Bosch: Marching Toward the Future

VEHICLE TRENDSBosch: Marching Toward the Future DETROIT (Oct. 2, 2006)- Industry research suggests that by 2015, 20 percent of all new vehicles will be diesel-powered. At a recent press event, Bosch engineers demonstrated how they are addressing this industry shift with continued research into diesel systems, including the piezo injector for diesel direct-injection engines for passenger vehicles. "Each injector is tested and calibrated on the OE and the aftermarket side, both for emissions and for noise," explains Mike Loth, senior product manager, Heavy Duty Products, Aftermarket Division. "Piezo is the latest technology, giving car engines desired characteristics, such as reduced noise, better emissions, etc." As these vehicles gain market share, it will be increasingly important for technicians to be able to service diesel passenger cars and trucks. During the event, Bosch executives and engineers shared details of the supplier's 100-year history in the automotive market, including their technology and product innovations. Product launches include a new line of advanced gasoline fuel injectors for current and older domestic and import vehicles; an expanded program of premium replacement OE modules and OE fuel pumps, which includes OE electric turbine pumps for vehicles equipped with either turbine or positive-displacement-type fuel pumps; and the new Platinum Ir Fusion spark plug, which combines an iridium and platinum center electrode with the company's exclusive surface air gap technology and yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes. "Surface air gap firing technology delivers a longer, more powerful spark, which leads to better fuel economy," states Martin Kashnowski, director, product management for consumer products. Fusion will be a full product line. Aggressive product testing is conducted at their Flat Rock, MI proving grounds test facility. At their Farmington Hills, MI Research Technical Center, Bosch engineers work closely with OEMs to develop components and systems for today's vehicles. This relationship as an OE supplier translates into what Bosch provides to the aftermarket. "What we learn from [the OEMs] becomes more and more important to the aftermarket," explains Fred Pageant, product manager for rotating electrical, aftermarket, for Bosch. "For example, there are some parts in remanufacturing starters and alternators that should not be remanufactured. They should just be thrown away."Diagnostic expectations Bosch has combined their resources with those of Vetronix to develop "Bosch Diagnostics." According to Jim Frazer, director, service marketing, Bosch Diagnostics, the trend of electronics and networks in vehicles is not going to stop, and "technicians need tools, training and support for these repairs and diagnoses." From brake-by-wire and antilock brake systems (ABS) to telematics, the car of the future will be full of these systems, Frazer says. "We're changing from a parts business to a systems and information business," he adds. This trend, Frazer explains, is driven by an increased share of electronic components in vehicles and an increase in SKU proliferation, among other things. "As a supplier, we need to help the industry manage these parts," he states.  Bosch Diagnostics is designed to provide a complete program for the service shop, offering a combination of OE-quality parts, test equipment, diagnostic software, service training and a technical support help line.