One of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world is China and companies interested in the automotive industry have already announced the expansion of their operations in that country. Ford China recently announced that it will offer new models to the Chinese auto market and that it will install plants in the country to meet the growing demand for its cars.
Another company that has expressed interest in expanding its operations in China is the German car parts maker Bosch. One of the leading manufacturers of automotive safety components, such as fuel injection systems and antilock brakes, starters, alternators and automotive electronics, planned to increase its global presence.
At the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show, Rudolf Colm, a member of the Bosch board of directors, announced his goal in the country. “As a pioneer in automotive safety technologies with extensive international experience, Bosch will partner with the local automotive industry to support China’s efforts in reducing traffic accidents by providing the latest technologies and promoting automotive safety technology,” says Colm.
Bosch won’t be the first company to partner with Chinese auto companies in recent times. Automakers like Nissan, Ford, and General Motors have partnered with Chinese automakers. Even the electric car producer ZAP has a Chinese partner that produces the zero-emission three-wheelers it sells in the United States.
Bosch has already allocated a budget of 100 million yuan for the construction of a winter test track in the country. The plan for the test track is to be located in China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Construction of the road will begin this year and the final product is expected to be finished next year. The track will consist of an icy test track and a dirt test track. This investment will be used to test the performance of vehicles equipped with Bosch safety features on icy roads.
Tests like these are important as icy roads are one of the most dangerous terrain for any vehicle. The Bosch-sponsored track will be the largest of its kind in China once completed.
Apart from the test track, Bosch also plans to allocate an additional € 100 million for the expansion of its production, research and development facilities, laboratories and other test facilities. These facilities are located in Suzhou. The investment being made by the German company will increase the local capacity of Bosch China. Other investments in China for Bosch include an allocation of 2 million euros for the recently opened vehicle verification road in Suzhou. The company has also acquired a majority stake in Australia’s Pacifica Group and Bosch has allocated a budget of € 50 million for the Pacifica plant in China.
Peter Pang, Chairman of Bosch (China) Investment Ltd., says of the expansion of Bosch’s operation in China: “Increasing automotive safety has been a global concern in recent decades. We will draw on our experiences throughout the world to fulfill our commitment to make driving safer in China. Bosch has already established local application and development facilities to support the need for automotive safety in China. “
One of Bosch’s most notable innovations is the anti-lock braking system that complements Active Brakes Direct’s highly efficient brake components and with the expansion of its business in China, the company is ready to offer more to the automotive industry while partnering. with other companies. . “We will work closely with local automakers to develop and promote both active and passive safety features,” says Pang.