President's Message

German-based Bosch began operations in Japan in 1911; so we are nearing our Centennial Anniversary.

The business philosophy of Bosch in Japan is to be a partner of our domestic customers such as automakers. Japanese automakers, in their efforts toward global expansion, expect us to become the driving force for the entire global Bosch Group, because important decisions for Japanese automakers concerning new technology and new vehicle developments are made in Japan.

A corporation deeply rooted in Japan, with domestic development, manufacturing, sales and service bases, maximizing our global network to respond to customer demands in a timely and appropriate manner -- this, is Bosch in Japan. On the other hand, we educate the global Bosch Group about the Japanese Monozukuri (manufacturing) philosophy as well as our philosophies towards quality and Kaizen (improvement). We are, quite literally, an important bridge connecting Japan and the rest of the world. To that end, every single one of our associates pursues their tasks with universal mindsets and perspectives, valuing their identities as "global citizens in Japan."

In this severe economic environment, with increasing globalization and international competition, customer demands for technologies satisfying quality, costs, speed and environment/resource conservation as well as further improvements in safety and comfort, are becoming more complex and diverse. Bosch supports automakers with cutting-edge technologies such as high-precision fuel injection systems for diesel and gasoline engines, hybrid, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), driver assistance system and electronic control systems. We are also prepared for the future transition of automobile powertrain, from internal combustion to electrical drive. We have established a joint venture with South Korea's Samsung to develop lithium-ion batteries for series production by 2011.

Bosch is also engaged in the increased globalization, environmental protection and resource conservation in various industries such as power tools, hydraulics and electric drive and control, packaging technology and thermotechnology. In gearing towards the diversification of energy sources, we are committed to the commercialization of lithium-ion battery equipped products, solar energy systems and regenerative energy systems, and wind/marine power drive and control units, as well as the development of next-generation elements for organic thin-film solar cells.

Always close to our customers, as a supplier, as a collaborator. We strive forward boldly with our customers in Japan, with our sights on the world and on the future.

Hideaki Oda
President
Bosch Corporation