FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- The Bosch Group increased its North American sales by more than 8 percent in 2005, reaching $8.4 billion. Final results indicate strong growth in all three of the company's business sectors -- Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, and Consumer Goods and Building Technology, according to the company. Global Bosch Group sales grew 6.4 percent in 2005, to $51.7 billion.

"Bosch's growth in North America in 2005 is a testament to our dedicated focus on research and development," said Peter Marks, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Robert Bosch Corp. and member of the board of management, Robert Bosch GmbH. "On a worldwide basis, the Bosch Group invested 7 percent of its revenue into research and development, which enables us to develop high quality clean, safe, efficient and more comfortable products."

Bosch's North American Automotive Technology sector saw a sales increase of approximately 5 percent to $5.5 billion in 2005. Automotive Technology, inclusive of original equipment and aftermarket activities, is Bosch's largest business sector with more than 14,000 associates in North America. Worldwide sales of Automotive Technology sector grew faster than global automobile production to $32.7 billion in 2005, an increase of 5.4 percent over the previous year.

The Industrial Technology sector had a sales increase of 21 percent, reaching $1.2 billion in 2005. With more than 3,100 associates, Bosch continues to make a strong impact in this sector with its automation solutions via Bosch Rexroth and packaging technology. Global Industrial Technology sales rose by just under 13 percent to $6.5 billion.

The Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sector achieved growth of more than 6 percent, resulting in 2005 revenues totaling $1.7 billion. In North America, Consumer Goods and Building Technology employs nearly 5,500 associates and supplies products that include power tools, security systems, home appliances and thermo-technology. The Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sector worldwide increased its sales revenue by 6.1 percent to $ 12.5 billion.

Bosch will continue to pursue expansion globally, and has identified the Americas (North and South America) as one of two key regions for growth. In North America, Bosch has more than 80 plants and sales and distribution centers. The Americas region contributes 19 percent of Bosch's global sales, and this contribution is expected to increase further.

"Due to the economic, production and product opportunities the region offers, the U.S. is a vital market in the Americas region where we plan aggressive growth," said Marks. "To achieve our long-term growth goals, we will remain focused on our founding attributes - long-term perspective, innovative strength, quality and customer satisfaction."

The company said it will actively manage its portfolio through product innovation and strategic acquisitions. For its Automotive Technology sector, Bosch sees opportunities for growth in the U.S., especially for its clean diesel and gasoline direct injection technology, electronic stability control, driver assistance systems and aftermarket product portfolio. Bosch will continue to focus on its core competencies and expand its products and services within its Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology sectors.

For more information about Bosch, go to: http://www.bosch.us .

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