“In selling our North American foundation brakes business to Akebono, we have found an experienced, internationally active, and strategically oriented brake manufacturer,” said Bernd Bohr, the Bosch board of management member responsible for the Automotive Technology business sector. It is planned to transfer manufacturing sites in Clarksville (TN) and Columbia (SC), as well as certain assets and administrative functions currently located in six further North American locations to Akebono.

Bosch had announced its intention to reorient its brake business as early as its annual press conference in spring 2009. Bosch will continue to carry out its own restructuring which includes the potential closure of the manufacturing site in Johnson City (TN) as well as the closure of Knoxville (TN) as already announced.

The reorientation that has now begun does not affect Bosch brake activities in the field of brake boosters and commercial vehicles, nor does it affect the ESP and ABS business of the Chassis Systems Control division or the aftermarket business with friction and brake components.

Contact person for press inquiries:

International:
Andreas Kempf
Telefon +49 711 811-6285

Americas:
Becky MacDonald
Phone +1 248 318 0354

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.

PI6817 - September 24, 2009