Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company founded by Robert Bosch in 1886. It is known for its innovative strength and social commitment.
Robert Bosch founded the company in Stuttgart as the Werkstätte für Feinmechanik und Elektrotechnik in 1886.
In June 1897, Bosch manufactured his first magneto ignition device, which was patented. The device was mounted on a vehicle engine later that autumn.
Bosch's international expansion began in 1898 with the inauguration of its first overseas branch in London, marking the start of its global presence.
In 1902, The Bosch Company was awarded a patent for their spark plug. The spark plug's original operating principle has remained unchanged since its invention, providing vehicles with reliability and trustworthiness.
In 1906, Bosch set up the sales company Robert Bosch New York, Inc. in order to manage the increasing order volume locally.
In 1909, Robert Bosch had a house built in Stuttgart.
In 1910, Bosch founded the Feuerbach plant near Stuttgart, where generators and headlights were produced.
In 1912, Bosch expanded its operations to the United States by setting up manufacturing centers. The Bosch factory in Massachusetts started producing the magneto ignition device, which was a key product for the company.
In 1913, Bosch established an apprentice workshop to recruit skilled young individuals for the production of automotive electrics.
By 1914, 70 percent of Bosch's sales were in the United States.
In 1917, Bosch underwent a transformation into a corporation, a status it retained until 1937 when Robert Bosch repurchased all shares, reverting the company to a limited liability company.
In 1920, Robert Bosch emphasized the importance of never forgetting one's humanity and respecting human dignity in all interactions with others.
Bosch decided to expand the garage concept beyond Germany, leading to the rapid adoption of workshops in 70 countries within a decade.
In 1922, Bosch made its entry into the Indian market by setting up a sales office in Calcutta through Illies & Company.
Bosch introduced the windshield wiper in 1926, which solved weather and technical issues for drivers by using a small electric motor independent of the car's engine.
Bosch pioneered large-scale production of diesel injection pumps and injectors in 1927, initially for trucks and later for cars starting in 1936.
In 1929, amidst the Great Depression, Bosch, with over 10,000 employees worldwide, expanded its business into affordable electric home appliances. This move diversified Bosch's portfolio beyond motor vehicle and industrial technology.
In 1932, Bosch developed its first electric drill and presented its first car radio, showcasing its innovation in the electrical appliances sector.
In 1933, Bosch's involvement with the Nazi regime began, leading to complex interactions where the company supported both regime activities and oppositional movements under secrecy.
In 1935, Bosch founded Dreilinden Maschinenbau GmbH near Berlin, a shadow factory for armament production, in collaboration with the Nazi authorities.
In 1936, Bosch introduced the first diesel fuel injection pump for passenger cars like the Mercedes-Benz 260D.
In 1937, Bosch established Elektro- und Feinmechanische Industrie GmbH (later Trillke-Werke GmbH) in Hildesheim, another shadow factory dedicated to armament production.
A hospital given by Robert Bosch to the city of Stuttgart was officially opened in 1940.
The founder of the company, Robert Bosch, passed away on April 12, 1942.
In 1951, the Motor Industries Company Ltd. (MICO) was established, with Bosch acquiring 49% of its stock, leading to the start of manufacturing operations in India.
In 1953, Bosch set up a factory in Adugodi, Bangalore, to manufacture products in compliance with Indian import regulations, marking a significant milestone in its Indian operations.
In 1956, Bosch designed its first refrigerator, which despite being heavy, was highly efficient, contributing to the evolution of kitchen appliances.
In 1958, Bosch launched the first washing machine in series production, changing the way laundry was done and making it more convenient for households. This innovation marked a significant advancement in home appliances.
In 1960, Bosch established a Vocational Centre in India to provide vocational training, enhancing skill development in the country.
In 1964, Bosch underwent a significant transformation from being a family-run business to a foundation-owned company, marking a pivotal moment in its corporate history.
On September 14, 1967, Bosch introduced the electronically controlled 'Jetronic' at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. This technology revolutionized automotive petrol engines with manifold injection, enhancing performance and fuel efficiency.
In 1970, Bosch introduced the first egg boiler to the market, making it easier for people to prepare perfectly boiled eggs for breakfast.
Starting from 1973, Bosch began supporting working wives by introducing its first microwave oven, aiming to save time for families and make cooking more convenient.
In 1976, Bosch developed the Bosch oxygen sensor, also known as the LAMBDA sensor, with a focus on improving local communities and environmental protection. This innovation enabled vehicles to meet emissions standards effectively for the first time.
In 1978, ABS braking became a standard safety feature on all cars, thanks to the advancement in electronic technology. Bosch had patented ABS braking in 1936, but it was not until 1975 that it became widely available.
In 1980, Bosch became the first European company to manufacture electronic triggering units for passive safety systems, setting a new standard in road safety.
In 1988, Bosch established a plant in Naganathapura, India, as part of its continued investments in expanding manufacturing facilities in the country.
Bosch introduced the induction cooktop in 1989, revolutionizing cooking methods by using electromagnetic energy as the primary heat source.
In 1991, Bosch expanded its operations into the US market, marking a significant milestone in the company's global presence.
In 1995, Bosch introduced the electronic stability program (ESP) in vehicles to assist drivers during critical driving situations. This system, known as the 'Electronic Guardian Angel,' has been credited with saving thousands of lives.
In 1997, Bosch unveiled the TravelPilot navigation system to enhance driver safety and comfort. This innovative system aimed to provide a safe and convenient driving experience.
Bosch has been continuously developing new technologies to enhance the driving experience and safety of vehicles. In the early 2000s, they introduced a pioneering vehicle capable of automatically braking and accelerating in traffic.
In 2001, Bosch acquired Mannesmann Rexroth AG, which was later renamed to Bosch Rexroth AG. This acquisition expanded Bosch's presence in the industrial sector.
In 2002, Bosch acquired Philips CSI, a company manufacturing professional communication and security products. This acquisition diversified Bosch's product portfolio.
In 2003, Bosch developed the cordless screwdriver with a lithium-ion battery. This innovation revolutionized the power tool industry.
In 2004, Bosch purchased Sigpack Systems from SIG.
In 2006, Volkswagen sought Bosch's assistance in developing software for emission defeat devices, leading to the supply of approximately 17 million motor control and mixture control devices with illegal software by Bosch to various manufacturers globally.
Bosch introduced a start/stop system technology that halts the engine's operation when the vehicle is in motion to prevent fuel consumption.
In June 2008, Bosch formed SB LiMotive, a joint company with Samsung SDI for battery cell manufacturing. It was officially ended in September 2012.
In 2009, Bosch invested approximately 3.6 billion Euro in development and research, focusing on areas like renewable energies and biomedical engineering.
In 2011, Daimler AG and Bosch established a joint venture called EM-motive GmbH to develop and manufacture electric motors.
In 2012, Bosch set a new record in innovation with nearly 90,000 active patents and patent applications, establishing itself as one of the most innovative companies globally.
Bosch developed a motorcycle stability control system (MSC) that assists riders in braking and accelerating, whether riding straight or cornering.
In 2014, the first departments of Bosch relocated to the new development center in Renningen, with the rest following in 2015.
Bosch Security Systems opened a new distribution center in Greer, South Carolina, adding over 50 new associates and handling a wide range of security products.
On February 1, 2017, Bosch agreed to pay $327.5 million to US consumers as compensation for its involvement in devising software related to emissions. This settlement was part of addressing its role in the Dieselgate scandal.
Effective January 1, 2018, Bosch formed the Powertrain Solutions division to focus on developing powertrain technology products, including gasoline and diesel direct injection, electrified powertrains, and future fuel-cell technologies.
In January 2019, Bosch agreed to pay $27.5 million to affected consumers as part of a broader settlement related to emissions software provided for Fiat Chrysler's 3.0 L V6 diesel engine.
In March 2019, Bosch inaugurated the London Connectory in Shoreditch, serving as a collaborative innovation hub for partners from various sectors.
In May 2019, Bosch paid a $100 million fine in connection to the Dieselgate scandal, further addressing its involvement in the emissions cheating scandal.
In January 2020, Bosch Packaging Technology underwent a rebranding and became known as Syntegon.
In March 2020, Bosch Healthcare Solutions announced the development of a diagnostic tool for detecting the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. The test can provide results in under three hours.
In October 2020, Bosch and Mitchell International collaborated to create the MD-500, a wireless tablet for repair planners to access OEM repair procedures from DTCs, upload scans, and generate estimates and reports.
On January 26, 2021, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed that Bosch won on all claims in a $1.2 billion class-action lawsuit filed by Volkswagen against Bosch and Continental AG due to a lack of automotive microchips.
In April 2022, Bosch announced the acquisition of Five.ai, an autonomous driving startup, expanding its presence in the autonomous vehicle technology sector.
In July 2022, Bosch announced a significant investment of approximately 3 billion euros into semiconductor chip production and R&D, focusing on 40 and 200-nanometer chips for the automotive industry.
In September 2023, Bosch completed the acquisition of TSI Semiconductors, a silicon carbide power device manufacturer based in Roseville.