The Bosch Group is the world's second-largest supplier of automotive technology, with sales of 38.2 billion euros in 2009, including 27.4 billion yuan in China. Bosch employs around 275,000 associates worldwide, including 21,200 associates in China. Bosch Automotive Technology is entering China in a big way, thus participating in the rapidly developing Chinese automotive industry. The Bosch Group's business partnership with China dates back to 1909. Today, we have established 11 wholly-owned companies, 9 joint ventures and several trading companies and representative offices in China. Bosch is supporting the strong growth of the Chinese automotive market.
Editorial history
As early as 1895, Bosch was granted a license by the royal capital and official residence city of Stuttgart to begin production of household appliances under the direction of the Stuttgart Electric Works. At the 1933 Leipzig Spring Fair, Bosch's first refrigerator with compressor was successfully unveiled, much to the amazement of its counterparts in the refrigerator industry, which was the first step of Bosch's entry into the home appliance market, and more Bosch home appliances followed, gradually enjoying a good reputation in the fields of stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, and electric kitchen multifunctionals. 110 years of history in the manufacture of home appliances, consistently high quality products, and a commitment to service that emphasizes care, are the key to the success of the Bosch brand. With 110 years of history in home appliance manufacturing, consistently high quality products, and a commitment to caring service, Bosch has always been a market leader in Europe. The history of Bosch in China can be traced back to the beginning of this century. As early as 1909 (only 23 years after Mr. Robert Bosch founded his first factory), Bosch products entered the Chinese market; in 1926, Bosch set up its first service station in Shanghai, and began to provide Chinese consumers with high-quality Bosch products and high-level technical services. With its unswerving spirit of innovation and profound craftsmanship, Bosch has enjoyed the glory of wisdom and professionalism in the field of home appliances. Whether it is the first fully-automatic washing machine in 1960 or the first dishwasher in 1964, Bosch has always been "proud of Europe's home appliances" with its reliable quality and leading technology. For more than 100 years, Bosch has been pursuing one important goal - to improve the quality of life of consumers with perfect technology and perceived quality. And today, Bosch has become the leading brand with the No. 1 market share in Europe for home appliances.
Editing Bosch in China
The Bosch Group opened its first trading office in China in 1909 and the first automotive after-sales service workshop in Shanghai in 1926. Today, all the Bosch Group's business divisions are located in China: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Building Technology. Bosch currently operates 37 companies in China and has a subsidiary in Shanghai, Bosch (China) Investment Co. In 2007, Bosch's consolidated sales in China amounted to 1.8 billion euros. As of 2007, Bosch's investment in China totaled about 1 billion euros. From 2008 to 2010, Bosch plans to invest an additional €850 million. More than 17,000 Chinese associates are dedicated to providing customers in China with state-of-the-art technology and reliable service to improve the quality of life. Since the 1980s, Bosch has established 10 representative offices, five trading companies and one trading office, nine wholly-owned enterprises and nine joint ventures in China, all of which are managed by Bosch (China) Investment Co. The Bosch Group has invested more than 970 million US dollars in China. Bosch Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Co., Ltd., Nanjing Huade Spark Plugs Co., Ltd. and United Automotive Electronics Co. This represents an increase of 25 percent over the same period of the previous year. The Automotive Technology Division, which accounts for more than half of Bosch's total revenue in China, played a decisive role in this outstanding achievement. Bosch has always been committed to providing economical, clean and safe technologies and products for China's rapidly growing market.
Bosch (China) Investment Co., Ltd.
Established in 1999, Bosch (China) Investment Co., Ltd. is responsible for the management, development, and coordination of all Bosch's investments and production operations in China. With ten representative offices, four trading companies and one trade representative office, seven wholly-owned enterprises and ten joint ventures in the fields of automotive components, packaging technology, control and drive systems, thermotechnology, white goods and security systems, Bosch is committed to providing its Chinese customers with the highest quality products. Bosch (China) Investment Co., Ltd. located in Shanghai, has branches and offices in Beijing, Wuhan, Chongqing and other cities, and is responsible for the development and coordination of all Bosch's investment projects in mainland China. The investment company is committed to establishing win-win partnerships with Chinese customers, strengthening business cooperation, and assisting Bosch to achieve good business development in the Chinese market. In addition, its Purchasing Division is responsible for and coordinates Bosch's purchasing business in Asia (except Japan).
Bosch Home Appliances
Bosch Home Appliances was successfully listed in Shanghai in November 2004, and has already entered 22 provinces (cities) including Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Guangdong, and realized good sales. The first batch of listed products include computerized refrigerator with 0℃ Vita Fresh technology, computerized drum washer and washer-dryer with LCD display. These products are fully synchronized with the latest technology in Europe and represent the technology and innovation level of Bosch home appliances. Likewise, as with all Bosch products, they embody the highest level of quality in manufacturing.
Bosch Power Tools (China) Co., Ltd.
Established in 1995, Bosch Power Tools (China) Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned manufacturing enterprise of the German Bosch Group in China, with its plant located in Hangzhou National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, on the south bank of the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, a scenic area of nearly 35,000 square meters. With a plant area of nearly 35,000 square meters and products including professional power tools, household power tools and accessories, it has become one of the largest power tools production and R&D bases of Bosch Group in the world, with more than 3,000 employees.
Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
Established in 1999, Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. is located in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province, China, and employs more than 3,000 people. Bosch is a world leader in R&D and production of all aspects of automotive components. Following the great success of diesel injection systems in the industry, Bosch Automotive's Chassis Systems, Energy and Body Systems, Automotive Multimedia Systems, Automotive Electronic Systems and ATMO Equipment Program have also been established in Bosch (Suzhou) Company, and Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co. Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. will become Bosch's automotive parts production and matching center.
Bosch Automotive Diesel Systems Corporation
Established in 2004, Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. is a foreign-invested enterprise specializing in the manufacture, matching and sales of electronically controlled diesel fuel injection systems and their components, as well as the provision of related after-sales services. The completed new company includes administration building, production workshop and world-class R&D technical center, which is equipped with advanced Bosch equipments such as engine dynamic measurement system, chassis dynamic measurement system, emission measurement and cutting-edge product development and measurement tools, etc. It focuses on matching of fuel injection system, and is the R&D base of Bosch diesel system in China, and the training center (ETP: Engineering Training Program) of the technical center includes about 200 different training courses. The training center of the technical center (ETP: Engineering Training Program) includes about 200 different training modules, and shoulders the important task of introducing the cutting-edge electronic diesel injection technology to Chinese customers.
Bosch Automotive Products (Changsha) Co.
Bosch Automotive Products (Changsha)
Bosch Automotive Products (Changsha) Co., Ltd. is a wholly foreign owned company with an investment of 97.5 million US dollars by Robert Bosch GmbH and Bosch (China) Investment Co. It is located in Changsha Economic Development Zone, Hunan Province. It has more than 2,000 employees. It mainly produces automotive components, automotive electronic equipment systems and specialized machinery and equipment, which are now gradually put into operation.
Edit Section Corporate Culture
The enterprise brand ranked three hundred and sixty-three in the 2006 World Brand 500 list compiled by World Brand Lab. The company was ranked 109th in the 2007 Fortune Global 500 list of the world's largest companies. The company was ranked 1001 on the 2008 Fortune Global 500 list. The company was ranked ninety-eight on the 2009 FORTUNE Global 500 list of the world's largest companies.
Editorial sectionBosch, where innovation knows no bounds
Today, when you look back at history, you will find that for more than a century, Bosch, as a world leader in many different fields, has always been at the forefront of the progress of the times: from the invention of the world's first spark plug with a high-voltage electromagnetic ignition system in 1902, to the world's first multifunctional power tool in 1952, and the introduction of the world's first swivel-arm robot in 1976, Bosch has always been a leader in the development of new technologies and products. From the invention of the world's first spark plug with a high-voltage electromagnetic ignition system in 1902, the world's first multifunctional power tool in 1952, the world's first swivel-arm robot in 1976, to the newly introduced electro-hydraulic braking system, the Bosch Group has created countless world firsts, and has provided mankind with many advanced Bosch technologies. Today, the Bosch Group has 227 production sites on five continents***, of which 171 are located outside Germany. From familiar Bosch lifestyle products to lesser-known cutting-edge technology products, each and every one of them reflects Bosch's longstanding spirit of innovation and is a masterpiece of the world-recognized German quality standard, which embodies Bosch's firm commitment to human society and environmental protection.
Editing the Bosch Commitment
At the Bosch plant in Baichach, Germany, 60 percent of the electricity needs are met by our own hydroelectric power plant.
Our commitment to society
The Robert Bosch Stiftung The Robert Bosch Stiftung, founded in 1964, is a contemporary testament to the fraternal spirit of the company's founder, Mr. Robert Bosch, who worked for the good of society. As a company tradition, the Foundation devotes all dividends it receives each year to charitable causes. As one of the largest industrial foundations in Germany, the Robert Bosch Stiftung invested 40 million euros in 2001 in a variety of public service projects, with a cumulative total of more than 540 million euros. The Foundation manages medical research institutions, including the Robert Bosch Hospital, the Margery Fischer Bosch Institute for Clinical Medicine and the Institute for the History of Medicine; the main areas of support are public **** medical care, international exchanges, social welfare, education and training, culture and art, as well as social and natural sciences. It can be said that the Robert Bosch Stiftung, with its non-profit character and spirit of selfless dedication, realizes Bosch's solid commitment to society and the world at large.
Our commitment to the environment
Protecting the environment as our responsibility Today, environmental and natural resource issues have attracted widespread attention around the world. As early as 1973, environmental protection has been recognized as a basic principle of Bosch and a fundamental purpose of technological innovation. Environmental protection is a priority for Bosch at all stages of production. Bosch's environmental principles do not only meet strict European standards, but must also be implemented in all Bosch facilities worldwide. Bosch has set up a specialized environmental management system, which is responsible for coordinating, negotiating and solving environmental issues in the Bosch Group on a global scale. We are committed to a beautiful and healthy environment today and for the future. Bosch environmental protection work in China Bosch environmental protection logo The Bosch environmental protection logo, designed to reflect Bosch's environmental protection philosophy, symbolizes pure water, healthy air, and the everlasting natural environment, in which the Q shape implies the relationship between environmental protection and the quality of Bosch products. At the same time, it symbolizes the efforts and dedication of all Bosch people who have been working to protect the environment for more than 100 years
Editing the Bosch philosophy
Through the efforts and innovations of Bosch associates, our global network of research and development, manufacturing, sales, purchasing, and customer service reflects the company's consistent commitment to customers and end-users. This commitment is backed by our uncompromising Bosch global quality standards and world-renowned German technology.
German technology
German products are renowned for their quality, prestige and technical excellence, and Bosch continues this tradition by designing and manufacturing all of its products in accordance with the most stringent German standards, and by developing, manufacturing and distributing its products to an even higher standard.
Innovation
For more than 100 years, the secret of Bosch's success has been technological innovation. The 18,550 scientists, engineers, and technical specialists of the Bosch Group around the world have been working tirelessly to advance science and technology and to shape the future of mankind. Thanks to their outstanding contributions, Bosch applied for 2,370 patents in 2002*** - an average of ten patents for every working hour. Creating a better life with modern technology by inventing, improving, and perfecting electronic and mechanical products - this is the driving force that keeps scientific and technological innovation at the center of the Bosch Group.
Excellence in quality
Reliable product quality is the key to Bosch's success, and it is a tradition of which Bosch is proud. The "12 Quality Principles" serve as a guideline for all Bosch associates and as a fundamental guarantee for the quality of our products and services. This principle also applies to the employees of Bosch dealers and after-sales service organizations.
People are at the center of everything we do
The 221,000 associates of Bosch worldwide (as of January 1, 2002) are the Group's most important asset. Bosch attaches great importance to the international exchange of employees in order to strengthen global cooperation within the Group and the resulting international exchange of knowledge. In addition, its renowned "Continuous Training Program" helps employees to improve all aspects of their practical work. In the final analysis, it is the wisdom and efforts of each and every one of our employees that drive the Bosch Group forward.
Research and development
Decades of research and development are the secret of Bosch's success as a technology leader. The Bosch Group spends around 7 percent of its total sales on research and development every year, laying a solid foundation for the company's steady growth. 2.3 billion euros were spent on research and development in 2001, the vast majority of which was in the field of automotive technology. "The last thing I can tolerate is to find any imperfections in my products, so I always strive to make the finest Bosch products that stand up to the most rigorous scrutiny in every respect." -- Robert Bosch (1918)
Past, present and future
Bosch established its first service station in China in Shanghai in 1926. Today, Bosch has more than 230 authorized service stations throughout China. A long history of comprehensive developmentSince Bosch re-entered the Chinese market in the mid-1980s in tandem with China's reform and opening up, we have become a successful example of multinational enterprises in China with a total investment of more than 600 million US dollars and double-digit annual growth rate. With a solid commitment to our partners and the local community, and relying on more than 9,000 highly motivated and dedicated local talents, we are continuously sharing our advanced knowledge and innovative technologies with China***, and providing tailor-made solutions to our customers. At the same time, Bosch China has become one of the most important and strongest divisions of the entire Bosch Group. Bosch will continue to expand its business in China through win-win partnerships with our business partners in the future. Through continuous capital investment, technology introduction, and the training of tomorrow's industry pillars for China, we will surely continue to deepen our long-term commitment to China, and with unremitting efforts and enterprising spirit, we will steadfastly make even greater contributions to China's modernization process in this important period of China's history. "Our products, services, and indeed the entire corporate ethos should be in the public interest." -- Robert Bosch
Editorial Bosch: A globalized multinational group
From a humble "workshop for precision mechanics and electrical engineering," Bosch has become a highly internationalized multinational group - generating sales of 40 billion euros in 2004. In 2004, Bosch generated sales of 40 billion euros and employs 242,000 people worldwide. The Bosch Group, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, is one of the world's leading producers of automotive technology, industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, with 270 locations worldwide, 230 of which are outside Germany. When you look back on history, you will be amazed at how Bosch, as a world leader in many fields, has always been at the forefront of progress over the past 120 years: Whether it was the invention of the spark plug with high-voltage electromagnetic ignition system in 1902, the birth of the first Bosch multifunctional power tool, the high-pressure diesel fuel injection system, or the ESP@electronic stabilization program, Bosch has set countless scientific and technical world records and provided mankind with many more. Bosch has also provided mankind with many advanced Bosch technologies. From familiar Bosch lifestyle products to lesser-known state-of-the-art technological creations, each and every one of them embodies Bosch's long-standing spirit of innovation, is a masterpiece of the world-recognized German quality standard, and contains Bosch's unwavering commitment to the society of mankind and to environmental protection. Today, Bosch is striving to bring more safe, clean and economical products and services to make people's lives better!
Editing Mr. Robert Bosch (1861-1942)
The founder of the Bosch Group, Mr. Robert Bosch, was a renowned German entrepreneur and one of the pioneers of the industrial age. His lifelong pursuit was to strive for excellence in his inventions and products in order to fulfill the wishes and needs of his customers. As early as his childhood, he showed his outstanding talent as an industrialist. 1886, at the age of 25, Mr. Robert Bosch founded the "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering", specializing in the production of ignition systems for internal combustion engines - a technology that was at that time the most popular among the founders of the Mercedes-Benz automobile company, Carl Schumann. Karl Benz, founder of the Mercedes-Benz automobile company, called this technology "the problem of problems" and registered one of his most successful patents - the high-voltage electromagnetic ignition system. This invention became a milestone in Mr. Bosch's career. From then on, the small workshop in Swabia, Germany, was on the road to becoming a world-renowned multinational corporation. --This graphic of an ignition coil has also become one of the symbols of the Bosch company. "It is my principle to work hard to ensure the quality and credibility of my products, because the long-term benefits of honesty and integrity are far more valuable than immediate profits. " -- Robert Bosch (1918)