Brake Milestone for Bosch

Bosch has produced and shipped the company’s 150 millionth brake control system, a milestone for a technology that began with antilock braking system (ABS) approximately 30 years ago, followed by other Bosch system innovations such as traction control system (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Currently, Bosch produces more than 65,000 brake control systems daily at six locations worldwide, and in 2007 the production network will expand with a new facility in Brazil.
In 1978, Bosch launched the first electronically controlled ABS, followed in 1986 by TCS and ESC in 1995.
Bosch, the company that pioneered ESC, first brought the technology to market on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Today, Bosch ESC is featured on such vehicles as the BMW X3, BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Silverado, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, GMC Acadia and Toyota Camry.
ESC builds on a foundation of ABS and TCS technology to function instantaneously and independently of the driver’s actions.
The system maintains continuous analysis of driving conditions to determine the driver’s intended course with respect to the vehicle’s actual movement.
If unintended action, such as “fishtailing,” is detected, ESC applies precisely defined brake pressure to the appropriate wheels and, if necessary, reduces engine torque, significantly decreasing the risk of an accident.
In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs 24,750 associates in more than 80 primary and 20 associated facilities throughout the region with reported sales of US$8.8 billion in 2006.