FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — Much has happened in the automotive world since Bosch entered the U.S. market a century ago. Innovations such as the first high-voltage spark plug (1906), the first electric windshield wiper system (1926), the first series-produced ABS system (1978) and the first platinum spark plug (1985) are just a few of the products and systems introduced by Bosch to its OE customers and the aftermarket over the past 100 years.

But as Bosch looks to the future, it continues to search for new technologies for its OE customers, and by extension, the aftermarket. Systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Electronic Stability Control and diesel engine management systems are already — or will soon be — common on the vehicles of today and tomorrow.

At a press event held at the Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds in Flat Rock, MI, automotive journalists were able to get a first-hand look at some of these systems and products in real-world use. The Flat Rock facility is located near Detroit and allows Bosch engineers to work closely with their OE counterparts in testing parts and systems for future makes and models.

But what about the aftermarket? Although Bosch is primarily an OE company, its position with the OEs allows Bosch to use its OE expertise for its aftermarket line of products. Of course in many cases, these aftermarket products are the very same products sourced by the OEs. In others cases, Bosch engineers are able to improve on the OE design in both Bosch’s new and reman products.

During the press event, Bosch unveiled some new and expanded products for the aftermarket, which included a new line of advanced gasoline fuel injectors, a new premium spark plug, an expanded fuel pump program and a new “Bosch Diagnostics” program.

The new line of advanced gasoline fuel injectors for domestic and import vehicles covers millions of current vehicles operating in the United States, and can be installed in millions of older vehicles originally equipped with older-technology fuel injectors. These “EV6” injectors can be installed in domestic and imported vehicles currently equipped with them, and interchanged with older-technology OE injectors in selected older vehicles.

Bosch also introduced the newest member of its premium spark plug family — Platinum Ir Fusion, which combines an iridium and platinum center electrode with Bosch’s exclusive surface air gap technology and yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes.

The plug features four yttrium-enhanced ground electrodes, providing exceptional performance life. Yttrium is a rare earth element and is a key component in superconductors and television screens. The use of yttrium, when combined with nickel chromium, produces a more stable alloy with significantly improved resistance to spark wear from erosion and oxidation. On-road testing conducted by Bosch indicates ground electrode durability improvement of up to 87 percent versus ground electrode designs of nickel chromium alone.

The company also announced the expansion of its premium replacement OE modules and OE fuel pumps. The program includes OE electric turbine pumps for both current and older vehicles equipped with either turbine or positive-displacement-type fuel pumps.

This new fuel pump program includes full coverage of in-tank electric modules, fuel pumps and fuel pump filter screens and covers more than 95 percent of vehicles currently equipped with electrical or mechanical pumps, along with the industry’s highest module and turbine coverage.

And finally, Bosch unveiled its newest diagnostic program, Bosch Diagnostics. As computers and electronics continue to capture greater control of today’s vehicle systems, the nature of automotive service is changing from what Bosch calls a “Market for Parts” to a “Market for Parts and Information.” As a result, Bosch and its Vetronix subsidiary developed the program, which includes OE quality parts, test equipment, diagnostic software, service training and technical support.

“Bosch Diagnostics is a complete program that utilizes the industry-leading diagnostic and testing expertise of Vetronix, Bosch training and service information, OE quality parts and a technical support helpline, all of which are now available through one source. Bosch has the tools, the expertise and the resources to help the independent service facility efficiently and effectively diagnose and find repair solutions for the most demanding automotive service challenges,” said Jim Frazer, director of marketing for Bosch Diagnostics.