Bosch Power Tools Asia Pacific set for more innovation and growth

• Bosch Power Tools division in Asia Pacific maintained stable business in 2009
• Overall market share gains in Asia Pacific
• Sales expected to grow further in 2010

Bosch Power Tools division in Asia Pacific felt the effects of the financial and economic crisis yet managed to maintain stable business in 2009; significantly outperforming competitors by gaining market share in a declining market. Now more than 32 million Bosch power tools are sold annually around the world of which Asia Pacific holds a 12% share.

Innovation has always been the key driver for Bosch Power Tools, and in 2009 over 37% of sales came from products less than two years old. With more than 100 new product launches planned for 2010, Bosch Power Tools continues to invest heavily into research and development to invent and re-engineer state-of-the-art power tools to meet the requirement of Asia Pacific users.

With Asia Pacific being the strong growth engine of the Power Tools Division, Bosch is committed to further capitalizing its momentum in different markets. In terms of market share, Bosch holds top 3 positions across 12 markets in Asia Pacific with the exception of Japan. Bosch Power Tools Asia Pacific has been able to further capture market shares by introducing more advanced features to users, such as the Lithinum-ion and Vibration Control technology.

Bosch Power Tools has also developed a strong business focus and ambition for future growth in growth markets in Asia Pacific. These markets, including China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam - enjoy high market demand for robust and sturdy power tools and pose significant potentials for growth to Bosch.

Bosch Power Tools’ footprint in Asia Pacific is also spreading with production units now fully operational in Bangalore in India, Hangzhou in China and Penang in Malaysia. Dr Klaus Thunig, Vice President, Bosch Power Tools Asia Pacific,
emphasised, “This reinforces Bosch’s commitment to producing high quality tools made in Asia for Asia. Innovative ideas developed here by our 180 engineers backed by fully equipped facilities labs and state-of-the-art testing equipment now also flow from Asia back to Bosch’s home in Germany and the rest of Europe, and to North America.”

“Leadership in the region, based on top quality training and an emphasis on health and safety, will continue through the development of local talent in other countries in Asia Pacific,” Dr Thunig continued.

To focus attention on innovation and the development of new talent, Bosch held the Invented for Life - Bosch Power Tools 1st "Cordless Race" Competition 2010 from March - May 2010 in China. With cash prizes, Bosch power tools and internship opportunities, tertiary students throughout the country were invited to design and build vehicles powered entirely by Bosch cordless lithium-ion battery technology. The race will test not just their driving skills, but especially their engineering expertise and understanding of safety issues.

Eight teams out of fourteen will feature in the Finals in Shanghai on May 27, and they will be awarded points for speed, design and engineering.
“Innovation has always been at the core of Bosch Power Tools’ development strategy,” said Dr Thunig. “By encouraging creativity in design and engineering we believe we are helping future generations to play a key role in Asia’s continuing economic success.”