Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart/Germany, and Denso Corporation, Kariya/Japan, have agreed to set up a fifty-fifty joint venture in eastern Europe to develop and manufacture diesel particulate filters. The joint venture is planned for establishment in early 2007.

 From 2009 onward, the joint venture partners plan to manufacture high performance and cost-effective diesel particulate filters made of cordierite and to market them separately. Compared to diesel particulate filters made of other materials, cordierite filters are light and provide lower pressure drop of exhaust gas resulting in high engine performance and efficient purification.

 As a result of the Euro 5 emission standard for cars, Bosch and Denso expect that particulate filters will become standard equipment for all new diesel-powered cars in Europe. Accordingly, it is also expected that the market for particulate filters will grow strongly.

 Bosch has considerable system experience in the diesel exhaust gas management. In particular, the management software, which precisely controls the regeneration of particulate filters, is in widespread use since 2002.

 The agreement to form a joint venture is subject to approval by the antitrust authorities.

 Bosch media enquiries:

Chris Wakley / David Eden

Automotive PR

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7494 8050

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

 Bosch OE enquiries:

Beverley Daniels

Communications Manager

Robert Bosch Limited

Tel: +44 (0) 1895 878155

Email: beverley.daniels@uk.bosch.com