· Up to 15 per cent less gasoline consumption

· Over three million gasoline engines with
direct injection by 2010

Bosch is equipping the new Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI with its innovative gasoline direct injection for what is known as the spray-guided combustion process. Very fast-switching piezo injectors, here making their debut in a series-produced car, are the special feature of this new gasoline-saving technology. The fuel which they spray into the combustion chamber is so finely atomized that it can be ignited directly without mixing in the combustion chamber – what the experts call a spray-guided combustion process with stratified charge. Gasoline direct injection with piezo injectors reduces consumption by up to 15 per cent compared with today's port fuel injection. Besides the piezo valves, the powerful engine management system is an important feature of the system.

In 2005, researchers and developers from Bosch and Siemens VDO who worked independently on piezo technology for gasoline and diesel engines were jointly awarded the German President's "Zukunftspreis," the award for innovation and advanced technology. Bosch is now the first company to embark on mass production of a piezo-controlled gasoline injection system.

Second-generation DI-Motronic with solenoid valves
The combination of direct injection with turbocharging is another avenue in the development of gasoline engines. As well as a greater revving range, the engines develop higher torque in the lower speed range. For this application, Bosch has developed the second generation of the DI-Motronic which, like the piezo system, delivers injection pressures up to 200 bar but keeps faith with solenoid-controlled injection valves. This will also be launched in 2006 – in a 1.6-litre engine jointly developed by BMW and PSA and destined for use in the Mini, among others. Bosch assumes that by 2010, annual production of gasoline engines equipped with direct injection will top three million.

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.

PI5372 - March 2006