OREANDA-NEWS. June 11, 2015. The Bosch Group plans to seek a partner for a joint venture or a buyer for its Starter Motors and Generators division. The company is convinced that this can further improve the division’s growth prospects in a market characterized by tough competition and cost pressure.

The division develops and manufactures starters and alternators for passenger cars and commercial vehicles which help reduce fuel consumption, for example as part of the start-stop system. It employs around 6,500 associates at 13 manufacturing sites and multiple sales locations worldwide.

“The Starter Motors and Generators division has successfully managed to transform itself over the past few years and is posting positive results. The division is well positioned internationally, and has technically and commercially competitive products that are very well received by our customers,” says Dr. Rolf Bulander, the Bosch board of management member responsible for the Mobility Solutions business sector. “Nonetheless, in a market characterized by tough competition and cost pressure, the division has better growth prospects together with a partner or buyer.”

Securing long-term viability
Bosch is convinced that a partner or buyer can increase the division’s competitiveness and further stimulate growth. In recent years, the division has improved its competitiveness by making its structures simpler and more flexible, among other things. A partner or buyer may give these activities an additional boost, and further expand the division’s international presence. Furthermore, this may enable the division to tap into additional growth opportunities in those regions in which it does not yet have such a broad presence. Finding a partner or buyer for the Starter Motors and Generators division will make it possible for the Bosch Group to devote more attention to other strategic areas.

With products such as the start-stop system, highly efficient generators, and motors for the boost recuperation system, the division supplies modern technology for reducing fuel consumption. Collaboration with a partner or buyer will allow this technology to be used in the best possible way to open up additional growth potential.