· Getting to grips with new technology requires specialist knowledge

· Workshops are familiarizing themselves using Bosch diagnostics systems and training courses

Hybrid drives already power two percent of vehicles newly registrated worldwide; this figure is set to rise to around seven percent in the next ten years. With hybrid vehicles becoming ever more popular automobile workshops are increasingly faced with this drive technology. This poses new challenges for the engineers in terms of their specialist knowledge and skills. The hybrid vehicle has a twin drive; this makes troubleshooting more complex and means that specialist knowledge is required to handle the high electrical voltages and currents safely. The new technology is a perfect opportunity for the automobile workshops to get ahead of the game and establish themselves as experts in the field. Bosch is supporting the workshops in their efforts with diagnostics systems, the latest technical information and practical training courses.

Workshops can take advantage of Bosch expertise on the original equipment
Bosch played a pioneering role in developing new components for hybrid technology and currently supplies original equipment for the hybrid vehicle technology. Bosch has even taken the needs of the workshops into consideration. The result was a special Bosch handheld FSA 050 tester that can be used on high-voltage systems and communicates wirelessly with the basic series 7 FSA vehicle system analysis devices. The tester can also be used as a stand-alone device. The new FSA 050 handheld tester is due to be unveiled in September this year at the Automechika exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany.

The Bosch workshop software Esitronic already contains the technical data and diagnostics values for the latest hybrid vehicles. A full control unit diagnosis can be carried out for the Toyota Prius II, and from July 2010 the Prius I model. This will also include the new Toyota Prius III, the Honda Civic 2 and the Honda Insight from October 2010. More new models will be added when the software is updated every quarter, for example the VW Touareg in April 2011.

To enable the workshops to keep up with the latest requirements of a modern hybrid vehicle, Bosch is providing a new training course 'Safety procedures for specialist work on HV (High Voltage) vehicles'. The course includes practical and theoretical modules where experienced trainers can pass on their expertise in dealing with the new high-voltage technology, as well as principles, hybrid components, drive concepts and control electronics. The workshops can also direct any questions relating to hybrid vehicle technology to the Bosch technical hotline. This will ensure that the workshop is prepared for the future market when it comes to servicing and repairing hybrid vehicles.

Reader contact:
Robert Bosch GmbH
Automotive Aftermarket
Pone +49 (0)9001 942010
Email: 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.

PI7120 - July 2010