>Bosch, Deutz and Eberspaecher to set up Joint Venture

Friday Dec. 12, 2009

Robert Bosch, Deutz, an engine manufacturer, and Eberspaecher, a developer and supplier of exhaust technology and vehicle heating systems, have signed an agreement to set up a joint venture in the area of diesel exhaust aftertreatment.

The joint venture will be known as Bosch Emission Systems, with headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The agreement is subject to the approval of the antitrust authorities.

The objective of the joint venture is to use the core exhaust aftertreatment competencies of the three companies involved and, on the basis of a modular principle, to offer complete system solutions for construction and agricultural machinery, as well as for commercial vehicles.

These complete systems reportedly include electronic control and, if required, also optimized burner technology for the regeneration of diesel particulate filters. The new company is expected to start operations in January 2010. Series production is likely to start in the third quarter of 2010.

When the joint venture starts operations, approximately 100 associates from the companies involved will be employed at Bosch Emission Systems. Engineering, sales, and administration will be based at the headquarters in Stuttgart.