Bosch: Clean Diesel is Key Part of Future Technology Mix

Bosch explored clean diesel's role among drive technologies at Oct. 3, 2008 German Embassy event

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Oct. 6 -- Modern clean diesel technology -- already available today -- will play a significant role in modern drive technologies in 2020, said Bernd Boisten, regional president, diesel systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC, during a panel discussion at the German Embassy's second annual "Future Motion Made in Germany" symposium. The Oct. 3 event, hosted at the German Embassy in Washington D.C., came as gasoline prices continue to fluctuate at higher levels, governments push for lower greenhouse gas emissions, and consumers worldwide call for affordable, environmentally sound drive technologies.

Boisten participated in the opening panel "Which Technology Drives the Future?" discussing the increasingly significant role that clean diesel plays in modern powertrain technologies. As many more diesel passenger vehicles are introduced in the United States with launches from Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, U.S. drivers will have greater opportunity to experience the advantages of clean diesel, he explained.

In his opening remarks, Boisten described today's diesel as "Good! Clean! Fun!" explaining:

-- Diesel is good because it provides 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine that translates into more miles per gallon and fewer trips to the pump. At today's prices, this fuel economy advantage more than offsets the price differential between gas and diesel fuels.

-- Diesel is clean because it has 25 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than comparable gasoline engines.

-- Diesel is fun because it provides 50 percent more torque on average than gasoline-powered vehicles, offering tremendous pickup, great towing capabilities, and is fun to drive.

In attendance at the symposium were German automakers and suppliers, senior government officials from both sides of the Atlantic and other high-ranking experts. The event offered a venue for stakeholders to gain insight into the latest technology trends, and to engage in a vital dialogue with industry leaders and policymakers.

Sponsors included Audi of America Inc.; BMW Group; Robert Bosch LLC; Daimler; HJS; IBG; Infineon Technologies; Honeywell; Porsche and Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

"The German Embassy was delighted to host this symposium for a second year," said Germany's U.S. Ambassador Klaus Scharioth. "We thought it was extremely important, given the current state of the economy, to bring together the leading German automakers and suppliers in an effort to develop efficient and environmentally friendly automotive technology solutions. I am pleased that these global automotive leaders had the opportunity to thoughtfully and realistically discuss how they could each contribute to this cause."

Following the symposium, Ambassador Scharioth hosted a reception to celebrate the Day of German Unity, the German national holiday, on the grounds of the Ambassador's residence.

About Bosch

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in approximately 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for more than 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

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, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com