11th May 2005 - Bosch Sales Up 17% in North America

Plan Aggressive Growth in North and South America

In 2004, Bosch increased its North American sales by 17 percent, reaching $7.8 billion (6.3 billion euros).  Dynamic growth activity was seen in all three of the company's business sectors -- Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology.

"We are pleased with our 2004 sales growth," said Kurt Liedtke, member of the Board of Management, Robert Bosch GmbH.  "Bosch has been fortunate to continue its growth in North America by providing innovative technologies to our customers.  With continued investment in research and development, managing our diverse product portfolio and balancing our sales structure, we are poised to achieve further growth in this market."

Automotive Technology

Bosch's North American Automotive Technology sector saw a sales increase of approximately 16 percent to $5.2 billion (4.2 billion euros) in 2004.  Automotive Technology is Bosch's largest business sector with approximately 14,000 associates in North America.

In 2004, Bosch became the largest automotive supplier in the world in terms of sales, and is one of the leading suppliers in North America.  Bosch's Automotive Original Equipment division achieved its 2004 sales growth largely due to continued market embrace of Bosch innovation.  Recent reports indicate Ford, Toyota, Honda, General Motors and DaimlerChrysler will include electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment on sport utility vehicles.  This announcement, coupled with Bosch's investment and efforts to develop ESC, has lead to increased installation rates for the product.  The body electrical and electronics division extended its long-term wiper systems business and secured window-lift business with several OEMs.  The powertrain division continued to aggressively promote diesel as a viable near- to mid- term solution for the passenger vehicle market in the U.S.

Blaupunkt, a subsidiary of Bosch, saw its America SR04 Satellite Radio sales increase in 2004 due to the growth in popularity of satellite radio.

Future Growth Planned

Bosch globally will continue to pursue regional expansion, and has identified two key regions for growth -- one of which is the Americas, or North and South America.  As the Americas region currently contributes 18% of Bosch's global sales, over ten years, this contribution is expected to increase over proportionately.

"Bosch has identified the Americas as a key growth region because of the economic, production and product opportunities the region offers," said Liedtke.  "To achieve our long-term growth goals, we will remain focused on key attributes -- innovation, product diversity, long-term perspective and quality."

In addition to maintaining sound business practices, Bosch will actively manage its product portfolio through strategic acquisitions.  Bosch will continue to focus on its core competencies, pursue growth in its Automotive Technology sector through key products (such as diesel and ESC), while also looking for appropriate opportunities to expand products and services within its Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology sectors.  Opportunities in potential new business fields will also be explored.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances.  Bosch employs approximately 23,000 associates in more than 80 primary facilities throughout North America and reported sales of $7.8 billion in 2004.  For more information, visit http://www.bosch.us

Source: Bosch Group Press Release