OREANDA-NEWS. Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, is presenting its latest innovations for safer, more efficient, and more relaxed mobility at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show. Speaking at the company’s press conference at the event, Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management, said: “At Bosch, we are making good progress in all three domains of future mobility: electrification, automation, and connectivity. We see special potential for fuel-cell technology and our 48-volt boost recuperation system for Japanese car manufactures”. Heyn emphasized the increasingly important role that Japanese car manufacturers have been playing in Bosch’s mobility solutions business. “When it comes to our efforts to further develop automated driving, we will make Japan a key location for Bosch,” Heyn added.

Mobility Solutions stays on growth path
Globally, the Bosch Group’s mobility solutions’ business is growing considerably faster than the automotive market. The company expects to see sales growth of around ten percent in 2015, or five percent after adjusting for exchange-rate effects. Regionally, Asia Pacific continues to be a key driver of Bosch’s business. The company’s strong relationship with Japanese automakers contributes strongly to this. “Thanks to our strong global presence, our sales to Japanese automakers grew by roughly 13 percent in 2014,” Heyn said. “Japanese automakers are increasingly focusing on small and efficient vehicles, and Bosch has the technologies they need.”

Electrification for increased efficiency: for cars, scooters and bikes
Where electromobility is concerned, Bosch offers a wide range of components and systems – from mild and plug-in hybrids, to fully-electric powertrains, to e-bikes and e-scooters. In Japan, the compact car segment is very popular, and with cost-effective solutions such as the 48-volt boost recuperation system, these smaller vehicles could be more fuel efficient and attractive. Compared to conventional 400 and above volt hybrids, the 48-volt system uses less expensive yet fuel efficient components, and enables additional comfort features as well as dynamic acceleration thanks to a boost function. The entry-level 48-volt hybrid is expected to be a new attractive option for drivers in Europe, North America, and Asia and Bosch expects some 4 million new vehicles worldwide to be equipped with this system in 2020.

More and more fuel-cell vehicles are being developed and manufactured for the Japanese market. As part of its electrification strategy, Bosch sees potential for this innovative technology and already offers first solutions.

Breakthrough in battery technology: solid-state cells for electric cars
With regards to battery technology, Bosch sees the potential for a great leap forward. It has acquired the U.S. technology company Seeo Inc., whose engineers have come up with a solid-state battery cell with a lithium anode. Up to now, the industry target has been to double batteries’ energy density and cut its cost in half by the end of this decade. Thanks to this solid-state technology, which complements the work of Bosch’s Lithium Energy and Power GmbH & Co. KG joint venture with its Japanese partners GS Yuasa International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corporation, the company believes even greater gains in energy density can be achieved. Bosch is using its knowledge and considerable financial resources to achieve a breakthrough for electromobility.

Automated driving: Bosch to start test drives in Japan
The increasing demand for road safety and mobility for an aging society is making Japan an important market for automated driving. The Japanese government has announced plans for self-driving cars to be running on Tokyo’s roads during the 2020 Olympic Games. Bosch is developing the technologies to realize automated driving towards 2020. The company has now started testing on Japanese public roads, making Japan the third key Bosch location for developing automated driving. Since the beginning of 2013, Bosch has been testing vehicles fitted with automated driving technologies on public roads in Germany and the United States. “Due to different road and traffic conditions in Japan, we need to adjust and customize our system appropriately,” Heyn said. Bosch’s accident research predicts that increasing automation can lower accident rates significantly – by up to one-third in Germany alone.

Connectivity is the key to an automated and electrified mobility
The key to both automated and electrified driving is connectivity. Connected vehicles are safer, more efficient, and make driving more relaxed. Connectivity means, for instance, that drivers are warned about congestion and adverse weather conditions. Additionally, they are informed where to find available parking spaces and charging spots. Cars are also turning into digital media hubs as Bosch facilitates continuous access to online music services, social networks, and a wide range of smartphone apps. Connectivity technology also has applications in the aftermarket sector. For example, in the workshop of the future, augmented reality applications will streamline troubleshooting and repair, and thus contribute to reducing costs. Bosch is already in discussion with several customers in Japan about developing solutions based on this augmented reality technology.

Two-Wheelers: strong competence of local engineers
Bosch also intends to reposition itself in the rapidly expanding global motorcycle market. In 2015, the company pooled its motorcycle activities from the areas of riding safety systems, powertrain technology, and display instruments into one business unit, called “Two-Wheelers and Powersports.” Headquartered in Yokohama – the very heart of the international motorcycle industry – and with branch operations in the United States, Europe, India, and China, Bosch has a global reach in this area. This unit’s objective is to address the individual requirements of motorcycle OEMs more efficiently, and to focus exclusively on innovative two-wheeler solutions. With a portfolio spanning all product areas, the unit’s goal is to make two-wheelers safer and more efficient, while also making the ride more relaxed and enjoyable.

About Bosch in Japan
Bosch in Japan is currently represented in the country by Bosch Corporation, Bosch Rexroth Corporation, Bosch Packaging Technology K.K. and other affiliates. Bosch Corporation is responsible for the development, manufacturing, sales and services of automotive original equipment, automotive aftermarket products and power tools. Bosch Engineering K.K provides engineering services, such as development and application for automotive systems. ETAS.K.K. develops and provides engineering of development support tools of electrical control units. Bosch Rexroth Corporation develops and manufactures hydraulics, FA module components and other systems which contribute to industrial technologies. Bosch Packaging Technology K.K. provides processing, packaging and inspection technology. Bosch Security Systems Ltd. provides security and communication products and solutions to help secure the safety of lives, buildings and properties, and is also a supplier of professional sound systems. In 2014, Bosch Japan achieved net sales of some 340 billion yen and employed approximately 7,200 associates.

About Bosch worldwide
Mobility Solutions is the largest Bosch Group business sector. In 2014, its sales came to 33.3 billion euros, or 68 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. The Mobility Solutions business sector combines the group's expertise in three mobility domains - automation, electrification, and connectivity - and offers its customers integrated mobility solutions. Its main areas of activity are injection technology and powertrain peripherals for internal-combustion engines, diverse solutions for powertrain electrification, vehicle safety systems, driver-assistance and automated functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, repair-shop concepts, and technology and services for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch is synonymous with important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 360,000 associates worldwide (as per April 1, 2015). The company generated sales of 49 billion euros in 2014.* Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including its sales and service partners, Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to create solutions for a connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.”

*The sales figure disclosed for 2014 does not include the former joint ventures BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerute GmbH (now BSH Hausger?te GmbH) and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH (now Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH), which have since been taken over completely.