OREANDA-NEWS. The Bosch name has been closely associated with the new DTM German Touring Car Masters series since it began in 2000 – and the connection will now continue for another three years. Bosch and the DTM are extending their successful partnership through 2017; Bosch recently signed the relevant contract with ITR e.V., the organizer of the racing series. Bosch is far more than just a name on the racing cars' windshields, however. DTM vehicles operate with highly complex Bosch racing technology on board, including ECUs and displays from the technology supplier. “Our automotive technology is not only at home on the streets: it's just as successful on the track under the extreme conditions of motor racing,” says Clemens K. Krebs, head of marketing communications in the Mobility Solutions business sector at Bosch.

Bosch's collaboration with the DTM has always focused on innovative technology, performance, and reliability in racing cars – giving spectators thrilling motor racing at its finest. Bosch supplies the ECU, display, starter, generator, wiring harness, and many more components – and there are decades of motor racing experience behind each one. “DTM races present exceptionally demanding conditions – vibrations, temperature swings, and extreme acceleration and braking – and these give our products the chance to prove how robust and reliable they are,” says Krebs. “We want more than just our name in bold letters on the windshield: we want to see the cars successfully implementing Bosch technology.”

Attractive and emotive advertising environment
Along with reliable technology, DTM is all about beefy V8 sound, thrilling battles for positions and cheering crowds all the way to the finish line: it's pure emotion. “In this exciting and emotional environment, our partnership with the DTM is an investment in brand presence and brand appeal,” explains Krebs. Starting in the 2015 season, the DTM will be adopting a new racing format with two full championship races each weekend to offer spectators still more motor racing. “And, since we supply and contribute to the entire series and not just one manufacturer, the best part is we always win,” says Krebs.

Long motor racing tradition
Bosch's involvement in motor racing has a long tradition. The first race victories with Bosch technology on board came back in 1901 and 1903 – and Bosch has been using racing success for promotional activities ever since. At the start of the last century, the Belgian Camille Jenatzy piloted his Mercedes racer with Bosch magneto ignition from one triumph to the next. With his shock of red hair and fiery red racing overcoat, Jenatzy was the inspiration for the stylized figure Bosch used in advertising at the time, “The Red Devil.”

The motor racing tradition holds at Bosch even today. Bosch Motorsport has more than 120 associates worldwide, and since 2003 it has been part of Bosch Engineering GmbH, a subsidiary specializing in engineering services. Bosch Motorsport engineers equip teams running in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, and numerous rallies and long-distance championships – including the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans event and of course the ultimate formula racing series – with race-tested technology made by Bosch.