Main Navigation

Uncategorized

Bosch Celebrates 125 Years of Technological Leadership

A young German engineer, Robert Bosch, founded an engineering company 125 years ago that then and today enjoys pivotal significance in the automotive industry and the aftermarket. Established in Stuttgart in 1886, as the "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering," Robert Bosch Gmbh in 2011 is celebrating its 125th anniversary, as well as the 150th anniversary of its founder's birth. 2011 is also the 75th anniversary of Bosch's introduction of automotive diesel systems.
By Shop Owner Staff
Published:

A young German engineer, Robert Bosch, founded an engineering company 125 years ago that then and today enjoys pivotal significance in the automotive industry and the aftermarket. Established in Stuttgart in 1886, as the “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering,” Robert Bosch Gmbh in 2011 is celebrating its 125th anniversary, as well as the 150th anniversary of its founder’s birth. 2011 is also the 75th anniversary of Bosch’s introduction of automotive diesel systems.

Related Articles

Over the past 125 years, Robert Bosch has seen steady, exponential growth to become the world’s largest automotive supplier, with worldwide influence and the reputation as a technology leader and innovator.

Bosch began its journey to worldwide leadership in 1902 when the company developed the first commercially viable high-voltage spark plug and transformed the rudimentary automobiles of the day into reliable vehicles. In the century and a quarter since it was founded, Bosch has unfolded a steady stream of automotive technological breakthroughs, expanded into sophisticated automotive diagnostics and wheel service products, and built a worldwide reputation for product engineering, quality and reliability.

Highlights of the company’s steady growth and automotive leadership include products and systems that have been and remain very important to the aftermarket, including:
• 1902: Bosch is granted a patent for a new type of spark plug combined with a high-tension magneto on January 7, 1902. The first systems are supplied to Daimler-Motorengesellschaft.
• 1906: Begins automotive product operations in the United States.
• 1911: Bosch spark plugs power Marmon Wasp to win first Indy 500.
• 1913: Introduces Bosch lighting system, begins manufacturing automotive generators.
• 1921: Establishes worldwide Bosch Service Centers.
• 1927: Develops first electric windshield wiper system.
• 1927: Bosch introduces the term “heat range” which has remained the standard measure of the thermal capacity of a spark plug to this day.
• 1936: Bosch introduces diesel systems for automobiles.
• 1953: Spark plug with compound center electrode ensuring reliable cold starting and a longer service life is used on the Mercedes Benz 300 SL gull-wing.
• 1967: Bosch Jetronic electronic fuel injection system introduced.
• 1968: Bamberg spark plug plant produces the billionth spark plug.
• 1976: Automotive oxygen sensors introduced.
• 1976: Mass production of the Thermoelastic plug with compound center electrode begins.
• 1978: ABS braking system introduced.
• 1980s: Copper core spark plugs introduced to adapt to changes in fuels and engine design.
• 1983: Platinum center electrodes and composite materials with noble metal alloys boost the service life of spark plugs introduced.
• 1991: Bosch spark plug with surface/air gap prevents carbon fouling, timing drift and misfiring even in operation with frequent short trips.
• 1995: ESC stability control systems introduced.
• 1995: Nickel yttrium electrode material introduced, prolongs the service life of spark plugs.
• 2000: The seven billionth Bosch spark plug is produced.
• 2000: Supplied tailor-made spark plugs for the first direct injection stratified charge gasoline engine (with ignition and injection system also supplied by Bosch).
• 2002: 100th anniversary of the first Bosch spark plug.
• 2003: Acquired Vetronix, began expanding Bosch Diagnostics in the U.S.
• 2006: Platinum Ir Fusion platinum/iridium spark plug introduced.
• 2008: Entered solar cell market.
• 2009: Developed parallel hybrid and electric vehicle programs.
• 2010: New, ultra modern semiconductor facility opened.

The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries.

“Invented for Life”
With 3,800 patent applications filed each year and nearly $5 billion invested annually in research and development, Bosch aims to maintain its focus on innovation in the future, and in this way to lay the foundations for further sustainable growth. In accordance with its strategic guiding principle, the products supplied by the three Bosch business sectors Automotive Technology, Industrial technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology are technology that is “invented for life.”

Bosch has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of diesel and gasoline injection systems and vehicle safety systems such as the ABS antilock braking system and the ESP (ESC) electronic stability program. Bosch is also one of the largest suppliers of power tools, heating technology, household appliances, and security systems. The Bosch Industrial Technology business sector is a recognized specialist in drive and control technologies. The business sector also includes the Packaging Technology and Solar Energy divisions.

With long-term considerations in mind, Bosch is investing in promising markets such as renewable energy and electromobility. Accordingly, some 50 percent of the annual research and development budget is devoted exclusively to products that conserve energy and resources. At the same time, the company has for decades now been developing innovations whose everyday use saves considerable amounts of energy worldwide – in automotive powertrains, in household appliances, and in heating, cooling, and air conditioning.

Bosch in North America
Bosch in North America supplies automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial drives and control technology, power tools, security and packaging technology, thermotechnology, household appliances, solar energy, healthcare and software innovations. Having established its regional presence in 1906, Bosch now employs more than 22,000 associates in roughly 100 locations throughout North America.

Bosch is a proud supporter of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s Know Your Parts education and awareness campaign. This initiative promotes the importance of quality brand name aftermarket parts backed by full service suppliers, and its impact on delivering reliable products to today’s motorists. For more information visit: www.AASAKnowYourParts.org.

For more information, visit www.boschusa.com.

For more information on Bosch Automotive Products, visit www.boschautoparts.com.

Find Bosch Auto Parts on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/boschautoparts.

Follow Bosch Auto Parts on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/BoschAutoParts.

You May Also Like
Uncategorized

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

By Art Blumenthal
Leveraging more than 30 years of experience as both an aftermarket business owner and aftermarket technology executive, Art Blumenthal LLC provides business intermediary and advisory services to both buyers and sellers of industry businesses of all sizes. Art is a member of IBBA (International Business Brokers Association, Inc.). For more information, or to initiate a no-obligation confidential consultation, visit www.art-blumenthal.com.
Published:

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

Read Full Article
More Uncategorized Posts
Will You Adapt And Cope With Changing Technology?

I remember my boss complaining that electronic ignition was going to destroy our business back in the mid-’70s. “They are taking away our tune up business,” he would say. In some ways, he was right. Technology and change are things we can’t control. In fact, “change” is perhaps the one thing we can count on. And, as in life, it’s how we deal with change that matters.

By Shop Owner Staff
The Secret To Price Advertising

Believe it or not, price advertising is a good thing. I am sure you will agree, everyone likes to find a good value, and price advertising lets people in your community know that you are looking for ways to help them save money. The problem most shop owners come across is that they’re unsure of exactly how to price advertise.

By Shop Owner Staff
Phone Shoppers Made Easy

Although there is no silver bullet that will allow you to bring in every first-time caller, there are a number of things you can do to get more appointments. In this article, I would like to share some of the best practices your advisors can use that will generate immediate results.

By Shop Owner Staff
The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

By Shop Owner Staff
Other Posts
Want To Increase A/C Sales?

Have your techs, as part of their preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting cold? Is there a smell from the vents?

By Shop Owner Staff
Call For Entries For The ATMC National Excellence In Training Awards

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) has issued a call for entries for the 2014 National Excellence in Training Awards. The annual program is designed to highlight the importance of training to the success of the transportation industry by honoring highly effective or innovative training programs. The awards are open to any person or entity providing training in the industry.

By Shop Owner Staff
CARS 2014: ‘Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile’

From ASA comes word that CARS this year “is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” This year’s CARS will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Detroit and, for the first time, the focus will be on younger techs. Each program at CARS this year has been handpicked with an eye toward making your shop better, said Donny Seyfer, chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS.

By Shop Owner Staff
GAAS Attendees Get ‘Connected’ In Chicago

Attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium’s (GAAS) 2014 Connected conference were engaged in a range of high-level topics affecting the automotive aftermarket now and in the future.

By Shop Owner Staff