What started as an option for high- end passenger cars is now available as a safety feature on most new cars and vans.  The seeds of ESP development can be traced back to 1983 when engineers at Bosch sought to optimise the recently introduced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) - the technology that allows drivers to steer around obstacles under emergency, straight-line braking – to ensure better vehicle stability.  Today, ESP incorporates advances in ABS along with traction control (TCS).

To mark this milestone, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, patron of RoadSafe, attended a reception at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in London to celebrate with leading representatives from the road safety and motor industries.

In a speech at the event, Prince Michael congratulated Bosch on the development and pointed out the important safety benefits that can be derived from the fitment of ESP to all vehicles.  He was also heartened that the installation rate on new cars being registered in the UK had increased from 20% to 29% in only 12 months.

Bosch’s ESP development received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2003.

Note to Editors:

The Bosch Group is the world’s largest provider of automotive technology to all leading vehicle and component manufacturers. 

In 2004, the company generated automotive sales of €25.3 billion and employs 149,200 people in this sector.  The key business areas include: fuel injection technology (diesel & petrol); systems for active and passive vehicle safety (brakes, ABS, traction control, ESP, control units for restraint systems); electrical motors, rotating electrics and products for car multimedia.

Bosch media enquiries:
Chris Wakley
Automotive PR
Tel: 020 7494 8050
Email: cwakley@automotivepr.com/

Bosch OE enquiries:
Beverley Daniels
Corporate Affairs Manager
Robert Bosch Limited
Tel: 01895 878155
Email: beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com