At Bosch, an example of our long-term orientation are our continuous investments in R&D which has helped us to maintain a technological edge over our competitors. We have consistently invested a significant percentage of our total turnover in R&D. Around the world, thousands of Bosch associates develop new products and systematically improve and innovate those already developed every day. The fruit of this collective effort is manifested in 3,850 patent applications filed in 2008 alone.

With such innovative strength we also see ourselves in a position to help India take on and successfully meet the challenges of its own rapid growth, especially as regards the protection of its environment and the economic use of its resources. The remarkable thing about the systems that document the innovative strength of our company is that much of their intelligence now comes from India. For example, common rail systems require an electronic control unit. And wherever one of these “ECU’s” is developed at Bosch, Robert Bosch India will generally be involved.

Bosch in India had been chosen to be responsible for developing key products for the emerging markets. We are also investing in more production facilities in India.

The experience we are gathering in India will also benefit us worldwide.