The system, in which each wiper arm is driven by its own electric motor, offers the maximum swept windscreen area via motors that are both compact and flexible for under bonnet fitment. The Bosch system is already being fitted to the new Ford Galaxy, the Citroen C6 and the recently launched Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

In conventional wiper systems the two arms are rigidly connected by a metal linkage and driven by a single motor. The Bosch two-motor wiper system synchronizes the two drives electronically and intergrated sensors continuously monitor the precise position of the wiper arms. This allows the change in the direction of the wiper arm to be individually determined ensuring that the wiper sweeps close to the A pillar maximising the widest field of view for the driver/passenger. This control is particularly important when a vehicle's wiper blades are required to park close to the A pillar as is the case with the Seat Altea.

An important road safety benefit of the twin-motor system is that the wipers can be parked below the bonnet line which not only improves aerodynamics, but also reduces the potential risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of an accident. The twin-motor system can also work fully automatically when combined with the Bosch rain and light sensors.

The twin-motor wiper system offers real packaging advantages for vehicle manufacturers, particularly for intebgration into vehicles with opposed-pattern equipment. The Bosch system is very compact - it does not require an awkward arm linkage - and the two part design means that it can be fitted very flexibly into the available space under the bonnet.

The twin-motor windscreen wiping system is being used more and more by vehicle manufacturers, particularly in top-end models together with medium and compact MPV's, where space is a premium. According to Bosch, at present five percent of cars manufactured in Europe are fitted with the system and this, the company predicts, will double over the next five years.

Bosch media enquiries:

Chris Wakley/David Eden, Automotive PR, tel. 0207 494 8050, e-mail:cwakely@automotivepr.com / deden@automotivepr.com

Bosch OE enquiries:

Beverley Daniels, Communications Manager, Robert Bosch Ltd, tel. 01895 878155, e-mail:beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com