Major order in a difficult market environment

It involves engines for several performance classes and large quantities. For Bosch, the order is therefore not only economically relevant, but also a signal in the global competition among automotive suppliers. "The new order reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Mercedes-Benz and shows that we can also successfully contribute our expertise to technologically demanding projects," says Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of Bosch Mobility.

Bosch relies on global economies of scale

The Group points out that it won more than 70 projects worldwide in the field of electromobility last year alone. According to Bosch, the company now supplies more than 50 car manufacturers with technology for electric driving. Despite the difficult market conditions, the company considers itself to be on track.

It is precisely this flexibility that is becoming increasingly important for the supplier industry. While manufacturers are trying to standardize their electric platforms worldwide, the importance of large system suppliers who can produce large quantities efficiently is growing. Bosch is therefore no longer just working on individual components, but on complete integrated drive solutions.

According to the company, it plans to produce more than seven million components for electric driving in 2026. Around seven electric motors per minute currently roll off the production line worldwide.

India and China remain key markets

The international markets remain particularly important. In India, Bosch is developing e-axles for the local market together with Tata AutoComp Systems as part of a joint venture. The company is also continuing to expand its activities in China, the world's largest automotive market.

"We work with almost all Chinese car manufacturers, but also with numerous international car manufacturers operating in China," says Marco Zehe, Chairman of the Bosch Electrified Motion division.

Bosch says it has been producing for numerous Chinese manufacturers for more than ten years and now supplies more than 30 customers there with technology for electromobility.

From component supplier to system provider

The Group is continuously expanding its range. In addition to classic electric axles, Bosch is now developing so-called X-in-1 systems, which combine the electric motor, power electronics, transmission and energy management. The systems are designed to be more compact, lighter and more cost-effective. This could be a decisive advantage for manufacturers - in a market where efficiency is becoming increasingly more important than prestige.