Bosch Technologies Honored as Finalists in 2010 Automotive News PACE Awards

Bosch has been named a finalist for two 2010 Automotive News PACE(TM) (Premier Automotive Suppliers Contributions to Excellence) Awards.

The company earned finalist recognitions for its Long-Range Radar (LRR3) and Vehicle Stability System (VSS) for a three-wheeled vehicle, both in the product-Europe category.

“We’re honored to be selected as a finalist among the industry’s leading innovations,” said Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC. “These technologies represent Bosch’s continued commitment to advancing the industry through innovation.”

Bosch Long-Range Radar

Bosch’s LRR3, the world’s first application of a silicon-germanium (SiGe)-based 77 gigahertz (GHz) radar sensor, is a major step in bringing semiconductor-based radar technologies to the automotive mass market.

In addition to being the key component for adaptive cruise control (ACC), LRR3 enables advanced safety functions like Bosch’s predictive collision warning (PCW), emergency braking assist (EBA) and automatic emergency braking (AEB).

“LRR3 provides a solution with a price viable for mass market, while reducing complexity and increasing functionality and quality,” explained Ronaldo Reimer, regional president, Chassis Systems Control Division, Robert Bosch LLC.

The first commercial production application of LRR3 launched was in September 2009 on the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

Bosch Vehicle Stability System for a Three-Wheeled Vehicle

Bosch’s VSS is the industry’s first, and only, electronic vehicle stability control system designed and developed specifically for a high-performance, three-wheeled crossover vehicle.

“This innovation adds safety, stability and fun to our customer’s product,” explained Keith Andrews, regional president, Bosch Engineering North America. “Our experience and knowledge in advanced safety systems allows us to bring uncharted concepts like this to market and solidify our role as a leader in stability control.”

VSS integrates traction control and full-wheel antilock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution and a sophisticated vehicle dynamic control system, which includes anti-rollover functionality. The system analyzes motion forces and automatically intervenes if necessary; this includes reducing engine torque and independently applying brakes to each wheel if the inner front wheel has the potential of lifting off the ground.

Bosch Engineering provided the expertise and knowledge to adapt the Bosch electronic stability control system for Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) and to develop the new VSS functionality. Initial development took place at Bosch’s Engineering facility in Abstatt, Germany, in 2005, while current development is ongoing in Farmington Hills, Mich.

The product was developed in conjunction with BRP, which launched the Can-Am Spyder roadster with VSS in North America in September 2007.

Automotive News PACE(TM) Awards

First introduced to the industry in 1995, the Automotive News PACE(TM) Awards are an annual set of recognitions celebrating superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. The 2010 Awards will be presented on April 12, 2010, at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

The Automotive News PACE(TM) Awards honor superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers. This prestigious award, now in its sixteenth year, is recognized around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. PACE Award finalists have come from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Australia, the UK, Korea and Japan.

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 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros ($66.4 billion) in fiscal year 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros ($5.7 billion), or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy and healthcare products. Bosch employs nearly 24,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $8.6 billion in fiscal 2008. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.