National Press Release

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2010 Lincoln MKT luxury crossover vehicle will be in showrooms in late summer 2009 delivering exceptional fuel economy, thanks to its EcoBoost(TM) System, powered in part by Bosch's gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology. In addition, the Lincoln MKT features Bosch's ESP8(TM) - Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which provides added safety and control for the driver.

The new Lincoln MKT debuted as a concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in 2008 and the production model will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show taking place Jan. 11 through Jan. 25, 2009.

EcoBoost(TM) is a gasoline engine that combines aspects of Bosch's second generation GDI system, known as DI-Motronic, with turbocharging. Through precise control of fuel injection and timing, the Bosch GDI system is able to increase power and efficiency without sacrificing fuel economy. Coupling Bosch's GDI technology with air boosting, automakers are able to develop smaller, more fuel efficient engines, while improving torque and performance.

Ford's system provides a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that will deliver 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque to the new MKT. Ford's EcoBoost(TM) engines provide the performance of a V-8 and the fuel economy of a V-6 engine and can improve fuel economy up to 20 percent over larger displacement engines.

"The EcoBoost(TM) engine family is an innovative way to improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Bosch is proud to be providing its GDI technology and systems expertise to Ford," said Sujit Jain, regional president, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Collaborating with our automotive customers to improve tomorrow's vehicles is at the core of what we do."

Bosch's ESP(R)8 system is the basis for Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac(R) with RSC(R) (Roll Stability Control), a logical extension of Bosch's Electronic Stability Program(R) (ESP(R)). The system helps ensure vehicle stability in large vehicles and is offered standard on most of Ford's pick-ups, crossovers and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

AdvanceTrac(R) Electronic Stability Control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicle during extreme steering maneuvers by helping to keep the vehicle headed in the driver's intended direction, even when the vehicle nears or exceeds the limits of road traction. The system combines information from several sensors, including the steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate, to determine when the vehicle begins to lose directional control. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the truck tracking safely on its intended path.

The Ford-exclusive RSC(R) system uses a second gyroscopic roll rate sensor to accurately measure the vehicle's roll rate. Using the roll rate sensor, RSC(R) can adapt the level of control to the loading conditions of the vehicle. If an unstable condition is anticipated, the system selectively applies individual brakes and modifies engine power to enhance vehicle roll resistance. Additionally, RSC(R) uses the information from the roll-rate sensor to provide not only roll control, but enhanced side-slip control without a roll-rate sensor.

The new MKT, a luxury three-row crossover utility vehicle with premium styling, will provide seating for up to seven passengers and in-car conveniences including SYNC, Ford's voice command technology.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of over 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007. For more information on the company, visit www.boschusa.com.

SOURCE Robert Bosch LLC