Bosch continues double digit growth in 2008

Bosch Automotive, the country’s largest supplier of automotive technology parts in the aftermarket sector, maintains its double-digit growth this year via its 10 core business fields in the Philippines, according to Aftermarket General Manager Mustafa Sed.

“The growth projection is anchored on the company’s confidence and commitment to the local aftermarket and the strong performance of the country’s automotive industry,” says Sed. In 2007, the Philippine automotive industry posted a landmark growth by breaching the 117,000 unit landmark – a figure not realized since the aftermath of the Asian Fiscal crisis. With this growth in automotive sales, the demand for quality maintenance parts follow suit.

“On the average, monthly car sales are pegged at 10,000 units, translating to 10,000 potential automotive customers that will need warranty and maintenance parts, as well as automotive diagnostic services in the near future,” adds Sed. Bosch is the world’s largest supplier of automotive technology, with €28 billion from its automotive business in 2007, and is also the current global aftermarket leader.

Good, Better, Best

Bosch has realized that a single product segment will not address the needs of the local motorist. To further strengthen its foothold in the aftermarket, Bosch has developed and introduced its good, better, best product segmentation, which appropriately classifies its automotive products correspondingly to different market segments. Bosch spark plugs, the company’s flagship product since 1905 with 10 billion produced worldwide, now come in three major variants, Super Plus, Platinum Plus, and Platinum-Iridium Fusion. The Bosch Super Plus with yttrium enhanced copper core center electrode is the best non-platinum spark plug in the market that lasts 50% longer than OEM spark plugs. The Bosch Platinum Plus, on the other hand, is the only spark plug with a pure platinum center electrode, ensuring quicker starts, smoother acceleration, and maximum durability. The company’s top-end Fusion Spark combines platinum and iridium, creating the ultimate in engine performance without increasing ignition voltage. It also has the longest service of up to ten times longer versus regular aftermarket plugs.

The Bosch wiper blade has also three variants: the entry-level ECO, which is an upgrade from OEM wiper blades, the Spoiler Plus and Graphite Plus, and AeroTwin wipers. All wiper blades come with tropicalized rubber compound that prevents brittleness. The top-of-the-line AeroTwins come with bracket-less assemblies with built-in Evodium pressure strips that is precisely tailored to match the curve of the windscreen.

Lastly, the Bosch has also ventured into the local battery market, introducing its S3, S4, and S5 batteries. The premium S5 variant has a specially developed alloy, patented by Bosch, comprising of Calcium Silver, Aluminum, and Tin. This alloy significantly increases battery life by 30 percent, and is specifically designed for the high energy requirements of modern vehicles fitted with a large number of electrical devices. Its capacity ranges from 52-110 Ampere-hours and cold start currents (CCA) of up to 920 Amperes will ensure reliable starting every time, even for diesel engines.

Leadership in Technology

With the country’s rising mobility needs, Bosch projects a growing demand for its automotive aftermarket products. The company currently leads in 5 out of 10 product segments in the local aftermarket: sparkplugs, wiping systems, comfort electronics (car horns and relays) and car diagnostics, under which Bosch diagnostic emission testers and gasoline/diesel systems technology help motorists comply with the country’s Clean Air standards.

By continuously introducing new innovations, Bosch expands its leadership and strengthens its commitment to creating safe, clean and economical vehicles for the future.