· Bosch Remanufacturing saves 23,000 tons of CO2 across its plants worldwide

· Growing remanufacturing market in Europe

An increasing number of workshops rely upon remanufactured Bosch products to carry out value-driven repairs. Bosch Remanufacturing offers approx. 9000 vehicle parts from 27 product groups. Bosch is a leading provider of industrially remanufactured products such as starters, alternators, air conditioner compressors, brake calipers, ignition distributors, diesel injection pumps and many other components. Remanufactured vehicle parts do not merely represent a cost-effective alternative for end customers; they also protect the environment, as the bulk of the original product is retained. This results in a lower consumption of raw materials and lower CO2 emissions than would be the case with new products.

Increasing Quantity of Remanufactured Parts on the Market
Over the last few years, the demand for high-quality remanufacturing parts for vehicle repairs has increased on an international scale. Today, the exchange market in the US now has a share of almost 90 percent. The market segment is also continuing to expand in Europe and at a considerably higher growth rate than the whole parts market, which is generally stagnating. Bosch expects that the remanufacturing market will grow to 30 million products per year in Europe by 2015. The Bosch Exchange replacement parts program supports this long-term trend with a value-driven vehicle repair service that conserves resources.

First-Class Quality Used Parts
When carrying out vehicle repairs, the workshop can replace a defective part with a new part or use a remanufactured part. For owners of older cars in particular it is often not worth purchasing new components.

All replacement parts are reconditioned in Bosch plants in line with the highest quality standards. The replacement program operates as a closed cycle. Thanks to efficient logistics, the products are available to the customer without delay. Once the workshop has identified a defective part, an identical yet reconditioned part is ordered and installed. The defective component is returned in its original packaging to Bosch for industrial conditioning. Technical specialists completely dismantle the product, clean it, and replace any severely worn out and safety-relevant parts before reassembling it. The remanufactured part undergoes a stringent testing and quality control process at Bosch before it is put back into circulation and is once more made available to the customer.

Bosch applies the same high quality standards to remanufactured parts as it does to newly manufactured products. Therefore the same two-year guarantee is also offered on remanufactured parts. The product also costs the end customer around 30 to 40 percent less than a new part. The comprehensive range of products includes components for complex modern gasoline and diesel injection systems too. The development phase takes into account the later potential for remanufacturing.

Replacement Parts Protect the Environment and Avoid CO2 Emissions
In addition to cost efficiency, environmental protection and the conservation of resources are also good reasons to use remanufactured parts in value-driven vehicle repairs. Starter and alternator replacements in classic cars, for example, have been carried out at the Bosch plant in Göttingen since 1965. Reconditioning used parts requires less energy than manufacturing new parts. In 2009 Bosch remanufactured 2.5 million parts, resulting in 23,000 tons less of CO2, than if new products had been manufactured. Studies have shown that one hectare of forest absorbs an average of 13 tons of CO2 each year. This saving by Bosch of 23,000 tons of CO2 is equivalent to a forest area covering 1923 hectares.

Global Range with Regional Structures
When working in the replacement part business, the process always requires a flow of goods in two directions, making the procedure more complicated. It is not only essential to ensure the correct replacement part is sent to the vehicle parts dealer or workshop as quickly as possible, but it must also be ensured that the used part is then quickly and reliably sent to the manufacturer for repair. Regional structures are therefore required to ensure the process runs smoothly. Bosch processes the replacement parts within a global network. This means that the market leader-and reliable partner-is able to provide parts dealers and vehicle workshops worldwide with an extensive range of products for replacement vehicle parts locally.

Returning the Used Part in the Original Packaging of the Replacement Part
The simple, well-organized return system with refund that Bosch has introduced ensures the process runs as smoothly as possible. By providing clear return conditions and implementing the "Back-in-Box" process of returning the used part in the original Bosch packaging of the replacement part, a fast and reliable procedure is guaranteed. This also means that the packaging is not disposed of but is re-used. Returning the replaced used part in its original packaging also protects the part during transportation. Catalogs in various languages for the full program together with a detailed returns list enable the customer to easily identify the exchange part required.

Reader contact:
Robert Bosch GmbH
Automotive Aftermarket
Phone +49 (0)9001 942010
E-Mail: Kundenberatung.KFZ-Technik@de.bosch.com

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.

PI7044 - May 2010