Various technologies – one future

London, UK - While the air quality is already improving in most of the UK and emissions of every pollutant have reduced considerably over the past few decades, the air we breathe can still be improved further. And advanced technology is a key to progress here.

This was the common understanding at an event dedicated to ‘Driving the Future of Mobility’ at Kensington Palace in London on July 10th, jointly hosted by Bosch, Aston Martin and Wunder Mobility. The organizers welcomed Local Government officers, Civil Servants, Industry and NGOs to a series of key note speeches, panel discussions and a small exhibition.

All partners showcased their own technology to attendees. Bosch showcased a variety of powertrain solutions, including the eAxle, a compact, cost-attractive electric drive solution for battery-electric vehicles and hybrid applications. Aston Martin presented some of its most distinguished models such as the Vantage, the DB11 and its first all-electric model – Rapide E. Also on display was the Lagonda All-Terrain Concept, the luxury brand’s first production model driven by zero emission powertrain technologies.

Bosch also demonstrated the latest technology for efficient petrol engines and the recent breakthrough in diesel technology – bringing emission levels further down. Even as of today, 84 percent of newly tested diesel vehicles fall well within the emissions limits that will apply from next year – a figure that has been attested by 70 independent test reports.

That means that, in the near future, emissions from modern internal-combustion engines will no longer make any appreciable contribution to air pollution in our cities. Particulate emissions are also no longer an issue – neither for diesel nor gasoline engines.

Dr. Johannes-Jörg Rüger, president of Bosch Engineering GmbH, said, ”We are pleased to be partnering with like-minded companies that believe that a multifarious, technologically-neutral approach will be the most promising way towards a smarter mobility in the future. Also that besides electromobility the internal-combustion engine can contribute to tackle challenges in terms of Air Quality and Climate Change.“

Bosch wants to lead the mass market for electromobility. By 2025, the aim is to increase sales in this area tenfold, to a total of 5 billion euros. In 2018, Bosch acquired 30 electromobility projects worth several billion euros.

Andy Palmer, CEO Aston Martin, said: “We are delighted to support the event today with our partners Bosch and Wunder Mobility where we have been setting out a positive future vision for sustainable mobility. Aston Martin have set out a bold strategy for the electrification and hybridisation across the group which is critical to achieve future tailpipe emissions and fuel consumption targets, whilst also building a sustainable business for the future.”

Bosch estimates that roughly 75 percent of all new cars and light commercial vehicles will still have an internal-combustion engine on board in 2030. In view of this, Bosch is continuing to invest considerable sums not only in electromobility, but also in optimizing gasoline and diesel engines, even using artificial intelligence to further reduce vehicles’ emissions.

The event brought together an impressive line-up of experts within the automotive, political and administrative world who shared their insights on how technology will re-shape how we travel.

The experts agreed on the considerable progress the automotive industry has made in recent time. For example, a modern diesel car emits 84 percent less NOx than in 2000, hardly any particulates thanks to the use of advanced filters and 16 percent less CO2 than 2010.

Bosch recently announced it will become the world’s first carbon-neutral major company in 2020. Dr. Steffen Hoffmann, President Robert Bosch UK, said: “We feel it is our responsibility to take action when it comes to the climate. While our products and services aim to improve the quality of life for people around the world we also need to conserve resources. To achieve this, we are making change and seizing opportunities, especially in the areas of connectivity, electrification, energy efficiency, and automation.”

#DrivingTheFuture @astonmartin @boschuk @WunderMobility

Press photo: Available on request

Heather Butcher

Email Heather.Butcher@uk.bosch.com

Phone: +44 1895 838610