources Board, approximately half of the energy Californians consume is for transportation, and the demand is expected to continue to grow. The report also states that doubling the fuel efficiency of current light-duty vehicles could be a mid- term option in meeting California's fuel reduction goals. With an average 30 percent better fuel economy than gasoline vehicles, diesel passenger vehicles can help California alleviate its dependency on imported fuel.

In addition to reducing petroleum dependency, clean air continues to be a high priority for California. The state is one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases and in 2004, initiated establishment of regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles sold in the state, beginning in the model year 2009. Diesel passenger vehicles can help California meet these regulations by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25 percent.

Working with California Energy Commission data, Bosch developed the following analysis to demonstrate diesel's potential contribution in this matter. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency and a related executive order, in 2015 California is targeting a 102 million ton overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In order to meet this goal, California's passenger vehicle market must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15 million tons. Assuming a market penetration rate of just 15 percent clean diesel passenger vehicles in the California market by 2015, nearly one quarter of that goal would be reached.

For more than 75 years, Bosch has lead the way in making diesel advantages a reality through major technology advancements. Over the last decade, Bosch has introduced technology that dramatically improves performance while making diesels clean, quiet and efficient. Bosch technology for diesel engines includes high-pressure common rail and unit injector systems, both vital to emissions reduction, and improved performance and fuel economy. The company is currently working with many automakers to advance the momentum of clean diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2004, some 242,000 associates generated sales of 40 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 260 subsidiaries and more than 10,000 service centers in over 130 countries.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 23,000 associates in more than 80 primary facilities throughout North America and reported sales of $7.8 billion in 2004. For more information, visit http://www.bosch.us/ .