Bosch

Robert Bosch founded a "workshop for precision mechanics and electrical engineering" in Stuttgart in 1886. With the invention of the magneto ignition for combustion engines in 1897, he laid the foundation for the global automotive supply business. The 1920s brought diesel injection systems, the 1970s the first electronic engine control unit Motronic. Today Bosch employs over 420,000 people in more than 60 countries and invests around €6 billion annually in research and development.

Bosch operates over 400 manufacturing sites worldwide, including high-performance plants in Stuttgart-Feuerbach, Bamberg, Blaichach as well as in China, India, USA, Mexico and Brazil. All automotive parts are manufactured to IATF 16949 and ISO 9001. Each plant undergoes regular internal audits and external certifications by independent testing institutes.

The Bosch automotive range includes spark plugs, ignition coils, lambda sensors, injectors, high-pressure pumps, starters, alternators, windscreen wipers, brake pads, brake discs, shock absorbers, air filters, oil filters, fuel filters, cabin filters, batteries, control units and sensors. A matching Bosch spare part is available for almost every vehicle from 1980 onwards.

Bosch spare parts are identical to the OEM parts installed at the factory — same drawings, same materials, same production lines. All products carry the CE mark and meet the strictest European standards. Bosch is certified to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. Every spark plug undergoes a 100% pressure test, every lambda sensor a functional test at operating temperature.

Bosch invests around €6 billion annually in R&D — equivalent to about 7% of revenue. Over 6,000 patents are filed per year. In the field of electromobility, Bosch develops electric motors, power electronics and battery systems. The Bosch research centre in Renningen is considered one of the most modern automotive research centres in Europe.

Bosch is an original equipment supplier for all major automakers worldwide, including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Ford and General Motors. In the independent aftermarket (IAM), Bosch is the clear market leader in Europe with a market share of over 25%. Over 50,000 workshops in Germany rely on Bosch parts daily.