• 2010 L.E.A.D.E.R. Award goes to Bosch
• Electronics is a must for high-performance safety systems

On June 22, 2010, Bosch was honored for its long history of achievements in developing active safety systems for vehicles. The L.E.A.D.E.R. Award, which the company received in Bilbao, Spain, is given annually by Automotive News Europe, the European branch of the U.S. publishing conglomerate Crain Communications Inc., and the Automotive Intelligence Center in Bilbao. L.E.A.D.E.R. stands for “Leaders in European Automotive Development, Excellence, and Research.” The judges explicitly paid tribute to Bosch for its development of lectronically controlled active safety systems for vehicles.

The prize was accepted by Dr. Werner Struth, president of Chassis Systems Control, the Bosch division responsible for the safety systems.

“This award honors our company’s innovation and past achievements – I promise you that this prize will motivate all our associates in their future work,” Struth said.

Bosch began manufacturing the first active safety systems for vehicles as early as 1978, with the electronically controlled ABS antilock brake system. The TCS traction control system followed in 1986 and the ESP® electronic stability program in 1995. ESP® includes the features of both ABS and TCS and also works to prevent skids. Today, ESP® is linked to sensors that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and is increasingly becoming the foundation for new safety features. In early 2010, for example, series production began for the Bosch predictive emergency brake system in the new Audi A8. The system warns drivers in advance in critical situations and helps with braking.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861–1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.