Death, the diesel? Rolf Bulander, president of the automotive division of the Bosch group, does not want to believe it. “Diesel is still needed for long distances, big cars, trucks … Especially since modern diesel can meet all emission standards! “, He insists, in an interview with” Echos “.
For the world’s largest automotive supplier, the question is crucial. While the decline of diesel engines accelerates in Europe , it still performs a large part of its activities in this area. The exact proportion remains a state secret for the Stuttgart group controlled by a private foundation. But about 50,000 of its 400,000 employees would be directly affected.
“Diesel remains a pillar for Bosch. We continue to invest in the field, because for the moment the decline observed in Europe is offset by the Chinese market, “continues the leader. “This European decline is unfortunate because it is accompanied by an increase in CO2 emissions. The problem is the perception of customers, who fear not being able to enter the cities. If politicians stick to technological neutrality, diesel still has a role to play! “.
Meanwhile, the group adapts its production tool. In Rodez (Aveyron), In July, it signed a competitiveness agreement with staff representatives . “The diversification talks are still going on,” says Rolf Bulander. “If diesel sales volumes decline in Europe, Rodez production will drop,” he says. In its other factories in Germany, Italy or the Czech Republic or Turkey, the group is also studying the measures to be adopted.
Well present in the electrical
To tell the truth, electric conversion is far from a disaster for Bosch, a global specialist in electric motors. “We invest 400 million euros every year in this field, and we are the market leader, especially in China! “Says Rolf Bulander. The group won last year 20 contracts for electric drive systems in series, for 4 billion euros. “We are also leaders in electric bikes and scooters, engines, electronics, battery assembly …”, he continues.
While many manufacturers (such as Renault and PSA) have decided to manufacture their own electric motors, the leader believes that it will not last. “They do it for reasons of jobs, or understanding of technology. In the end, the issue of volumes will be decisive, and it will become a supplier business “.
The equipment manufacturer also does not want to be outdone on the autonomous car and mobility. “Of course we want to be number one in these areas: we are present in equipment, software, sensors, electronic systems …”, lists Rolf Bulander, who expects two billion euros of revenue in driver assistance systems from 2019. The group, which has developed a partnership with Daimler to test autonomous cars, offers self-service electric scooters ( in Paris in particular ), and has just launched a car-van service. Far, far away from the nozzles for diesel engines.
The “Solutions for Mobility” division has achieved a operational profitability 7.3% (+ 1 point) for a turnover of 47.4 billion euros (61% of that of the Bosch group).