Bosch poised to make ABS in India by 2009

Bosch India is all set to begin production of its Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) from its new plant in Pune from the first quarter of 2009. This ABS system is targeted at the current and future models of international carmakers that are operating in India. The penetration of ABS systems is gradually increasing in the Indian passenger vehicle market as customers are increasingly showing a willingness to pay for this type of safety system. This strategic move will help the company meet its target of posting 20 percent annual growth over the next few years. The Indian arm of the German auto component major is also considering the manufacture of satellite navigation systems and ultra-quiet alternators within India. The company will also begin production of Euro IV-compliant engine components to Tata Motors. These include fuel injection systems and starters (D-60). Tata will fit these onto engines that it is sourcing from Fiat for the Indica and the Indigo models. Tata is currently in the process of introducing the Euro-IV engine platform for its vehicles in the next year. Bosch will also be supplying brakes from its Robert Bosch Chassis System, Pune facility to Tata Motors. Meanwhile, parent company Robert Bosch has offered to buy up to 20 percent of the shares in its subsidiary Bosch Chassis Systems India. At present the German firm holds an 80 percent stake in its Indian unit through Robert Bosch LLC and Robert Bosch Investment Nederland BV. Bosch is one of the world's biggest private industrial corporationsheadquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. It employs 271,300 people worldwide, and had annual sales revenue of 46.3 billion euros (Rs 300,950 crore) in 2007.