Bosch Automotive A product history

24 | Supplement 2 | Journal of Bosch History
data – from the brake control system, for
example – can now be utilized for the functions
of other systems. The control system
of the ESP® electronic stability program,
for instance, can intervene in engine management
and reduce engine power if the car
shows signs of skidding. And as a further
way of preventing hazardous situations, the
brake system can utilize the radar data from
the adaptive cruise control system. It can
then either perform automatic emergency
braking or, if impact is unavoidable, can
protect occupants by activating the airbags
faster.
As late as the 1960s, Bosch automotive
technology was still developed exclusively
in Germany. To a large extent, it was also
produced there. This situation has changed
fundamentally over the past five decades.
Today, Bosch has manufacturing sites on all
continents of the world. By comparison, the
development of Bosch products in various
countries outside Germany is relatively new.
Developing products in this way enables
components and complete systems to be
developed to meet specific market and
regional requirements. The engine management
system for a premium-class vehicle
in Europe, for example, must meet highest
quality standards in terms of performance,
comfort, and handling. An inexpensive
compact car in India or China, on the other
hand, calls for basic functions at low cost
and robust components that can cope with
widely varying qualities of fuel and longterm
operation on bumpy roads. This, too,
calls for state-of the art technology. It’s just
another way of looking at it.
A divisional structure emerges
The increasing complexity and variety of
components is reflected in the ongoing
development of the organizational structure
of the units that develop, test, manufacture,
and market them. In 1959, a divisional
structure was introduced at Bosch.
The divisions are responsible for certain
Milestones
1897 1902 1909 1913 1914 1921
Magneto ignition
device for automobiles
Lubricating pump
(oiler)
Starter
Horn
High-voltage
magneto ignition
system with
spark plug
Headlights, voltage
regulator, generator
(Bosch automotive
lighting system)