Stuttgart, May 27, 2008 – Robert Bosch GmbH and MAHLE GmbH have founded a 50/50 joint venture for the development, production, and sale of exhaust gas turbochargers. The European anti-trust authorities have approved the founding of the joint venture. "Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG" will commence business on June 2, 2008.

The company's head office in Stuttgart will house the development, administration, and sales activities. Initially, around 100 employees will work here, with half drawn from each of the parent companies. Series production of exhaust gas turbochargers will begin in 2011 at existing locations in St. Michael ob Bleiburg, Austria, and Blaichach/Immenstadt, Germany. Up to 500 employees will manufacture major parts and components of a high quality and assemble exhaust gas turbochargers. These will be used in passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, in both gasoline and diesel engines.

Dr. Martin Knopf and Dr. Andreas Prang have been appointed managing directors of the new company. "We are convinced that Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems will position itself as a preferred partner of international automobile manufacturers for the development and production of exhaust gas turbochargers. Concrete interest has already been shown during numerous discussions with customers," says Prang, responsible for production, purchasing, and quality management. "Now that exhaust gas turbochargers have been successfully used primarily in diesel engines, they will be used increasingly in gasoline engines in the future, in combination with direct gasoline injection for downsizing concepts. This will allow smaller engines to achieve better efficiency with comparable power output," explains Knopf, who is responsible for development, sales, and finances. Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems regards the exhaust gas turbocharger as one of the key technologies for the sustainable reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Bosch and MAHLE are firmly established in the field of automotive powertrains. The two companies complement each other ideally as regards their systems and component know-how as partners in the development and production of new exhaust gas turbochargers.

Contact for Journalists MAHLE GmbH:
Birgit Albrecht
Pragstraße 26 – 46
70376 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone: +49 711 501-12506
Fax: +49 711 501-13700
birgit.albrecht@mahle.com