Bosch shows off new green technology at North American International Auto Show

This week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit featured "green" technologies by Bosch that are helping automakers bring cleaner and more efficient vehicles to consumers. And with products that emphasize improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, such as common diesel rail and gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology, the automotive industry has once again displayed a serious commitment to the environment.

"Bosch has played a vital role in the advancement of diesel in the automotive industry," says Chris Qualters, director of marketing, North American Diesel Systems, Robert Bosch LLC. "With the introduction of common rail technology in 1997, Bosch brought a new dimension to the diesel engine market resulting in cleaner, quieter, more efficient and responsive vehicles."

Bosch has assisted in making diesel a powerful and viable powertrain solution that when compared to gasoline vehicles offers consumers improved fuel economy of up to 30 percent, reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 25 percent and increased performance with a 50 percent improvement in torque.

Bosch's second generation gasoline direct injection system, DI-Motronic, is featured on the new Lincoln MKS and the acclaimed 2008 Cadillac CTS. DI- Motronic makes gasoline engines more economical and eco-friendly, reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 15 percent through an improved gas and air mixture process. Emission values are below the strictest SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) limits in the United States by using optimized cold-starting combustion processes.

"Although alternative propulsion systems are growing in popularity, conventional internal combustion engines will remain the dominant powertrain option among U.S. light vehicles in the near future," says Sujit Jain, general manager, Gasoline Systems North America, Robert Bosch LLC. "Today's consumers are faced with rising fuel costs and a desire to reduce their impact on the environment. Bosch is committed to developing technologies that meet driver demands while benefiting the environment."

When combined with turbocharging, gasoline direct injection enables the development of smaller displacement engines that achieve the same output while consuming less fuel and producing fewer emissions. As a result of the scavenging process, which better allows the cylinders to fill with fresh air, higher torque is achieved, especially at low engine speeds.

For more information about Robert Bosch LLC, visit the company's Web site.