· Every second new vehicle in Europe will have a start-stop system by 2012

· Up to 8 percent less CO2 and fuel consumption in urban driving

In August 2009, the one millionth vehicle was fitted with a Bosch start-stop starter. In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), start-stop systems reduce fuel consumption, and thus CO2 emissions, by up to 5 per-cent. In the NEDC urban cycle, the saving is as much as 8 percent. Since production began in 2007, Bosch has received more and more orders for this fuel-saving technology. While only 5 percent of all new vehicles in Europe were equipped with this system in 2008, Bosch predicts that this share will increase to 50 percent by 2012. “Bosch start-stop systems are excellent value for money, since they are based mainly on already existing components, which are then optimized. This is why start-stop is such a good solution for people who want to drive economically and eco-consciously,” says Dr. Stefan Asenkerschbaumer, president of the Bosch Starter Motors and Generators division. Bosch start-stop technology already features in models made by BMW and Mini, Fiat, Kia, and Volkswagen, among others.

Start-stop systems stop the combustion engine when the vehicle comes to a halt at a red light or in a traffic jam, starting it again automatically when the clutch is depressed and the vehicle is put back into gear. For this system, Bosch supplies a special starter, whose powerful electric starter motor as well as low-noise, enhanced meshing mechanics guarantee safe, fast, and quiet engine starts. The system also includes control software, which is generally integrated into the engine ECU, and a battery sensor, one of whose tasks is to record the current battery charge and relay this information to the energy management system. This ensures that the engine is only stopped if the battery has stored enough energy to start the engine again quickly. The system is rounded off by a crankshaft sensor, sensors on the pedals, and a deep-cycle resistant battery.

New alternator series for even greater fuel savings
For start-stop operation that is as uninterrupted as possible, Bosch also offers a new series of alternators. In the models of the “Efficiency Line” (EL) series, Bosch engineers have improved the electrical design and used new diodes, and in this way achieved an efficiency of as much as 77 percent. In addition, these alternators ensure that the battery is well charged even when the engine is idling or running at low revolutions. And a well charged battery is a condition for start-stop. The combination of Bosch EL alternator and start-stop system can reduce fuel consumption (and thus also CO2 emissions) in urban driving by as much as 10 percent.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, some 270,000 associates generated sales of roughly 38 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology 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 further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros 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. 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.

PI6753 - August 2009