With the advancement of electrification and automation, there is growing demand for electro-mechanical brake boosters capable of coping with no or less vacuum in hybrid and electric vehicles and that enables excellent energy recuperation and comfortable brake control. Bosch plans to expand global production of the iBooster from the current 8 million units per year to 11 million units in 2026, of which approximately 60% will be delivered to Japanese automakers. With this background, Bosch has decided to manufacture the iBooster at its Tochigi plant in order to respond quickly and flexibly to the demand of Japanese automakers, the largest group of customers for the iBooster. The iBooster is a modern electro-mechanical brake booster, which enables high levels of braking functionality such as vacuum independence, customized pedal feel, enhanced recuperation, improved automatic emergency braking performance and brake redundancy under automated driving. Bosch has invested 3 billion yen in manufacturing facilities for the start of production.
Commenting on the start of iBooster production in Japan, Ulrich Schmidt, executive vice president with responsibility for manufacturing at the Chassis Systems Control Division of Robert Bosch GmbH said, "Bosch attaches great importance to Japanese automakers and the Japanese market, which accounts for approximately 30% of global vehicle production. The start of production of the iBooster, which is in high demand by Japanese automakers, in their home ground shows our strong commitment to the Japanese market."
Since its establishment in 1990, the Tochigi plant has a long track record in the manufacture of brake-related products, including ESP® (electronic stability program) for four-wheeled vehicles and ABS (antilock braking systems) for four- and two-wheeled vehicles. The iBooster will be manufactured using the same state-of-the-art automation technology as in Germany to improve productivity and quality.
Ceremony held to commemorate start of iBooster production
On the same day, Bosch held a ceremony at its Tochigi plant to commemorate the start of iBooster production. Ulrich Schmidt, Klaus Meder, president and representative director of Bosch Corporation, and Takao Matsumura, senior managing officer and regional president of the Chassis Systems Control Division, each gave a speech. The event was attended by about 80 associates, and included speeches and a Kagamibiraki (sake barrel opening) ceremony to celebrate the start of production of the iBooster.
Commenting on the start of iBooster production, Matsumura said, "We are very proud to be able to manufacture the iBooster in Japan, which will be our next generation flagship product. By establishing a manufacturing base in Japan, we will be able to have closer technical communication with our customers than ever before and develop products more in line with their requirements. All associates will work together to contribute to the development of the Japanese automotive industry."
Bosch introduced its first generation electro-mechanical brake booster ahead of other companies in 2013. Bosch estimates that by the end of 2022, 22 million units of iBooster will have been produced globally and delivered to more than 20 automakers.
[About Tochigi plant]
| Address: | 1588-1, Kita-akada, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi |
| Start operation in: | April 1990 |
| Major products: | iBooster, ESP®, ABS for four- and two-wheeled vehicles and sensors |
| Number of associates: | 517 (as of July 1, 2022) |
Contact persons for press inquiries:
Aiko Furuichi
Mariko Johdoji
phone：+81-3-5485-3393