· Bosch components and systems for bifuel operation

· NGI2 natural gas injector series production in Bamberg since 2006

This month, Bosch produced its one millionth NGI2 natural gas injector at its Bamberg location. The NGI2 injects CNG (compressed natural gas) into a spark ignition engine’s cylinders, and it is part of a complete injection system developed by Bosch for engines that can be used in bifuel operation – optionally with gasoline or natural gas. Compared with gasoline, the combustion of natural gas produces 25 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2). These engines therefore make a significant contribution to resource saving and CO2 reduction. The NGI2 injector was first used in a production car at Volkswagen in 2006, where it is now used in the Volkswagen Caddy, Touran, and Passat, among others.

Quick and easy gas-gasoline-gas change
Bifuel systems offer drivers the advantage of using both gasoline and natural gas, and very easily changing from one to the other without any performance loss. In addition to the NGI2 injector, Bosch also supplies the Motronic engine control unit for bifuel operation, fuel rail, tank pressure sensor, as well as gasoline, temperature, and low-pressure sensors. The rapidly growing CNG filling station network in Germany and low natural gas taxation rates make this fuel an increasingly interesting alternative for drivers. CNG’s eco-friendliness also speaks in its favor. The exhaust gas is odorless and contains no particles whatsoever. Natural gas also has a crucial head start in its preparation as a fuel: it requires neither additives nor complex, expensive refinement. And natural gas vehicles also spare dwindling crude oil resources. Methane, the main component in natural gas, can also be produced from biomass. This closes the CO2 cycle, and long-term availability is increased even further.

Future potential of natural gas engines
Natural gas engines also have further potential to reduce consumption and emissions. High fuel antiknock qualities combined with turbocharging and direct injection mean that downsizing is possible, further improving the efficiency of a natural gas-powered engine. Downsizing reduces displacement and often also the number of cylinders in an engine. These smaller engines score points with their lower friction losses, which means they consume less fuel and emit less CO2. The Bosch system is already prepared for this market trend.

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.

PI6940 - March 2010