Bosch

Owners

For 2019, the special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the Bosch group of companies entrepreneurial freedom, which allows for long-term planning and the use of a significant share of funds for investment, ensuring its reliable future. At this time, 92% of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is owned by the Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH charitable foundation. Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG owns the controlling stake in the voting shares and performs the functions of the owner on the basis of trust management. The rest of the shares are held by the Bosch family and Robert Bosch GmbH.

Aktivs

For 2019, the Bosch group of companies includes Robert Bosch GmbH and more than 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in approximately 60 countries. Together with sales and service partners, engineers, manufacturing sites, as well as an extensive sales network, Bosch is represented in almost every country in the world.

The Bosch Group employs approximately 410,000 employees worldwide (data as of December 31, 2018). The R&D sector employs about 69,500 employees in 125 cities around the world.

Divisions

As of May 2019, Bosch Group of Companies operates in four business areas:

• Mobility Solutions,
• Industrial technologies,
• Consumer goods,
• Building technology and power.

As of May 2019, the Bosch group of companies includes Robert Bosch GmbH and more than 460 subsidiaries and regional companies in approximately 60 countries. Together with sales and service partners, engineers, manufacturing sites, as well as an extensive sales network, Bosch is represented in almost every country in the world.

Performance indicators

2021: Sales growth to €78.8 billion

In 2021, the Bosch Group significantly increased its sales and improved its results. According to preliminary data, total sales grew by 10% to 78.8 billion euros. After adjusting for the impact of exchange rates, the technology and service provider's sales growth was 11%. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) from operations increased by more than half to reach 3.2 billion euros. The EBIT margin from operating activities is expected to be about 4%, while in 2020 it was 2.8%. The company announced this on February 9, 2022.

Industrial The technology business sector especially benefited from the market recovery mechanical engineering and reached sales of 6.1 billion euros. This is 20% more, both in nominal terms and after adjusting for exchange rates. Sales of 21 billion euros significantly exceeded the level of 2020. The growth was 13%, and taking into account the impact of exchange rates - 15%.

Sales in the business sector of Power and construction technologies increased by 11% to 5.9 billion euros, and taking into account the impact of exchange rates - by 12%. The consumer goods sector, which includes products for the home and garden, recorded sales of 21 billion euros, which is 13% more than in 2020.

In Europe, sales rose 9.3% to 41.5 billion euros. After taking into account the impact of exchange rates, this increase was 10%. In North America, sales reached 11.5 billion euros. A 6.5% increase in sales becomes 10% after adjusting the impact of exchange rates. In South America, sales rose to 1.4 billion euros - an increase of 32%, or 41% after adjusting exchange rates. In Asia Pacific, sales rose 12% to 24.4 billion euros - 11% after currency adjustments.

From the end of 2021, the company produces power semiconductors made of silicon carbide (SiC), which can increase the range of electric vehicles by 6%. Thanks to its SOFC technology, Bosch plays an important role in the transition to renewable energy, opening up new business opportunities. By 2024, the company plans to invest more than 400 million euros in SOFC technology and another 600 million euros in mobile fuel cells.

Bosch also began manufacturing factory equipment for the production of batteries. Together with Volkswagen, Bosch is considering the possibility of jointly creating technologies for the production of battery cells suitable for mass production.

As of the end of 2021, Bosch has 401,300 employees worldwide, an increase in the number of staff (by 6,700 people) applies to the Asia-Pacific and Europe. The number of employees of the company in Germany is 131,400 people.

In the field of research and development, the number of employees of the German group grew by just under 4% and reached 76,300 people. The number of software developers worldwide was more than 38,000, an increase of 4,000 from 2020.

In addition, in 2021, Bosch managed to increase sales of climate-neutral instruments, household appliances and heating systems by 50% - from 4 million units in 2020 to more than 6 million.

Bosch expects global growth in 2022 to be between 4% and 4.5%, up from about 5.5% in 2021. The company expects the COVID-19 pandemic to continue to have a major impact on society and the economy in 2022. In addition, persistent supply problems and rising prices for raw materials, primary products and transportation will also have a significant impact on the global economy and affect the business of many industries, especially the automotive industry. A noticeable increase in inflation in many industries and regions also darkens the outlook. If business conditions continue to deteriorate, Bosch Group expects sales growth in 2022. The company also expects to achieve EBIT margins from operations at least at 2020 levels.

Business in Russia and CIS

Main article: Bosch in Russia (Robert Bosch)

History

2024

Laying off thousands of employees

On October 31, 2024, it became known that the German concern Bosch, which is in a difficult financial situation, is cutting up to 7,000 employees. The layoffs are expected to affect various units.

The reorganization was announced by the chairman of the board of directors of Bosch Stefan Hartung. According to him, the company is forced to reduce the number of personnel in Germany, as "business is under pressure." In addition, he warned of a worsening situation in the automotive industry and a decline in income.

Crisis-hit Bosch laying off thousands of staff

I cannot rule out that we will have to further adjust the personnel capacity, "Hartung said, urging the German authorities to take additional measures to support industry.

It is noted that thousands of jobs are under threat in all groups, including up to 3200 in the main division of Bosch for the supply of components for cars. The cuts will be carried out in a "socially responsible way," including through early retirement programs and retraining courses for employees who move to work in other units, Bosch management said.

Earlier it also said Bosch would cut 3,500 jobs at its appliance subsidiary BSH Hausgeräte GmbH by 2027. The statement notes that this is a necessary measure designed to reduce the complexity of the organizational structure and reduce costs in order to remain competitive in difficult economic conditions. BSH added that global job cuts would affect "indirect" workers, referring mainly to administrative positions. It is assumed that this will optimize business processes and adapt to the market situation.^[1]

Firing 1,200 programmers

On January 18, 2024, the German engineering and technology company Bosch announced a reorganization, during which the number of personnel will decrease by about 1200 people. This measure is related to the need to reduce spending in a difficult macroeconomic environment and in conditions of high inflation.

The cuts will affect the software development division, which is responsible, among other things, for the creation of autopilot technologies. It is known that approximately 950 people will be fired in Germany. Another 250 employees are planned to be cut in other regional structures.

It is noted that as of the specified date, negotiations with personnel departments have not yet begun. Bosch intends to complete the restructuring by the end of 2026. The main reason for this step is the development of fully automated driving much slower than predicted.

A weak economy and high inflation, driven in particular by rising energy and commodity prices, are slowing the adoption of new technologies, the German company said in a statement.

Bosch notes that the final decision on the exact number of cuts will be made later. At the same time, the company excludes the possibility of forced dismissal of employees at its German enterprises Bosch Mobility until the end of 2027. Bosch stresses that the business is "facing significantly bigger challenges than expected." Against this background, the company additionally intends to reduce up to 1,500 jobs at its two German enterprises by 2025 - at sites in Feuerbach and Schwieberdingen. Bosch, like other automotive component manufacturers in Europe, is preparing to reduce consumer demand.^[2]

2023

Mass layoffs after falling orders

On December 10, 2023, the German engineering and technology company Bosch announced a restructuring, during which the number of personnel at two enterprises in Germany will be significantly reduced. These measures are necessary to "adapt the staff to the changing demand and falling orders in the automotive sector."

There are several reasons why business processes need to be optimized. These are global macroeconomic difficulties, inflation, rising prices for energy resources and raw materials, as well as electrification of transport, leading to a decrease in the number of components in the power platform (in particular, in transmissions). The layoffs will affect Bosch's development and sales divisions, as well as the administrative department at the company's Feuerbach and Schwieberdingen sites. In total, approximately 1,500 employees will lose their jobs. The reorganization process is planned to be completed by the end of 2025.

Like other companies, we have to adjust the headcount due to market changes and the introduction of new technologies in the automotive sector. We faced significantly more serious problems than expected at the beginning of [2023]. Despite our desire to maintain the level of employment as much as possible, adjustments will be required to the number of employees in certain divisions, Bosch said in a statement.

The Company intends to minimize the impact of restructuring on employees by redistributing staff across departments. In addition, it is planned to reduce the staff through agreements on early retirement or voluntary dismissal. Bosch also emphasizes that until the end of 2027 it intends to avoid the forced dismissal of employees of German enterprises producing products for the automotive industry.^[3]

Create a company to develop an open RISC-V architecture

On August 4, 2023, Qualcomm, NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, Nordic Semiconductor and Bosch announced the formation of an alliance to develop the RISC-V open processor architecture. Read more here.

2022

€3 billion investment plan for chip factories

Bosch is going to spend 3 billion euros on the construction of production facilities and a chip development center. This became known on July 18, 2022. The plan is designed for 4 years and includes the creation of two development centers in Germany and a billion euros of additional investment in a factory in Dresden. All this should help fulfill the goal set by the European Commission: to increase the EU's share of the global chip market from 10 to 20 percent by 2030.

It is not entirely clear how all these plans are combined with the crisis in the supply of rare earth materials gas neon and other necessary ingredients for the production of chips. In addition, the localization of the production chain will be incomplete, the center for testing produced chips Bosch plans to open Malaysia^[4]

Purchase of British drone software developer Five.ai

Bosch buys Five.ai, whose investors included Russian AFK Sistema. Information about this appeared on April 12, 2022. Read more here.

Plan to invest more than €250 million in expanding semiconductor production in Reutlingen

On February 22, 2022, Bosch announced that it was investing in expanding semiconductor production in Reutlingen. Investments in production facilities will amount to more than 250 million euros.

This will allow Bosch to meet the ever-increasing demand for chips used in the automotive industry and IoT applications.

We are systematically expanding our semiconductor manufacturing capacity in Reutlingen, "noted Dr. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Robert Bosch GmbH. - This investment will not only strengthen our position, but also benefit our customers, as well as help combat the crisis in the semiconductor supply chain.

The construction of an additional building in Reutlingen will create an additional 3,600 square meters of clean space. Starting in 2025, these additional capacities will produce semiconductors based on technology already in use at the Reutlingen plant. Bosch will also expand the existing power facility and build an additional building for power systems serving both new and existing production areas. The commissioning of the production site is scheduled for 2025.

2021

Combining Universal Automotive Software Development Activities in One Division

On December 9, 2021, it became known that Bosch combines the development of universal software for cars in one division of ETAS GmbH. The company plans to develop and supply basic software for cars, cross-platform software, cloud services and development tools for universal use. Read more here.

Investing €400 million in chip production

At the end of October 2021, the German technology group Robert Bosch allocated more than €400 million for investments in microchip production in Germany and Malaysia in 2022 to ease the global deficit.

A shortage of chips for automakers has disrupted car production around the world, with suppliers relying almost exclusively on chips from several manufacturers in Asia and the United States. According to experts, global car production by the end of 2021 will decrease by 7-9 million due to a shortage of chips. The most significant production losses in the first half of 2021 were suffered by Ford automakers, a drop of more than 700 thousand units; fall of almost 600 thousand pcs.; Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, fall of more than 415 thousand pcs.

The automotive industry in the world has recovered quickly, after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the production of chips does not keep up with production. This is because up to six months are spent on creating one semiconductor, and most of this period is spent on the so-called crystal growing.

Demand for chips continues to grow at a frantic rate. In light of current developments, we are systematically expanding our semiconductor production to provide our customers with appropriate support, "said Volkmar Denner, Chairman of the Board of Robert Bosch GmbH.

Most of Bosch's budget will be spent on an accelerated expansion of the 300mm wafer plant in Dresden, Germany, which the group opened in June 2021. About €50 million will be invested in a plant in Reutlingen near Stuttgart for the production of 200 mm plates, Bosch, which also produces parts for cars and production automation systems, said. Another project to be funded will be the construction of a semiconductor testing centre in Penang, Malaysia, without specifying the level of investment, but which will start operating in 2023.^[5]

Creation of a consortium for the introduction of quantum technologies in industry

In mid-June 2021, BMW, along with BASF, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bosch, Infineon, Merck, Munich Re, SAP, Siemens and Volkswagen, created the Quantum Technology and Application Consortium (QUTAC), whose members intend to develop a large number of examples for use in industry to create demand for quantum computing. According to QUTAC, this will accelerate the development of technology in Germany and Europe. Read more here.

Opening of semiconductor wafer factory in Dresden

Bosch on June 7, 2021 announced the opening of a factory for the production of semiconductor wafers in Dresden. A high degree of automation, fully connected to the Internet machines and integrated processes in combination with artificial intelligence (AI) methods will make the factory in Dresden a "smart" enterprise and an innovator in the field of Industry 4.0, the company believes.

The high-tech facility officially opened on June 7 in the online presence of German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, European Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager, as well as Saxony Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer.

"Semiconductors for Bosch are the main technology that is strategically important to develop and produce on their own. In Dresden, using artificial intelligence, we will take semiconductor production to the next level, "said Volkmar Denner, Chairman of the Board of Robert Bosch GmbH. "This is our first AIoT plant: fully connected to the Internet, based on data and optimizing independently from the very beginning."

Bosch is investing about one billion euro in this high-tech manufacturing. It is the largest one-time investment in the company's more than 130-year history, Bosch said. Production in Dresden will begin in July - six months earlier than planned. From this time, semiconductors produced at the new plant will be installed in Bosch power tools. For automobile industries the production of chips will begin in September, that is, three months ahead of schedule. The plant will become an important part of the semiconductor manufacturing network. With its help, Bosch intends to strengthen its position Germany as a technological and business-oriented. countries

As of June 7, 250 people work in production with an area of ​ ​ 72,000 square meters. The workforce is set to grow to around 700 when construction the work is completed. The plant installed machines with their own "thinking," organized remote service and used glasses for viewing data in with augmented reality built-in cameras. Thanks to the camera built into the data glasses, the image is broadcast around the world, and the technical expert will be able to discuss the process of servicing a device with a partner in real time.

Another distinctive feature of the wafer factory is that it exists in two dimensions - in the real and digital world. There is even a specialized term - "digital twin." During construction, all parts of the plant and all construction data relating to the plant as a whole were digitally recorded and rendered into a 3D model. The twin consists of approximately half a million three-dimensional objects, including buildings and infrastructure, supply and disposal systems, cable channels for ventilation systems, equipment and production lines. This allows Bosch to model both process optimization plans and reconstruction work without interfering with ongoing operations.

2020

Tangible decline in sales - up to 71.6 billion euros

Bosch's revenue for 2020 amounted to 71.6 billion euros, significantly reduced relative to sales a year ago, which amounted to 77.9 billion euros. The decline was due to the consequences of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the fall in automotive production.

Sales fell in all Bosch divisions, except for the growth of the Consumer Goods direction. The Mobility Solutions sector, which has been hit particularly hard by the shutdown in the automotive industry, recorded sales of 42.3 billion euros. However, despite a decrease of 9.5% on an annualized basis, the business grew faster than the market, where car production decreased by 15%, the report says.

The revenue of the Consumer Goods division in 2020 increased by 5.2% compared to 2019 and amounted to 18.6 billion euros. Enterprises producing household appliances and power tools took advantage of the consumer trend to focus on the home environment. Despite the rise in orders after the fall, the Industrial Technologies sector could not avoid the prolonged weakening of the market. Total sales decreased by 16%, to 5.1 billion euros.

In the sector "Construction Technologies and power" turnover amounted to 5.4 billion euros. While subsidy programs helped the heating systems business achieve positive results, the cancellation of many events had a negative impact on business related to conferences and technology for public speaking. Sales were down 3.4%.

Bosch felt the impact of the spring sales downturn in all regions, with European sales revenues of €38 billion. This represents a decrease of 5.7% from the previous year. Revenues in North America declined 14% to €10.8 billion, down 12%.^[6]

South America In the impact of the exchange rate, sales were particularly affected. Total sales amounted to 1.1 billion euros and decreased by 22.3% compared to the previous year, but adjusted for fluctuations in the exchange rate, the fall was only 0.2%. In Asia the -TPacific region, including some other regions, an early and strong market recovery China has mitigated the effects of the pandemic. coronavirus Total sales were €21.7 billion, down just 2.6% year-on-year, or just 0.7%, adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations.

Net profit for 2020 by March 17, 2021 was not disclosed by Bosch.

In April 2021, Bosch clarified that the company's profit from operating activities before interest and taxes (EBIT from operating activities, adjusted for the effect of the distribution of the purchase value of Bosch Automotive Steering and BSH Hausgeräte) at the end of 2020 amounted to 2.0 billion euros, and the EBIT margin from operating activities - 2.8%.

Creation of JV together with BASF Digital Farming

Bosch and BASF Digital Farming have signed a 50/50 joint venture (JV) agreement that will promote and sell intelligent farming solutions from a single supplier in the future. This became known on November 13, 2020. The joint venture agreement was signed on November 10, 2020, and a company located in Cologne will be founded in the first quarter of 2021. The institution is subject to approval by the relevant antimonopoly authorities. The two sides agreed not to disclose financial details. Read more here.

2019

Revenue fell slightly to 77.7 billion euros

In 2019, Bosch received revenue of 77.7 billion euros, which is slightly less than a year earlier. As explained in the company, stable sales are due to an increase in the technical complexity of cars, thanks to which Bosch sells more components and systems per car.

The revenue of the German concern in Europe at the end of 2019 reached 41 billion euros, an increase of 0.2% compared to 2018. In North America, turnover increased by 5.3% and reached 13 billion euros. In South America, revenue climbed 1.1% to 1.4 billion euros.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Bosch earned 22.5 billion euros (a decrease of 3.1%). Sales figures were particularly affected by the downturn in the automotive markets in China and India. Japan and Southeast Asia, on the other hand, developed positively.

As reported in the financial report, in 2019, business development in various operating divisions of Bosch went evenly. Growth in the Mobility Solutions sector, which generates the largest share of sales, outpaced global car production. Sales in the division amounted to 47 billion euros, which corresponds to the level of the previous year.

Sales in the Consumer Goods category amounted to 17.8 billion euros, which is 0.2% less than in 2018. Revenues in the Industrial Technologies sector amounted to 7.4 billion euros, which is 0.1% more than in the previous year, despite a tangible decrease (by more than 4%) in orders in the engineering sector. The Construction Technologies and Power direction reached an increase of 1.5%, and sales in 2019 amounted to 5.6 billion euros. 

In 2019, Bosch reduced its headcount by 6,800 to 402,800 employees. 2,000 jobs were cut in Germany, 3,600 in the Asia-Pacific region.^[7]

A fine of 90 million euros for the supply of software that masks real car emissions

On May 23, 2019, the city prosecutor's office Stuttgart announced the imposition of a fine on Bosch in the amount of 90 million euros for the supply to the concern, Volkswagen software which allows to underestimate the volume of harmful emissions from cars with diesel engines. The German The company did not appeal this decision in court and agreed to pay the indicated amount.

Bosch supplied about 17 million diesel control devices with software solutions that manipulated harmful emissions during environmental tests, German prosecutors said. For this, the company, which is considered the world's largest manufacturer of automotive components, was fined 2 million euros for "violation of the law" and another 88 million euros for receiving illegal economic benefits, reports Reuters news agency.

Volkswagen installed Bosch software in its cars to disguise car exhaust that did not comply with legal standards. The program for controlling the operation of the engine was used to measure the steering angle, which made it possible to determine situations when the car is on the test bench. During testing, vehicles gave out fabricated environmental indicators.

 Volkswagen Concern at the center of the scandal with falsification of the volume of harmful emissions of diesel engines in September 2015. By May 2019, the auto giant, including his "daughters" Audi and, Porsche paid about 30 billion euros in fines for the so-called "dieselgate." 

It was Volkswagen that took most of the fines for emissions fraud, as it was not suppliers but automakers who were responsible for meeting the cars "environmental requirements. However, according to the German prosecutor's office, there would be no fraud without Bosch.^[8]

Mass production of hydrogen fuel cells

On April 29, 2019, Bosch announced the start of mass production of hydrogen fuel cells. With their help, the range of electric vehicles will increase, and trucks will become less harmful to the environment. Read more here.

2018

Sales growth of 4.3% to 77.9 billion euros

The technology and service provider's revenues from operating activities amounted to 77.9 billion euros. Including currency adjustments, sales rose to 4.3%. Bosch sold 52 million units of the internet-connected item, up 37% from 2017. Profit before interest and taxes from operating activities (EBIT) reached about 5.3 billion euros. Thus, the margin of profit before taxes and interest on operating activities is 6.9%.

The Bosch Group employs approximately 410,000 employees worldwide (data as of December 31, 2018). The R&D sector employs 68,700 employees in about 130 cities around the world.

Dynamic: Head office with a single goal

At the beginning of the year, the Bosch Group revised the work of the head office with divisions. Bosch simplified the structure of corporate functions, such as procurement and personnel departments, reducing the number of structural divisions from 40 to 20. Now four board members will be responsible for them instead of eight. The remaining board members will coordinate the operations units. In total, about 20,000 Bosch employees work in corporate functions responsible for procurement, accounting, personnel resources and information technology.

Business Sector Performance in 2018

Bosch's operating units achieved positive performance in 2018. Business sales Mobility solutions have once again surpassed global automotive production. According to preliminary data, sales rose 2.3% to 47 billion euros. Taking into account the adjustment of exchange rates, this increase is 4.7%. The Consumer Goods sector reached 17.8 billion euros in sales, down 3.2% from last year's result. Household appliances (BSH Hausgeräte GmbH) and power tools had an extremely unfavorable exchange rate and strong price pressure in the main markets. Taking into account the adjustment of foreign exchange rates, sales increased by 0.9%. In the Industrial Technology sector, sales rose to 7.4 billion euros. At 8.9%, this sector achieved the largest growth. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, growth was 11%. In particular, the positive development was continued by the division of the Drive and Control System. Currently, Bosch plans to sell the packaging equipment business of the Industrial Technologies sector. Sales in the business sector Construction Technology and Power reached 5.5 billion euros. This is an increase of 2.3%, or 4.7% after adjusting for currency fluctuations.

Results of the year in the regions

Bosch has achieved business growth in Europe, where sales in 2018 rose to 41 billion euros. This equates to an increase of 2.1%, or 3.7%, taking into account the adjustment of exchange rates. Most of this increase was in Germany and Austria. In North America, sales rose to 12.3 billion euros. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, this is an increase of 7.9%. Nominal increase - 2.8%. The main driver of sales growth was the automotive business. In South America, sales remained below last year's level. The main factor was the negative impact of the exchange rate on the main markets of Brazil and Argentina. In nominal terms, sales fell 7.8% to 1.4 billion euros. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, sales rose 8.9%. Sales in Asia Pacific and Africa rose 0.4% to 23.2 billion euros, an increase of 3.1% after currency adjustments. The region currently accounts for just under 30 percent of total sales.

The number of employees increased by 7,800 people

As of December 31, 2018, the Bosch group has about 410,000 employees. This is 7,800 more people than in the previous year. The largest increase in numbers occurred in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Germany has employed more than 1,700 employees. The company's need for IT and software professionals remains high.

In the top ten most expensive German brands

In January 2018, the company entered the top ten most expensive German brands, according to a rating compiled by advertising and communication holding WPP and marketing agency Kantar Millward Brown. Read more here.

2017

Sales growth of 6.7% to 77 billion euros

In 2017, Bosch achieved a 6.7% increase in sales. According to preliminary data, the technology and service provider made sales of 78 billion euros. After adjusting the exchange rates, sales growth was 8.3%. The sales results were negatively affected by currency fluctuations with a total value of about 1.2 billion euros.

Thanks to innovative developments and a strategy focused on Internet technology, the company is showing positive growth dynamics. Bosch Chairman Volkmar Denner, noted: "We saw great potential in the technology of connected devices and are now using it to successfully implement the business." Earnings from pre-interest and tax (EBIT) operations rose to around 5.3 billion euros in 2017. This equates to a profit from operations (EBIT) of 6.8%.

For 2017, the following divisions operate as part of the group:

• Bosch Mobility Solutions
• Bosch Security Systems
• Bosch Service Solutions

Business sector indicators in 2017:

• According to preliminary data, sales in the Mobility Solutions sector grew by 7.8% - three times faster than global automotive products - to 47.4 billion euros.
• Business sector Consumer goods with divisions Power tools and BSH Hausgeräte GmbH increased sales by 4.5% to 18.5 billion euros.
• Business sector Industrial technology showed growth of 7.7%, increasing sales to 6.7 billion euros. This is equivalent to an 8.5% increase adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, which was mainly due to the growth of the Drive and Control System division.
• Sales in the business sector Construction Technology and Power reached 5.5 billion euros.
• Thermotechnics, Security Systems and Bosch Service Solutions have won consumers Internet technologies for heating and air conditioning, as well as intelligent solutions for automation of construction and safety.

Results of the year in the regions:

• Bosch's business in Europe demonstrated sustainable development in 2017, sales increased by 5.5% (by 6.3% after adjusting exchange rates), which amounted to 40.7 billion euros.
• Due to macroeconomic factors in North America, the growth rate adjusted for the difference in exchange rates, in terms of technology and services of the company, was equal to the previous year. Sales amounted to 12.1 billion euros, showing a nominal decline of 2.3%.
• South America's recovery continued with a 15% rise to 1.6 billion euros.
• Bosch saw strong growth in Asia-Pacific and Africa, with sales increasing to 23.6 billion euros. This is 14% more than the previous year

Investments in battery production planned

On December 20, 2017, it became known about Bosch's plans to create a 200 GWh battery plant by 2030. The size of investments is estimated at $20 billion.

In 2016, the company bought solid-state battery startup Seeo Inc. Then plans to bring 50 kWh and 190 kg battery packs to the market were not often announced.

For December 2017, Bosch may invest €20 billion to create a 200 GWh battery plant by 2030. At the same time, it was announced that it was possible to occupy 20% of the market in this industry. Such investments are quite risky, according to the company - not financially, but from a business point of view.

If Bosch makes that decision, it would be a major investment in battery manufacturing. Gigafactory 1 Tesla in Nevada will have a production capacity of 105 GW * h.

The release of solid-state batteries is still much safer than lithium-ion batteries. But they have enough drawbacks (for example, lower electrolyte conductivity and gaps in layers that lead to short circuits). In addition, so far no one has produced them in a sufficiently large size and at a price capable of competing with lithium-ion batteries^[9].

Largest investment in history in a factory of chips for unmanned vehicles

On June 19, 2017, Bosch announced the construction of a plant to produce chips for self-driving cars and various Internet of Things systems. The announced investment ~ €1 billion will be the largest in the 130-year history of the German company.

A new semiconductor factory will be built in Dresden (Germany) in 2019, but it is planned to establish commercial production of microcircuits there only in 2021. About 700 people will work at this facility.

The chips, which Bosch will set up at a new plant in Germany, will be used in both self-driving and traditional machines. In particular, we are talking about semiconductor components responsible for triggering airbags, connecting automotive electronics to cellular networks and displaying information on the instrument panel. The plant will make chips based on 12-inch substrates.

In addition, Bosch will make chips for devices used in smart home and smart city systems. 1 billion euros will be invested in this production facility, which will be the largest single investment for the company. The German authorities intend to provide financial and other support for this project.

As Bloomberg notes, Bosch has long been developing software and microchips for various automotive systems. According to the company, about nine chips of its production were installed in each car that rolled off the assembly line in 2016.

Expanding our production capacity will help us increase competitiveness, "said Bosch CEO Volkmar Denner, noting that the use of chips is increasing as automation and network communications expand.

The global semiconductor market is projected to grow more than 5% annually through 2019, according to analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers^[10]

Building Bosch Powertrain Solutions Unit - Electric Vehicles

Bosch estimates that hybrid and electric cars will reach 20 million by 2025. The production of electric vehicles in the future will be key, so Bosch is busy creating a working group dedicated exclusively to this area. The group will be included in the new Powertrain Solutions transmission solutions division. From the beginning of 2018, the area of ​ ​ responsibility of the division will include projects related to the development of electric vehicles, as well as the tasks of the existing divisions of gasoline and diesel systems (Gasoline Systems and Diesel Systems). As a result of the transformations, all Bosch customers in the field of transmission technologies will work with one division. Along with the development of electric vehicles, the company is going to work intensively to further improve internal combustion engines, because in addition to 20 million new hybrids and electric vehicles on the roads of the world in 2025 there will be about 85 million vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel fuel.

Every year, Bosch spends several billion euros to further improve transmissions and power units. The company invests 400 million euros a year in the development of electric vehicles alone. Most of this amount is invested in research and development of batteries. Bosch is the only supplier of traditional automotive components in the world, conducting research on promising energy storage technologies. The company has already received more than 30 orders related to electric vehicles from international automakers. About 1,800 Bosch experts are working on electric vehicles of the future.

Strategically, Powertrain Solutions will focus on three main segments: internal combustion engine-powered cars and trucks, hybrid powerplants, and electric vehicles.

Powertrain Solutions will bring together approximately 88,000 partners in more than 60 cities in 25 countries worldwide. Already at this time, specialists from Gasoline Systems and Diesel Systems are successfully working together. The company expects that in 2018 the work in the new division will go even more intensively. The number of personnel as a result of the reorganization will practically not change.

Opening of the Center for Artificial Intelligence (BCAI)

The Center for Artificial Intelligence (BCAI) opened its doors at Bosch. The main goal of the center is to increase knowledge in the field of AI.

"With the help of our special sensors, which we presented at CES 2017, Bosch endowed things with the ability to feel. We are now working to make them capable of learning and taking informed actions, "says Mr Denner, Chairman of the Bosch Board. "In 10 years, it is unlikely that any of Bosch's products will be created without the use of artificial intelligence. The product will either have artificial intelligence itself or be designed and made with AI, "adds Mr Denner

.

In just 5 years, AI products will account for 10% of Bosch's total sales. Initially, the new Bosch Centre (BCAI) will employ about 100 specialists in India (Bangalore), USA (Palo Alto) and Germany (Renningen). By 2021, it is planned to invest 300 million euros in the expansion of the center. During the same period, Bosch expects to increase its staff several times.

Bosch regularly conducts extensive research to achieve a breakthrough in battery technology. This will help make electric vehicles available to everyone. At a factory in Feuerbach, near Stuttgart, the company created an entire campus, combining developments related to battery technology. In addition to research activities, 300 Bosch employees are working to ensure that battery technology can be produced on an industrial scale in the future. Every year Bosch invests 400 million euros in the development of electric mobility. About 1,800 employees are working to electrify production. With a wide range of reliable products such as electric motors, power electronics and batteries, Bosch has already won 30 contracts.

The company plans to continue investing in further improvements to the classic internal combustion engine. Using synthetic fuel, internal combustion engines can significantly reduce resource consumption as well as reduce carbon dioxide (CO2-neutral) emissions.

2016: Sales growth 3.5% to €73.1 billion

The group's revenue in 2016 increased 3.5% to €73.1 billion. After adjusting the exchange rates, sales growth was 5.4%. The sales results were negatively affected by currency fluctuations totaling 1.3 billion euros. In addition, the company increased spending on research and development to about 6.6 billion euros.

The Bosch group includes Robert Bosch GmbH and over 440 subsidiaries and regional offices in more than 60 countries (data at the end of 2016). Including the Group's sales and services partners, Bosch is present in approximately 150 countries. The strategic goal of the Bosch group is to create products and services in the field. Internet of Things

Despite the unfavorable conditions, we were able to achieve the growth forecast in 2016, "said Volkmar Denner, Chairman of the Board of Robert Bosch GmbH.

• The Bosch Mobility Solutions business sector increased revenue by 5.5% in 2016, exceeding the growth of the automotive industry as a whole. After the exchange rate fluctuations were adjusted, the growth was 7%. According to preliminary data, sales in 2016 reached 44 billion euros. Bosch has set a new record in fuel injection systems, selling 250 million high-pressure injectors. The company has had particular success selling infotainment and driver assistance systems.

• Business sector Consumer goods increased revenue from sales by 2.8% to 17.7 billion euros, taking into account fluctuations in the exchange rate, growth was 6.2%. Also in 2016, the Power Tools and BSH Hausgeräte GmbH division once again presented a wide range of new network products.

• Sales in the business sector Construction Technology and Power rose 0.8% (3.2% after adjusting currency fluctuations), which amounts to 5.2 billion euros.

• The Thermotechnics, Security Systems and Bosch Service Solutions divisions have achieved great sales results, thanks to network solutions such as smart heating systems, video technologies and special services such as eCall emergency call service and concierge services.

• Preliminary data in the Industrial Technologies sector shows a 5.1% drop in sales to 6.3 billion euros compared to the same period the previous year. Adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations, the fall was 4.5%.

Preliminary figures for Europe show positive business results for the Bosch group of companies in 2016. In this region, the technology and service provider increased its sales by 3.4% (4.8% after adjusting currency rates), which amounted to 38.6 billion euros. Reaching 12.4 billion euros, the level of sales in North America was in line with the previous year. There was a drop in sales by 2% or 1.8% after adjusting the exchange rate.

In South America, Bosch Group increased sales after adjusting exchange rates by 2.1%. In nominal terms, sales fell 5.7% to 1.3 billion euros. In the Asia-Pacific region, including Africa, Bosch raised its sales rate by 12% after adjusting exchange rates. In nominal terms, profits rose 8.1% to 20.8 billion euros.

As of December 31, 2016, the Bosch Group had about 390,000 employees worldwide. For 2016, the total staff of the Bosch group increased by 14,500 people.

In regional terms, the structure of personnel has not changed much. The number of employees in Germany increased by 2,000 and reached 134,000 employees. The largest increase in the number of employees fell on the countries of Asia and North America.

The company still needs specialists and managers, especially those with experience in software development and IT. Even now, Bosch has more than 20,000 software engineers on staff, with just under 4,000 specializing solely in IoT solutions.

2015: Applications for 5,400 patents

• About 375,000 employees (data as of December 31, 2015) secured sales of more than 70 billion euros.
• The company has applied for about 5,400 patents worldwide.

2013: Applications for 5,000 patents, 281 thousand employees

• About 281,000 employees provided sales worth €46.1 billion (Due to changes in the legal rules of balance sheet, the data for 2013 is only partially comparable to the data for 2012).

• Bosch allocates more than 3.5 billion euros annually for R&D and applies for more than 3,800 patents worldwide. In 2013, the company applied for about 5,000 patents worldwide. That's about 20 patents a day. All Bosch products and services are designed to improve the quality of life by implementing innovative and useful solutions.

1900: Start of production of switches and locks for auto

Main article: Car keys

In 1900, the launch of the car was a difficult process and consisted of about ten stages, which only an experienced driver could. And turning on the ignition using the rotary switch was one of them. The history of Bosch car keys is here.

1886: Foundation of the Workshop of Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering

The company was founded in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as the "Workshop of Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

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