National Press Release

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 Toyota Venza, a mid-size compact utility vehicle (CUV) currently available in showrooms across the country, features Bosch's electronic stability control (ESC) technology as standard equipment, helping improve vehicle safety.

The Venza, which began production in November 2008, incorporates Toyota's Star Safety System(TM) which includes Bosch's ESC technology called enhanced vehicle stability control (VSC) with cutoff switch and traction control (TRAC), anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist.

"Bosch's electronic stability control technology is important as we continue to enhance the safety and performance of today's vehicles," explained Dr. Kay Stepper, director of marketing and product planning, Chassis Systems Controls Division, Robert Bosch LLC. "We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Toyota in providing safer transportation for consumers."

Bosch's ESC technology ESP8(TM) with Roll Movement Intervention (RMI) is an active safety system that detects vehicle instability or loss of vehicle control. In these critical situations, ESC instantly intervenes to keep the vehicle on course. The system includes sensors that constantly monitor and compare a vehicle's actual behavior with the driver's intention. When instability is detected, ESC triggers the appropriate response, helping the driver maintain control.

Bosch RMI technology aids in further minimizing the risk of vehicle rollover, using existing ESC hardware. If necessary, it applies appropriate brake pressure at the wheels, maintaining stability of the vehicle.

Bosch's safety technologies continue to prove successful in increasing vehicle safety. According to a federal study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ESC technology reduced fatal sport utility vehicle crashes and fatal car crashes by 67 percent and 35 percent respectively. In addition, ESC reduces rollover risk by as much as 80 percent.

Bosch ESC technology is helping automakers meet the NHTSA requirement that all vehicles sold in the U.S. by the 2012 model year come equipped with ESC.

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 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 Bosch Group