Bosch, Detroit Science Center Exhibit Inspires, Educates Future Engineers

DETROIT, Sept. 26, 2008 - Robert Bosch LLC unveiled the completed electronic stability control (ESC) system exhibit at the Detroit Science Center. The exhibit is part of the Science Center's On the Road with General Motors Gallery Vehicle Systems Exhibit Collection, a fraction of its Engineering the Future initiative, a five-year, $25 million undertaking to transform the Science Center into America's premier engineering-focused museum.

Bosch's contribution created an ESC exhibit within the Vehicle Systems Exhibit Collection. Vehicle Systems is a two-story, 1,600 sq. ft. area and includes more than 25 exhibits, featuring the technology behind the automobile frame, its suspension, transmission, axle assembly, fuel and exhaust system, powertrain, braking and other systems. With interactive, hands-on activities for children as well as interesting insight for adults, the Exhibit Collection illustrates to visitors how major vehicle components work together to make an automobile function properly. Bosch's ESC exhibit, including a driving simulator that presents a 'with and without' ESC motion experience, will allow visitors to see first-hand the difference that ESC makes on vehicle handling.

"Bosch is pleased to support the Detroit Science Center's Engineering the Future initiative," said Peter Marks, chairman, president and CEO, Robert Bosch LLC. "With this exhibit, we can further communicate the benefits of electronic stability control technology, and at the same time, inspire the next generation of vehicle system engineers."

"The Electronic Stability Control System exhibit is an essential component of the Vehicles Systems Exhibit Collection that will help our visitors appreciate the complexity of today's automobile and the skills of the engineers who design, test and build them," said Kevin F. Prihod, president and CEO, Detroit Science Center.

ESC technology increases vehicle safety by reducing skidding and improving stability in extreme driving situations. The technology functions instantaneously and independently of the driver's actions. It maintains continuous analysis of driving conditions to determine the driver's intended course versus the vehicle's actual movement. If unintended action, such as "fishtailing," is detected, ESC applies precisely defined brake pressure to the appropriate wheels and, if necessary, reduces engine torque, significantly decreasing the risk of an accident.

Bosch first brought ESC technology to market on the 1995 Mercedes-Benz S- Class. Today, Bosch ESC is featured on a variety of vehicles. In 2008, one in three new cars worldwide will be fitted with ESC technology. By 2011, penetration is expected to rise to one in two vehicles. In the U.S., by 2012, NHTSA requires ESC on all new passenger vehicles sold.