· Bosch supporting the charter with campaigns to raise the share of new registered cars fitted with ESP^® to more than 50 percent by 2010

· In 2005, 39 percent of all new cars registered in Europe were fitted with ESP^®

It is two years since Bosch signed the European Road Safety Charter. Since that time the company has stepped up its efforts to inform the public of the life-saving value of the Electronic Stability Program ESP^®, and is thereby helping to ensure that, by 2010, at least every second new vehicle registered in Europe will be fitted with ESP^®. In this way Bosch is supporting one of the top priorities of EU traffic policy: halving the number of people killed every year on the roads in Europe between 2001 and 2010, bringing the number down to 25,000. The progress made so far is promising: via the "ESP^®erience" training program, Bosch has explained the benefits of ESP^® to some 25,000 car sales staff. Comprehensive information related to in-car safety systems has been published on the internet, while several driving simulators, able to provide vivid demonstrations of ESP^® at a wide range of events, have been constructed. "Skidding is the most common cause of fatal accidents ¿ and ESP^® can effectively prevent it in most situations", explains Herbert Hemming, Executive Vice President Sales in the Bosch Chassis Systems Control Division. "Every study that has examined the effectiveness of the safety system therefore points to the same recommendation: no cars without ESP^®." Whereas 29 percent of all the cars sold in Europe in 2003 were fitted with ESP^®, the preliminary figure for 2005 is as high as 39 percent. Bosch is therefore well on track for achieving the target it has set itself.

Information provided in several ways
The EU Road Safety Charter aims to persuade road users to behave more responsibly, to make vehicles safer, and to develop the road infrastructure. Bosch was among the first companies and organizations to sign the charter on April 6, 2004, in which they pledged their support to the EU.

Prior to signing, Bosch had researched consumers' knowledge of active safety systems in several European countries. The result was the same everywhere: ESP^® was largely unknown. The aim of all the measures taken so far, therefore, is to communicate the benefits of ESP^®. For example, about 25,000 car salespersons across Europe have meanwhile attended the "ESP^®erience" training program. In addition, Bosch has been present at 20 large events, such as the Renault World Series races, with "ESP^® Safety Villages". These villages use both show elements and documentary evidence to promote the advantages of ESP^®.

ESP^® also has a presence on the internet: the internet site www.bosch-esperience.com has been created specifically to communicate with the general public, providing comprehensive information about the Electronic Stability Program and other safety systems in German, English, French, Italian, and Spanish. In addition to the hard facts, the site includes items such as films, animation sequence, and a computer game that demonstrates the benefits of ESP^®.

Bosch also constructed four driving simulators in 2004. In these simulators, it is possible to experience the safety benefits of a vehicle fitted with ESP^® on a risk-free virtual car drive. The driving simulators are on hand at all the significant European motor shows, and can also be lent out to car manufacturers, dealers, driving schools, and driving safety centers for use at larger events.

Special growth potential in small cars
In 1995, Bosch was the world's first automotive supplier to begin series production of ESP^®. Since then, more than 20 million systems have been produced. 55 percent of new vehicles registered in Germany in 2003 were fitted with the system. By 2004, the figure had risen to 67 percent. The preliminary figures for 2005 indicate a further rise to 72 percent. There is still a particular need for vehicles smaller than the compact class to catch up – only about one in every four of these cars is fitted with ESP^®. "Too few, if we remind ourselves that the majority of drivers and passengers in this kind of car are inexperienced, young people," says Hemming. "It is precisely these people who particularly need the guardian angel of ESP^®."

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 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI5430 - April 2006