Bosch's new range of aftermarket products aims to prolong your car life

Last Friday, the automotive arm of Robert Bosch (South East Asia) Pte Ltd held its Automotive Aftermarket Conference at the nostalgic Movenpick Heritage Hotel in the island resort of Sentosa. To the common man it can be considered Bosch's version of Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the German firm outlined its new products for the local aftermarket, shared financial reports and updated attendees of its product development strategy and focus for the year.

In addition, a new cohesive packaging design language which would be adopted by Bosch products the world over was unveiled amidst a crowd of key partners mainly representing the aftermarket sector.

Year-on-year Bosch has once again achieved success in the automotive sector. At 66 percent last year, the automotive technology division is still the biggest business unit within the Bosch corporate umbrella.

Expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Bosch recently opened its CVT belt plant in Vietnam along with a petrol injection plant in Indonesia. Also, Bosch revealed that ten of its board members would visit the South-East Asian region for the first time in July. As such, the region can anticipate more growth and expanded manufacturing opportunities in the forthcoming years.

More importantly, the key programme highlight included introduction of new products, starting with new double Iridium spark plugs. Iridium is known to be the second densest element and is the most corrosion-resistant metal, even at temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees. As such, Bosch's double iridium spark plugs claim to offer better acceleration and higher torque power along with improved efficiency ratings.

Bosch's new Hightech Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery complements an increasing technical aspect of current automobiles - start-stop technology. As there are lesser charging opportunities for cars equipped with start-stop systems, it is important for cars to be equipped with a battery that can be recharged briskly with the sufficient capacity to enable engine off-mode.

Bosch's AGM batteries have a higher charging efficiency and is able to withstand cyclic loads up to three times higher as compared to conventional batteries. Bosch is also proud to claim that its AGM batteries are 100 percent leak proof due to their microglass fibre mat construction.

Bosch AGM batteries can be installed in a long string of European models equipped with start-stop systems. 

Bosch's AGM technology is also featured on the AGM Auxiliary battery for Mercedes' models. Designed with a dual battery layout, the auxiliary battery in Mercedes' automobiles serve as a backup in case of an alternator failure.

Other products introduced included Bosch's new range of rear wipers, reminiscent of the sleek aesthetics from Bosch's Aerofit wipers. Complementing the wiper range is the new Bosch Screenwash Concentrate, aimed at extending the life of your wiper blades and offering an effortless way to remove grime from your windscreen.

At the event, Ken Lie, Country Sales Manager of Bosch Automotive Singapore, explained almost 80 percent of cars in Singapore are not covered under manufacturer's warranty and the aftersales market is worth $320 million - for a country which is no larger than a little red dot. Bosch recognises the aftermarket business to be large and believes its range of products, some of which were revealed last Friday, could aid consumers in extending the life and quality of their cars.