This year’s Paul Pietsch Prize, an award that is highly regarded in the industry, goes to the French automaker PSA Peugeot-Citroën. In conferring this award, the high-caliber judges pay tribute to the diesel hybrid technology in the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4. The award is further recognition of the outstanding joint development efforts by PSA and Bosch engineers to improve vehicle efficiency.
Named for the race sport pioneer and co-founder of the German magazine “auto motor und sport,” this award has been presented every year since 1989 for especially innovative developments in the automotive field. The innovations are judged by the magazine’s editors in conjunction with 25 international partner magazines.
Bosch supplies the most important components for the electrical powertrain of the 3008 Hybrid4, the world’s first passenger car to combine a diesel engine and electric motor. The two electric motors, one of which acts as a high-voltage generator, were developed in-house at Bosch and are manufactured at the Hildesheim plant. Bosch developed the extremely compact power electronics, comprising DC/DC converter, dual inverter, and integrated hybrid control unit, in close collaboration with PSA Peugeot-Citroën. Combining a diesel engine with an electric motor reduces fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent. In addition to this significant improvement in efficiency, having the front axle driven by the combustion engine and the rear axle by the electric motor results in four-wheel drive.
Further award for pioneering powertrain technology
Just two months ago, two PSA Group models featuring this technology won the “Green Steering Wheel” for the best automotive eco-innovation. This annual award is the green counterpart of the “Golden Steering Wheel” award presented by the German magazines “Auto Bild” and “Bild am Sonntag”. At the Equip’Auto trade fair in Paris in October, Bosch won a silver award in the “green tech” category for its part in developing axle-split technology. And as early as September 2011, the University of Duisburg-Essen’s “ÖkoGlobe” institute presented the French automaker with one of its “ÖkoGlobe 2011” awards in recognition of its innovative achievement of launching the world’s first diesel hybrid.
Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. According to preliminary figures, its sales came to 30.4 billion euros, or 59 percent of total group sales, in fiscal 2011. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. Worldwide, more than 175,000 Automotive Technology associates work in seven areas of business: injection technology for internal-combustion engines, powertrain peripherals, alternative drive concepts, active and passive safety systems, assistance and comfort functions, in-car information and communication, as well as services and technology for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, more than 300,000 associates generated sales of 51.4 billion euros in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology in fiscal 2011. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Bosch spent more than 4 billion euros for research and development in 2011, and applied for over 4,100 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.