Robert Bosch board of management chairman Stefan Hartung. — China Daily
SHANGHAI: German auto parts supplier, Bosch, inaugurated two new plants in China last week to meet the growing demand for key components in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, underscoring its commitment to investment and optimism about prospects in the country.
Robert Bosch board of management chairman Stefan Hartung visited China last week to celebrate the opening of the new plants.
“China is a vital market and a key innovation hub for Bosch. We remain committed to our local investments and fostering growth in the country through technological innovation,” he said.
Despite factory closures and layoffs in European markets, Hartung said that during the transition toward electrification, Bosch noticed the different demands of regions and has made adjustments.
China is a highly innovative market where next-generation products frequently emerge.
With strong consumer demand for technological features, Bosch often first launches its new products for electrification and smart mobility in China, Hartung said.
He also pointed out the immense growth potential of China, driven by its large population. “China is changing fast and I will visit as much as possible to understand the market and strengthen connections with our clients and employees.”
The two new plants were built to address the NEV needs of Chinese consumers.
Yesterday, Bosch’s joint venture in China, United Automotive Electronic Systems, opened the third-phase plant of its Taicang subsidiary in Jiangsu province, in efforts to increase local production of the Bosch eAxle and electric motors.
Also known as the NEV powertrain project, the plant will produce the second-generation eAxle from 2025, featuring enhancements in efficiency, power density and functional integration.
The other facility is a new research and development (R&D) and manufacturing base for NEV core components and automated driving, inaugurated today in Suzhou, Jiangsu province.
The base, covering an area of 300,000 sq m and with an investment of seven billion yuan planned over the coming years, broke ground in March 2023 and is set to start production by October.
Bosch now operates 34 manufacturing sites and 26 technical centres in China, employing more than 10,000 R&D personnel.
To promote the transformation of commercial vehicles in China, Bosch will reorganise its commercial vehicle business within the mobility sector, effective from January 2025.
The new structure will provide knowledge-based full-stack technology solutions, covering diverse powertrains and emerging areas such as intelligent chassis and advanced driving assistance systems. — China Daily/ANN
