• First facility in India to start commercial manufacturing of indigenous common rail injector
• MoU signed with Maharashtra State Government in November 2005 starts to prove successful

Marking a significant milestone in the history of common rail technology in India for Bosch, the company has announced the start of production of common rail injectors at its Nashik facility. This follows a previous announcement by Bosch to invest Rs. 1,800 crores (321.5 million euros) in India between 2005 and 2008, with a significant part of this being committed to the development of common rail technologies in India.

Bosch has been manufacturing common rail injector components at its Nashik factory since 2006 and, having developed and built a level of local skill and expertise, is now ready to start commercial production of complete rail injectors for both domestic and export markets. The factory will produce 100,000 injectors during the remaining months of 2007, rising to 3.5 million in 2010.

In November 2005, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bosch and the Maharashtra State Government on common rail injectors and expansion of mechanical injectors at the Nashik plant. The start of commercial manufacturing is one example of how this collaboration is proving to be successful.

Commenting on this latest development, Dr Albert Hieronimus, Managing Director, Motor Industries Company Ltd, the flagship of Bosch Group subsidiaries in India, explained: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the common rail injector at Nashik, which further reinforces our capability to manufacture high technology products to meet the emission challenges. The potential for diesel technology in the country is huge, and Bosch is committed to playing a significant role in this growth through pioneering innovations.”

Sales of Bosch common rail systems worldwide in 2006 totalled 6.8 million units, with 40,000 of these sold in India. Total sales are expected to reach 8 million in 2007, and sales in India are projected to increase to 1.3 million by 2010.

In 2006, Bosch Group worldwide spent more than 2.7 billion euros on research and development in the Automotive Technology business sector alone. This equates to roughly ten per cent of the 27.2 billion euros in sales achieved in this sector – a share that is far higher than the industry average. Research and development expenditure for 2007 is expected to be equivalent to ten per cent of total sales. Close to half these investments in the future will benefit systems that directly help to conserve resources and protect the environment. Nearly 40 per cent of 3,000 patents filed by the Group last year related directly to environmental protection and resource conservation.

Bosch – a major contributor to Nashik Economy
Founded in 1972, the Nashik facility is spread over 100 acres and has been producing high quality Injectors and Nozzles for diesel engines of all types and applications. Since December 2005, the Nashik facility has been manufacturing and exporting high precision common rail injector Components.

As well as employing more than 3,000 people, it is the biggest private sector employer in the city and one of the biggest contributors to the exchequers. It also provides employment and service opportunity to 83 local suppliers in and around the Nashik region. This facility alone has paid out a total of nearly Rs. 400 crores (71.4 million euros) in the calendar year 2006, through excise duties, service taxes, sales taxes, octroi and employee wages.

In Nashik, the company has invested around Rs.7 crores (1.25 million euros) towards the upgrading of effluent treatment facilities. Every new machine procured will undergo a thorough analysis of its environmental impact. The company now plans to use alternative energy resources as its next step. Bosch is committed to a greener and cleaner environment, and is actively involved in social activities in its neighboring community. Since 1972, this facility has been known for its green surroundings and has been declared a non-smoking zone. It has also started a tree planting campaign in partnership with the Municipal Corporation of Nashik. The Nashik facility was the recipient of the ‘Golden Peacock Special Commendation Certificate’ towards environment management in 2005.

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:
Jenny Hodge
Communications Manager
Robert Bosch Limited
Tel: +44 (0) 1895 838545
Email: jenny.hodge@uk.bosch.com

About Bosch

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

In 2006, the company generated automotive sales of €27.2 billion and employs approximately 161,000 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.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com and www.bosch.co.uk