· Leap from third place last year to this year’s top spot

With its Automotive Technology business sector, Bosch has been announced the world’s “most admired” automotive supplier by the U.S. business magazine "Fortune". 4,100 managers from 670 companies in 33 countries think the keywords innovation, corporate strength, management qualities, long-term innovation strategy, as well as product and service quality are particularly indicative of Bosch. The global player consequently moved up from number three to number one on Fortune's 2010 ranking list.

Bosch also took place number four among the most admired companies with headquarters in Germany – after Eon, BASF, and BMW. Bosch is number 14 in the overall European ranking.

“This accolade in such economically difficult times is extremely pleasing for us. It underscores our company’s exceptional strengths and our associates’ superb level of expertise,” says Franz Fehrenbach, chairman of the Bosch board of management.

Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” is one of the most renowned company kudos ranking lists. The U.S. magazine has run the yearly survey since 1997. For more information, go to: www.money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2010.

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.

PI6965 - March 17, 2010