The system is based upon two or three reduction-gear starters of the HEP 109 type which has an overhanging pinion design providing greater resistance to environmental effects. Depending on the ambient temperature at cold start and the amount of additional hydraulic loads at engine start, the system already has an application for 9 litre engines. For standard applications at cold crank temperatures of -20 o C, the new system is ideal for diesel engines up to 72 litres and gasoline/gas engines up to 144 litres.

The new Bosch parallel staring system offer advantages in both service life and size. The main current is only activated once the compound starters are meshed. This provides for optimum distribution of the electrical and mechanical loads and makes overloads impossible. In comparison with direct starters, the result is double the service life up to 14,000 hours. As a result the Bosch system offers cost benefits over the whole life cycle.

The compact dimensions of the new parallel starting system means that it requires less installation space compared with traditional systems. Furthermore, the parallel control relay can be integrated into the unit. Bosch has also succeeded in reducing the weight of the new unit to only 14 kilograms. Production of the new unit is planned to commence in 2006.

Note to editors:

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2004, some 242,000 employees generated sales of €40 billion. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering,” the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of some 260 subsidiaries and more than 10,000 service centres in over 130 countries.

The special ownership structure of the Bosch Group guarantees its financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It makes it possible for the company to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future, as well as to do justice to its social responsibility in a manner reflective of the spirit and will of its founder. The charitable foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, holds 92% of the shares of Robert Bosch GmbH. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG.

Bosch media enquiries:

Chris Wakley/ David Eden        

Automotive PR

Tel: 020 7494 8050            

Email: cwakley@automotivepr.com / deden@automotivepr.com

Bosch OE enquiries:

Beverley Daniels

Corporate Affairs Manager

Robert Bosch Limited

Tel: 01895 878155

Email: beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com