OREANDA-NEWS. Bosch is entering the global market for two-wheeler powertrains with its own range of complete systems. The company has developed an electronically controlled fuel injection system that can be adapted to any vehicle – allowing Bosch to offer solutions ranging from the cheapest single-cylinder two-wheeler in Asia to the high-performance bikes prevalent in Europe and North America. “Bosch is known for the quality and efficiency of its automotive powertrain technology, and now we want to bring that same success to the two-wheeler,” says Dr. Rolf Bulander, whose responsibilities as a member of the Robert Bosch GmbH board of management include powertrain technology. For decades, Bosch automotive powertrain technology has brought together efficiency, comfort, and driving enjoyment. But until now, the company’s presence in the two-wheeler segment has revolved chiefly around automotive components modified for use in high-performance motorcycles.

Now motorcyclists will be able to see for themselves the benefits of Bosch’s perfectly matching systems solutions in areas such as fuel consumption, reduction of CO2 emissions, and engine performance. Bosch also intends to apply its unified systems approach to low-cost models in Asia. Especially in India and southeast Asia, the two-wheeler market is experiencing double-digit annual growth. What is more, the popularity of carburetor technology seems to be waning in Asia as elsewhere. As Bulander says: “No new car has a carburetor anymore – and soon that will be true of the two-wheeler as well.” In developing markets, Bosch is pinning its hopes on its electronically controlled injection systems, which are considerably more efficient. In technical terms, they are comparable with the port fuel injection systems for cars that Bosch produces in the millions.

Thanks to innovative developments and modifications, Bosch is in a position to offer its electronically controlled solution for single-cylinder engines at about the same price as a standard carburetor version. A compact engine control unit and injection valve with additional functions help keep the cost low. Bosch can achieve further cost benefits by drawing on its extensive experience and expertise in combustion processes and engine dynamics, which allow it to develop functions and software in such a way as to eliminate the need for sensors.

Bosch is connecting two-wheelers with smartphones
The Bosch electronic fuel injection system also opens up a variety of opportunities for two-wheeler connectivity functions. For instance, riders can call up information about average fuel consumption or journey details on their smartphone. Smartphones can also be used to activate immobilizers by sending a signal to shut off the fuel supply. “In Asia, it is this smartphone connectivity that – perhaps even more than emissions regulations – provides the impetus for our electronic fuel injection systems,” says Bulander. In China, meanwhile, Bosch is focusing on zero-emission mobility with a range of electrically driven eScooters. The market for these electrically driven two-wheelers is expected to show particularly strong growth in China.

Aside from powertrain technology, Bosch has been offering a comprehensive range of motorcycle safety solutions for many years now. One of these is an affordable single-channel ABS system that improves the brake performance of low-cost two-wheelers. At the other end of the scale, there is the world-exclusive Bosch motorcycle stability control system – a sort of ESP for motorcycles.

Bosch regards the two-wheeler segment as one of the growth markets of the future and expects worldwide sales of motorcycles to reach around 150 million units in 2020, more than the equivalent figure for cars. Just as it is for cars, Asia is a driver of growth in the two-wheeler segment.
Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. According to preliminary figures, its 2013 sales came to 30.7 billion euros, or 66 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers (note: due to a change in the legal rules governing consolidation, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Automotive Technology largely operates in the following areas: injection technology for internal-combustion engines, alternative powertrain concepts, efficient and networked powertrain peripherals, systems for active and passive driving safety, assistance and comfort functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as car-to-car and Car2X communication, and concepts, technology, and service for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In 2013, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.1 billion euros. (NB: Due to a change in accounting policies, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, the Bosch Group invested some 4.5 billion euros in research and development and applied for some 5,000 patents. This is an average of 20 patents per day. The Bosch Group’s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is “Invented for life.”