Bosch to build R&D and manufacturing base in Suzhou, China
Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd , a wholly-owned subsidiary of Germany’s Bosch Group, will build an R&D and manufacturing base for core components and automotive driving of new energy vehicles (NEV) in Suzhou, China. Bosch plans to invest around USD1 billion in the project over the next few years, to ramp up its new energy vehicle and automated driving-related businesses. Phase one of the project is due for completion by mid-2024.
“China is the world’s largest auto market, full of promise and vitality. As a multinational enterprise, we need to make full use of the country’s local R&D capability and production capacity. Through continuous development in China, Bosch will further enhance its global competitiveness and lay a solid foundation for leading the way to the future of mobility,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.
The total plot ratio space of the R&D and Manufacturing Base will be 300,000-square meters. The new base will focus on electrified drive products with the latest SiC power modules, the new generation integrated power brake (IPB2.0), decoupled power brake (DPB2.0), and key automated driving technologies such as advanced driving solution.
“The new R&D and Manufacturing Base in Suzhou is another important milestone for Bosch in China. It will further enhance Bosch’s local R&D and manufacturing capabilities in electrified and intelligent mobility,” said Dr. Yudong Chen, president of Bosch China. “We greatly appreciate the strong support of Suzhou Industrial Park Administrative Committee. By further expanding our presence in China, we will be able to better respond to the fast-changing and sophisticated local market demand. Bosch remains committed to its ‘local for local’ development strategy to deepen our roots in the local market and support China’s move towards future electrified and intelligent mobility.”
As an automotive hub of China, Suzhou boasts one of the largest auto industry clusters in the country, backed by a complete industrial chain encompassing power systems, chassis, electronics, and car assembly. The set-up of the R&D and Manufacturing Base will inject new impetus into the city’s auto industry and help Suzhou effect a transformative upgrade in its auto industry structure.
“Bosch’s great advantages in technology management and proven experience in smart manufacturing help facilitate the green and intelligent transformation of Suzhou manufacturing industries. The company has made a positive contribution to the development of Suzhou. We’ll continue to provide full support to the further investment and development of Bosch in Suzhou, and look forward that Bosch will bring more cutting-edge technologies and projects to the city,” said Cao Lubao, member of the Standing Committee of the Jiangsu Provincial Party Committee and secretary of the CPC Suzhou Municipal Committee.
For years, Bosch has been setting its sights on Suzhou. Since the founding of Bosch Suzhou in 1999, Bosch has continuously expanded investment in the city, deepening cooperation with local partners. By actively supporting the local government’s initiatives, Bosch has also contributed to nurturing the modern auto industry in the city.
“Thanks to the outstanding achievements of our local team, our site in Suzhou has delivered excellent results. The close and in-depth collaboration with our customers and the local government underpins my confidence. With all these indispensable elements, it is definite that we will continue to grow and be successful in the region and beyond,” Hartung said.