Bosch India News
Bosch India News | September 2014
Corporate magazine from Bosch India
Cover Story
How the non-autmotive businesses are making an impact in India
Lead Story
100 years of a world renowned apprenticeship program
Event
WED: Bosch renews its commitment to mitigating climate change
September 2014
2 | Contents
Bosch India News | September 2014
Editorial
Dear Readers,
Ecologists have found that genetic diversity makes species resilient to change and helps them survive for long.
Probably, this ecological truth is one that applies to the world of business as well.
Our Company’s founder Robert Bosch realized the importance of diversification as early as 1905. His daughter
Margarete recalls him saying at the time that, “My product is a flash in the pan. One day, an invention will come along to make ignition
devices obsolete, and how will I employ my staff then?” Determined not to have the company’s products be mere “flashes in the pan”
and be relegated to obsolescence, Robert Bosch first diversified the automotive business and later branched out into non-automotive
segments as well.
Warren Buffett, the American business magnate, investor and philanthropist also shares an interesting insight on diversification "Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing.”
For over 90 years in India, Bosch has been contributing consistently to India’s agrarian, economic and auto industry growth – mainly
with its automotive innovations. Over these years, as the market and consumer demand expanded, Bosch started bringing in its wellestablished and proven non-automotive technologies to India. From special purpose machines to security technology, home and
garden tools to efficient energy solutions, these non-automotive offerings have been playing an equally imperative role in realizing the
Company’s corporate slogan – ‘Invented for life’. And a ‘local for local’ approach in these business areas has been a key driver of growth.
This is the topic we briefly attempt to capture in our cover story - the other facet of Bosch in India, its non-automotive businesses. We
delve into how these businesses are playing a vital role in strengthening the Bosch brand in India and touching millions of lives in ‘ways
big and small’.
In this edition we also look at what makes the Bosch apprenticeship model, now in its 102nd year, so admired. A must-read story in this
issue is on the topic of compliance – specifically why and how compliance can be made part of a company’s DNA.
We hope you enjoy reading this issue and as always we look forward to hearing from you. If you have any story ideas that you want
covered in upcoming issues, please do mail us at bi.news@in.bosch.com. Our colleagues can also post ideas/feedback on
Bosch Connect.
Happy reading!
Dhiraj Singh
3 Cover Story
| Bosch in India: Touching lives in ways big and small
9 Lead Story
| 100 years of excellence in training apprentices
11Features
| Making 'compliance' part of the organization’s DNA
13Social Media | Bosch India is now on LinkedIn, the
world’s largest professional network
14Spotlight
| DIY social media campaign in pictures
16Senior
| Vijay Ratnaparkhe: Everything is getting Management connected slowly and steadily
18Experiences | Never stop learning the new:
A Bangalorean’s guide to living in Shanghai 20In Focus
| "It’s important to communicate at all levels with customers"
22Event
| The 11th Bosch India Communication Workshop is held in Bangalore
24Event
|WED: Bosch renews its commitment to mitigating climate change
26Bosch Impact | Bosch pushes for safe driving in India
27Profile
| V.K. Viswanathan: Keep the faith, get ready and be ‘fit for the future’
29Snippets
| News at a glance: What’s been happening in Bosch India
Imprint
Issue 2
September 2014
Editor-in-Chief: Dhiraj Singh
Managing Editor: Saudha Kasim
Associate Editor: Lovina Raymond
Cover Image:
Since Bosch took the decision to diversify
its products and services in India more
than two decades ago, its non-automotive
businesses have grown by leaps and bounds.
The fact that the offerings of these divisions
touch the lives of millions of Indians in ways
big and small every day reinforces Bosch's
slogan "Invented for Life".
Contributors:
Roohie Menon
Peter Saldanha
Arvind Melagani
Dinesh Kumar D
Sanaya Dinshaw
Dhananjay Jadhav
Sahithi Shyam
Aradhana Wali (Trainee)
Transcend Solutions
Printing: Print Point India Pvt. Ltd.
Bosch India News | September 2014
Cover Story | 3
Bosch in India: Touching lives in ways
big and small
The Forfex hair trimmer (L) and a vintage advertisement of the Bosch refrigerator (R)
To the common man on the street in
Diversification that took root in the
processors, washing machines and
India, the name Bosch would most
1920s
dishwashers. The rise of the Do-It-
likely mean an association with the
Yourself (DIY) trend in Europe in the
automotive industry. Tell this same
It was a simple hair trimmer that
1950s was a turning point for the
person that the lawn of the lovely little
heralded the beginnings of Bosch’s
company’s power tools business. In
park where they walk each morning
diversification strategy in Germany.
1974, the company opened its first
owes some of its beauty to Bosch
wholly owned business division for
and you’d get puzzled looks. Their
In 1925, sales in the European
packaging machinery in Germany. In
eyebrows might climb even higher
automotive market collapsed
the new century, Bosch commenced
if you tell them that the biscuit they
suddenly and the massive slump hit
its Security Technology and
enjoy dunking in their afternoon tea
Bosch hard. The crisis continued into
Energy businesses.
wouldn’t be quite as crunchy or fresh
1926 and prompted Founder Robert
if it wasn’t for Bosch.
Bosch to think ahead and explore new
In India, along with the liberalization
areas of business. A department was
of the economy in the 1990s, Bosch
For around 90 years, Bosch has been
established that looked into around
took the opportunity to diversify
an important contributor to India’s
10,000 proposals for diversification.
its product offerings. It started
growth and development – first
The strategy eventually led to the
manufacturing electric power tools
through the agrarian and automotive
launch of the first product from
and later packaging machines as well.
sectors and in the last two decades
the precursor of Power Tools: the
In 1998, Robert Bosch Engineering
through new areas of businesses,
Forfex hair trimmer. Bosch was soon
and Business Solutions Ltd. (then
beyond automotive. The brand is
branching out into producing
called RBIN) was established as a 100
still known to a majority of Indians
bicycle lamps, batteries,
percent subsidiary of Robert Bosch
as mainly an automotive company,
horns, indicators and windshield
GmbH in the campus of the Bangalore
though this is gradually changing
wipers –a product line beyond its fuel
plant. Five years later, the Security
as the company’s non-automotive
injection technology.
Technology division of Robert Bosch
businesses are slowly but surely
GmbH entered into an agreement for
making their mark in their respective
After bringing out the first Bosch
the purchase of the communication
market segments. While Bosch in
refrigerator in 1933, it was in the
products and closed circuit TV
India started diversification in the
post-war years that Bosch expanded
products from Philips CSI. Bosch took
early 1990s, in Germany this business
to household appliances to include
its first step into the energy segment
process started much earlier.
numerous products such as food
in the country in 2011. A year later the
4 | Cover Story
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch Security Technology: Providing security as well as communications solutions for the global workplace of today
Bosch Thermo Technology division
strong impact in securing lives here
and control, where every light can be
opened its first plant in Bangalore
– all of the Delhi Metro stations are
accessed and controlled.
and in 2014, a one-stop-shop for
constantly monitored by closed-
integrated energy solutions, Bosch
circuit (CCTV) Bosch cameras that are
As the country continues to
Energy and Building Solutions,
connected to a centralized control
experience rapid urbanization and
was launched.
room. The solution aims at not just
the need for better infrastructure
making this vital mass transport
development increases, Bosch’s
Security Technology, Power Tools,
system safe and secure for users, but
non-automotive businesses will play
Packaging Technology (including
to also aid in post-event analysis.
important roles in ensuring the safety,
Special Purpose Machines), Bosch
security and proper function of
Energy and Building Solutions, Robert
Bosch’s Power Tools division also
Bosch Engineering and Business
played an important part in making
Solutions and the newly launched
the Delhi Metro Rail project a reality.
Eye Care business are some of the key
The tools, which are renowned the
non-automotive business of Bosch
world over for their quality and
It’s not just major urban
in India. Some of these businesses
versatility, are also widely used
transportation projects in which
are already industry leaders in their
in creating bus body building and
Bosch is playing a key role, but in
particular market segments while
railway track maintenance
rural electrification programs as well.
others are gradually establishing
kits, amongst many other
For 65 years, while the majority of
themselves as the go-to names for
infrastructure applications.
independent India got the benefits
specific products and services.
such projects.
Smart solutions for a greener planet
of electrification, Darewadi, a
A futuristic solution in the pipeline:
small village off the Pune-Nashik
Addressing the challenges of rapid
Aimed at making the lighting of
highway in Maharashtra, remained in
urbanization
streets in India reliable and energy
darkness. In 2012, Bosch teamed up
efficient, Robert Bosch Engineering
with Gram Oorja Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
On an average day, almost 25 lakh
and Business Solutions (RBEI) come
to set up a solar power plant in the
people use the Delhi Metro, which
up with the Smart Street Lighting
village. Currently, the plant is being
currently has an operational network
solution that controls lighting of
run by the villagers themselves.
of around 190 kms. Securing this
public places. It aims to provide an
major transportation network in one
intelligent and adaptive lighting
As depletion of non-renewable
of the world’s largest cities, especially
mechanism based on time of the day,
sources of energy continues and
one vulnerable to a number of threats,
traffic, road and weather conditions.
the environmental impact of coal-
is not easy. But Bosch’s Security
RBEI has ensured that the solution
based power plants is becoming a
Technology division is making a
also provides remote monitoring
critical global issue, the need for
Bosch India News | September 2014
renewable sources of energy has
Cover Story | 5
Localized solutions that deliver
itself is estimated to take just three
hours) and used to detect eye defects.
become paramount. This is especially
important for a country like India
The rapid rise of the Indian middle
This would be particularly useful
where according to an industry
class has also led to an increase in
in rural parts of the country where
estimate, around 50,000 villages still
demand for safer, more secure and
medical facilities such as clinics and
remain without electricity today.
sophisticated packaging. Bosch’s
hospitals are not easily accessible.
new Packaging Technology plant
Bosch Energy, which includes Thermo
inaugurated in August 2012 in Verna,
Making practical science education
Technology and Bosch Energy and
Goa, aims to increase the localization
available to all: Besides packaging
Building Solutions (BEBS), is the
of new packaging machine production
and eye care, Bosch’s engineers are
newest of Bosch India’s business
and making world-class German
working towards addressing another
divisions. Understanding the need
technology affordable and available to
major challenge in the country –
to utilize renewable resources
the Indian market. There is no better
improving its education system. A
efficiently, Bosch has developed
example of the way Bosch’s innovative
large number of India’s students
an extensive product range to save
technology is making an impact on
go to schools that do not possess
energy, reduce CO2 emissions, and
the daily lives of Indians than the fact
science laboratories, so the lessons
lower energy dependence. Bosch
that 90 percent of the salt sold in the
they receive in subjects like physics
Thermo Technology products such as
country is packaged using
and chemistry are often theoretical,
the solar water heater are also trying
Bosch machines.
without a practical component. RBEI
is working on a solution that leverages
to reduce domestic and industrial
usage of electricity generated from
Another example of Bosch’s ‘local
the use of augmented reality to create
conventional sources.
for local’ approach in the country is
applications that would let students
its new eye care device. According
do virtual experiments related to
In March 2014, BEBS commissioned
to statistics, nearly one of every
topics like molecular chemistry. This
a 5 megawatt solar power plant in
three visually impaired persons is an
application would just need to be set
Tamil Nadu. This project is estimated
Indian. Experts also say that nearly 80
up in a classroom and the students
to product close to 7.6 million units
percent of cases of vision loss in India
could experiment, without the need
a year. Over the past two years, BEBS
are preventable. This eye screening
for additional infrastructure like a
has also developed several rooftop
and detection system from Bosch
separate laboratory space
installations ranging from 25 kWp
meets the demand for comprehensive
and materials.
to 200 kWp capacity across India. As
eye care of the middle- and lower-
demonstrated through the successful
income demographic and offers high
implementation of these projects
functionality, ease of use, and a cost
and the electrification of Darewadi
effective system to doctors.
Enhanced customer engagement
On any given day at the DIY Square
store in Adugodi, Bangalore,
village, the Bosch Energy business
has shown its commitment to
As the fundus camera is lightweight
hobbyists and professionals walk in to
offering customized and sustainable
and easily portable, it can be carried
try out Bosch Power Tools and make
solutions, especially in those areas of
door to door by medical professionals
informed decisions on which product
the country that need it the most.
who have been trained (the training
would best suit their requirements.
Bosch eye care device: The new eye screening and detection system (L) and a BSH spokesperson explaining the company’s product portfolio (R)
6 | Cover Story
Bosch India News | September 2014
The new construction industry focused Bosch System Specialist store in Chennai, the first of its kind in India
Since it opened last year, the store has
program in place - called the Bosch
proved to be a hit with both amateurs
Security Certified Partner program,
and tradespersons. Customers get a
it has been created specifically
hands-on experience of working with
for Security Technology channel
power tools for basic home needs,
partners who also get access to the
allowing them to also discover a
state-of-the-art training facility in
world of hobbies that can be pursued
Bangalore. Launched in 2010, the
with these tools. The DIY Square
training academy aims to bring
is Bosch’s endeavor to start a DIY
the highest level of manufacturer
revolution in India, encouraging
training to the industry, improve
customers to not just be self-reliant,
product knowledge, and competency.
but also develop a hobby, create
The program covers the selection,
interesting objects of decor and cater
installation, operation and
to their various Home, Hobby and
maintenance of the
Garden requirements.
division's security, safety and
communication products.
‘Bosch System Specialist’ (BSS), Bosch
Power Tool's premium retail concept
Boundless growth opportunities in
also houses the latest and most
an emerging India
innovative Bosch Power Tools. Over
50 BSS centers across India provide
Bosch’s non-automotive businesses
a consistent Bosch brand experience
have already witnessed a steady
to its customers. Bosch Power
growth over the years. In 2013, these
Tools also helps train direct retail
businesses contributed 12 percent to
customers, dealers and retailers,
Bosch Limited’s total turnover. With
their sales workforce, institutions
newly announced infrastructure
and large industrial houses as well as
projects, the ambitious plans to build
their internal staff. The Bosch Power
smart cities around the country and
Tools division has also successfully
increasing economic prosperity, the
leveraged popular e-commerce
future prospects for these businesses
platforms in India to reach out to
are very bright.
projects that are in the process of
being implemented and the related
security concerns that stem from
these. The division has introduced
a public, public standards based
media networking architecture
called OMNEO to promote device
interconnectivity. Through the
use of off-the-shelf networking
equipment OMNEO seeks to provide
a professional media networking
solution that includes low latency,
high channel count program
transport, full-function remote
device control and monitoring, and
the ability to interconnect diverse
applications domains such as public
address, intercom, conferencing,
and pro audio/video. Using proven
networking technologies, OMNEO
provides all of these capabilities
with the highest levels or reliability,
redundancy and security.
Bosch Security Technology also has
growth potential for this business
For Power Tools, the future
is cordless. Bosch has been a
technology leader in the lithium-ion
tools segment since the launch of the
IXO in 2003. Many other cordless
products from Bosch were the first in
their respective categories to use the
innovative lithium-ion technology.
These include the Rotak LI cordless
lawnmower and the Indego robotic
mower with navigation system for
a tailored customer engagement
because of the infrastructure
systematic mowing in parallel lines.
customers who don’t have access to a
dedicated Bosch brand store.
In the Security Technology space,
the Group in India foresees high
Bosch India News | September 2014
Cover Story | 7
RBEI's R&D engineers are working on projects such as Augmented Reality, Internet of Things and Services and Industry 4.0
The tremendous expansion of the
and twin-machine technology and
2,16,918.39 MW is yet to be tapped,
tradesman segment in India and
concepts. The packaging industry
hence bringing to light the huge
the enormous potential among new
has continuously been investing a
growth potential of the renewable
users has made cordless power
lot on R&D in order to provide better
energy market in India. Bosch’s
tools a key product for the division.
solutions that would help meet the
Energy business is well placed
In years to come, as the business
requirements of the market. Even
to benefit from this – it’s not just
aims at increasing its market share,
secondary packaging will play a
individual households that are using
Bosch Power Tools India will look to
major role given rising labor costs
electricity generated by renewable
strengthen its leadership position in
and skill shortage. Bosch Packaging
sources, but large scale industries and
this segment. The growing interest in
Technology will continue to use its
commercial enterprises as well.
DIY will also be a key driver
local know-how and focus on quality
for growth.
and innovation to deliver products
As one of the most future-focused of
that fulfill its pledge: “Packaged
Bosch’s non-automotive businesses,
as Promised”.
RBEI is trying to envision what
In India, the packaging industry
the future will look like and how
is estimated to grow roughly
from around $ 24.6 billion to
As per the India Renewable Energy
a connected world will function.
approximately $ 32 billion by
Status Report 2014 the potential of
Towards this end, RBEI’s R&D
2025. To meet the requirements of
the renewable energy, from various
engineers are working on the
the consumer, Bosch has in place
sources, in India is approximately
augmented reality projects mentioned
various forms of packaging such as
2,48,188 MW. This potential
earlier, but also projects such as
Doy packs, corner sealed pouches
when translated means around
Industry 4.0 that will allow businesses
Be it food products or pharmaceuticals, Bosch offers its customers smart packaging solutions
8 | Cover Story
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch Energy and Building Solutions (BEBS): Providing energy efficient solutions for industrial and domestic applications
to have a new generation of flexible,
Technologies ‘Invented for life’ –
come a long way. They are becoming
adaptable platforms that would
beyond mobility solutions
pioneers in their respective
address dynamic and unpredictable
segments. Through groundbreaking
processes and collaborative
“Experience technologies invented
innovations, customized solutions
activities. Additionally, the project
for life – beyond mobility solutions”
and an unbreakable assurance of
will lead to better collaboration
was the theme of the Media Tech Day
quality, these divisions continue to
on technology platforms between
event held in Bangalore on August
grow by leaps and bounds. All those
business and IT that will result in
25, 2014. This landmark event, a first
years ago, Robert Bosch’s wisdom
improved cost efficiency, reduced
for Bosch, was aimed at promoting
and foresight led him to follow the
time to market and optimized
the Company’s non-automotive
strategy of diversification to ensure
processes. Another area that RBEI is
businesses, and increasing brand
the company’s longevity and future
focusing its efforts on, the Internet
visibility and awareness.
success. And Bosch India’s nonautomotive businesses, which touch
of Things and Services (IoTS), offers
tremendous opportunities to develop
existing business models and create
completely new ones.
From a hair trimmer to a precision
the lives of millions of Indians in ways
drill and augmented reality, Bosch’s
big and small, are working towards
non-automotive businesses have
realizing his vision. Every day.
Glimpses of the recently held non-automotive Media Tech Day
Lead Story | 9
Bosch India News | September 2014
100 years of excellence in training
apprentices
Founder Robert Bosch with an apprentice
On April 12, 1944, 15 year old
“The apprentices' workshop was
plugs and fuel injection equipment,
Clemens Hohl gave an entrance test
in Feuerbach, separate from the
which were used in a variety of
at Robert Bosch in Stuttgart. “Bosch
company. Bosch conducted its own
prime-movers.
held a two-day exam around six
classes at the vocational school in
months before the apprenticeship
nearby Zuffenhausen. The teachers
G M Hormusjee joined as a Tool Room
was due to start. We had to draw, bend
received additional payment from
apprentice in 1955. In an interview
wire, and write an essay, among other
Bosch because the company required
that was published in the 1986 MICO
things. We also had to be examined
all teachers to have an engineering
WHEEL issue, he recollected how
thoroughly by a doctor to check
degree rather than just a qualification
he plunged into the daily grind of
we were fit enough to start work at
from a technical school. Our training
filing, fitting, sawing and drilling and
Bosch," recollects Hohl. He was to
program placed great importance on
within weeks had blisters all over his
be one amongst thirty to be selected
absolute precision and punctuality,
hand and doubts about the career
and joined Bosch as an apprentice
but also on good practical work,”
path he had chosen. But this soon
mechanic, eventually completing his
says Hohl.
came to pass with his deep interest
training in 1947.
in the subject. “Training was hard no
An admired apprenticeship program
doubt,” he says, “but if you did your
starts in Bangalore
job, there was gratification.”
his own workshop became a formal
In Bangalore, a Tool Room
As these were years of harsh austerity
apprenticeship program on April 1,
Apprenticeship Scheme was set
in India, expensive equipment was
1913. Bosch wanted only the best,
up just two years after the first
hard to obtain and the Inspection
so candidates had to undertake
regional subsidiary of Bosch in India,
department had the only microscope
challenging exams. Initially, training
predecessor Mico, was founded in
in the whole factory. Around a dozen
was offered for only precision
1951. As early as 1953, the need was
Tool Room associates, including
mechanics and toolmakers, and 30-35
felt for skilled manpower to aid the
four apprentices, had to share this
apprentices were chosen each year.
production of high-precision spark
microscope. Every apprentice was
What started out as a training
initiative by founder Robert Bosch in
10 | Lead Story
Bosch India News | September 2014
given his own tool kit including
the apprenticeship program have
The Federal President acknowledged
calipers. A high sense of discipline
called it the single most important
the importance of vocational training
was instilled in trainees from the
step in their careers. The quality of
and elaborated how Bosch had
beginning. The weekly machine
training imparted has also influenced
surpassed its business needs and
cleaning hour was religiously
quite a few of them to also bring in
demonstrated its responsibility
observed, at the end of which
the next generation to the program.
towards the Indian Society standing
machines shone spic-and-span. Each
In Bangalore, three members of
out as a role model.
trainee was proficient on all machines
the same family have been closely
– turning, milling and grinding.
associated with BVC and the plant at
Earlier, in 2011, the former President
Adugodi. Naggaya joined the program
of India and noted scientist, Dr. APJ
There were only 200 employees then.
in 1982 and the apprenticeship
Abdul Kalam, had also visited the
Hormusjee says, "We were a small
tradition continued with his son
BVC. During his visit to the center Dr.
family and there was naturally a lot of
Ramulu and grandson Srikanth.
Kalam interacted with the students
kinship. We all were young. A helping
“Bosch gave us not only employment,
and gave away awards to those
hand was offered and received
but also a good life. The company is
who’d gained excellence in
spontaneously, as a quite matter of
also concerned about the health of
various categories.
fact. When new machines arrived,
our family,” says Ramulu who joined
whoever was around formed the
Bosch in 1993 and still works in the
A training model that has stood the
maintenance crew to move
company, while his son Srikanth
test of time
them around."
works as an on-the-job trainee.
The Apprenticeship Scheme was
World leaders acknowledge the
Robert Bosch has stood the test of
formalized in 1960 as the Mico
impact of the Bosch apprenticeship
time for more than 100 years. As
Vocational Centre (today BVC).
program
times change, the qualities that have
The training model created by
brought it international recognition –
Looking back at the program
The quality of education imparted
absolute precision, uncompromised
three decades after he had been
through the Bosch apprenticeship
quality, punctuality, discipline,
an apprentice, Hormusjee agreed
program has also been recognized
hands-on experience in multi-trades,
that though the times had changed,
by world leaders. On February 7 this
exposure to latest technology and
certain things remain unchanged.
year, German President Joachim
corporate social responsibility – will
“The down-the-line quality
Gauck visited the Bosch Vocational
ensure the enduring success of the
consciousness, for instance. And the
Center in Bangalore. Gauck was
Bosch apprenticeship program.
tradition of each keeping his place
then taken around the workshop
clean, which can stem only from a
and the Mechatronics Lab where he
belief in the dignity of labor."
interacted with the apprentices and
learned about their experiences
A number of associates who entered
with the German model of
the company after participating in
vocational training.
Skill training at MVC in the 1970s (L) and at BVC now (R)
Bosch India News | September 2014
Features | 11
Making 'compliance' part of the
organization’s DNA
Over the past few years, stories of
corporate malfeasance and noncompliance with regulations have
made regular appearances in the
media. This has brought the topic of
compliance to the forefront, leading
to much discussion and debate.
What is compliance?
Compliance refers to the obligation
to comply with the Code of Business
Conduct as well as the additional
internal regulations and all applicable
laws while doing business for
the Bosch Group. It governs the
conduct of all our associates, as
non-compliance in conducting
business would adversely affect us
all directly or indirectly. The fates of
organizations like Satyam, Enron and
Arthur Anderson serve as serious
examples of the dangers posed to an
organization when it disregards laws
and regulations in the conduct
of business.
Recent notable instances involving
international business organizations and regulatory violations
have included:
- Banking giant Credit Suisse
pleaded guilty to one count of
conspiring to aid tax evasion
and flouting US laws in May.
The bank also agreed to pay
about $2.6 billion in
penalties.
- Pharma conglomerate
GlaxoSmithKline is currently under investigation for
bribery in China. The UK
Fraud Office is also
investigating these
allegations.
- In 2012, Standard Chartered
agreed to pay $327 million for
alleged violations of US
sanction laws against Iran,
Libya and other nations.
Guideline RB/GF 120 on Compliance
comprehensively regulates the
organization and responsibilities
in the Bosch Group. It aims both to
prevent compliance violations and
enable detection of such violations.
The Compliance Committee based at
the Bosch Headquarters, Germany
is entrusted with the responsibility
of fulfilling these objectives. The
Compliance Committee is assisted
by the Compliance Office C/LSC
that oversees and coordinates the
functioning of the Compliance
Officers (CPOs) who are tasked with
internal investigations and training in
their respective Countries or Regions.
The key compliance issues Bosch
India is concerned with
- Collusion or conflict of interest with service providers
- Corruption and bribery
- Dealing with Gifts and Gratuities
- Awareness of Anti-trust issues
12 | Features
Bosch India News | September 2014
Instilling a culture of compliance
to cover contracts pertaining to within Bosch India
all divisions.
via the Bosch Compliance
The Compliance Department has
implemented a number of measures
https://inside-ws.bosch.com/
to enhance the culture of compliance
FIRSTspiritWeb/permlink/wcms_
or
through information and training:
rgap_-about_compliance-EN
provides information on
ethicspoint.eu/lrn/media/
compliance-related topics for the
en/gui/22560/dpconsent.
benefit of associates.
html?page=report.html
RO/India associates that
Bosch Associates and compliance
are designed to reach out to
“India Compliance Forum”
the associates at their locations.
is open to all associates of
A culture of compliance and ethics
These roadshows also
Bosch India. This is a platform
should be part of our company’s
emphasize the importance of
to reach out to employees
DNA. Throughout its history the
the three cornerstones
across India with information
Bosch Group has been guided by
of compliance – Regulations,
on compliance guidelines,
the values and ethics of its Founder.
Information and Training, and
training, WBTs and related
Robert Bosch himself wrote in 1921:
Monitoring and Reporting.
business news on companies
“In the long term, an honest and fair
Everyday examples related to
recently affected by non-
approach to business will always be
compliance are also showcased.
compliance. https://connect.
the most profitable. And the business
bosch.com/communities/service/
world holds such an approach in
html/communityview?
much higher esteem than is
conducted for specific target
communityUuid=79d746ff-
generally imagined.”
groups, customized meet to their
66ea-4704-a194-7ebd9e7e66b0
- Further, the associates can report
Hotline using
- The CPO has adopted the
practice of conducting
- The Compliance Homepage
•
•
(a) toll-free telephone
number 000-800-100-1071 (b) web page https://secure.
“Compliance Roadshows” for
- Compliance trainings have been
- A Bosch Connect Community
Our commitment to compliance and
specific requirements. For
- Senior management associates
ethics is sustained and supported
example, sessions on Compliance
and Business Ethics have been
and other focus groups are
through regular training programs
conducted for Controllers, HR
required to take up mandatory
that create awareness among
Associates, Dealers and
WBTs on compliance.
associates as mentioned in the
Suppliers during their Annual
preceding section. Thanks to these
Meets. These focus on real world
What should be done if an
initiatives, a number of cases have
examples drawn from their
associate has good reason to
been brought to the notice of the CPO
respective areas.
suspect compliance by associates and business partners.
irregularities?
These cases have been investigated
expeditiously and fairly. All Bosch
- Around 1,100 associates have
been trained on ‘Anti-trust’ laws
- All associates have the right to
associates are expected strictly to
in 14 sessions.
draw their supervisor’s attention
adhere to the legal requirements
to the circumstances that appear
at all times. As Boschlers, we do
to indicate a violation of
not tolerate any infringement of
RO/P and the CPO to emphasize
compliance principles to be
the regulations and laws within
the importance of Compliance
dealt with via the normal chain
our company and in dealings with
have been released periodically.
of command.
business partners. In this regard,
we practise zero tolerance. Yet the
- Keynote messages from the
- ‘Anti-bribery’ clauses have been
- However, if the associates have
compliance principle should not be
incorporated in all contracts
reason to believe that the matter
viewed with fear. Rather we should
executed at RO/India with
cannot be dealt with via the
derive strength from our active
relation to the Automotive
normal channels, they may write
and collective observance of the
Aftermarket and Power Tools
or speak to the CPO as a neutral,
Compliance principles that protect
Divisions. Efforts are underway
independent contact person.
the high ethical image our company
has earned over the years.
Bosch India News | September 2014
Social Media | 13
Bosch India is now on LinkedIn, the world’s
largest professional network
Six Bosch associates send out the message of pride and satisfaction at work on Bosch India’s newly launched official LinkedIn page
After successfully establishing a
Dhiraj’s team member, Sanaya
Bhaskara Rao Tavva (RBIN/ICO)
steady engagement with fans and
Dinshaw spends her day facilitating
is an active LinkedIn user who has
followers on Facebook and Twitter,
conversations and exchange of
successfully leveraged his association
the Corporate Communications team
views and ideas on Bosch India’s
with the Bosch brand to increase his
launched the official Bosch India
Facebook and Twitter pages. Each
network connections. “It has also
LinkedIn page on May 26, 2014. The
social media channel has its own
improved my visibility on the site and
response from Bosch associates to the
specific strengths and uses. Sanaya
gives me greater credibility when I
start of this new social media initiative
explains that “Facebook is mainly
respond to discussions on LinkedIn
on the world’s largest professional
used to engage with the youth, it
Group pages,” he says.
networking site has been one of
lets us place Bosch as a lively brand.
enthusiasm and professional pride.
Twitter is great to convey messages
As a pioneering industry leader and
to the audience in real time. LinkedIn
innovation-focused company, Bosch
Ishwarya I (RBIN/CTG3) praised this
is purely a professional platform
India intends to use LinkedIn as a
new communication initiative, saying,
that brings together all Bosch
platform to disseminate thought
“I am glad that Bosch is finding new
associates from different entities
leadership. The Communications
ways and means to network with
and locations on the official Bosch
team plans to kick-off discussions
people all around the world on the
India LinkedIn page. Our colleagues
and other special events through
most popular social media channels.”
have started to connect with each
which top management will engage
other professionally. Soon, we shall
with questions from the audience.
When asked why the LinkedIn page
integrate a Careers feature and use it
The company’s CSR and employee
was the last to be launched, Dhiraj
to search and find suitable candidates
engagement initiatives are also
Singh, head of the C/CCR-IN function
for job openings within Bosch.
prominently displayed, enabling a
said, “We strategized launches in
Above all, LinkedIn is our medium to
larger audience to see what makes
social media in phases - starting with
promote thought leadership
Bosch India a leading employer and a
Twitter in 2012, Facebook in 2013 and
at Bosch.”
socially responsible organization.
a follower base first, understand their
For professionals the world over,
Unlike other social media sites,
specific interests in our company,
LinkedIn is the best networking tool
LinkedIn presents your professional
and then accordingly plan the rollout
bar none. Besides engaging in debates
profile to the world, establishing your
in LinkedIn. Now that we have
with peers from around the world,
credentials in your field of expertise.
established a firm holding on Twitter
LinkedIn also allows you to showcase
With more than 300 million members,
and Facebook, the next logical step
your professional strengths, find and
it is the world’s largest professional
is to reach out to audiences on the
pursue reliable business leads, and
network. Are you LinkedIn yet?
professional networking
connect with the most interesting
channel LinkedIn.”
minds in your field.
now LinkedIn. We wanted to develop
14 | Spotlight
Bosch India News | September 2014
DIY social media campaign in pictures
DIY enthusiasts were in for a treat
exciting DIY products from Bosch.
At the end of the campaign, and
after a long and difficult judging
in April this year when Bosch India
launched Facebook and Twitter
The public responded in record
process, Somu Padmanabhan, Deepak
campaigns aimed at promoting
numbers – Bosch India’s Facebook
Jayakumar, Animesh Tiwari and
the DIY and craft culture across
and Twitter accounts increased their
Rishnita Bhandari were declared the
the country. The Power Tools and
follower bases by 5% and 3% each.
winners. Here are some of the
Communications teams asked
Around 900 people took part in
most interesting and inspiring
Facebook and Twitter followers to
conversations about the campaign.
pictures of DIY projects that
tweet and post pictures of products
On Twitter, the tag #boschcarwash
Bosch India received.
they’d made themselves. The best
earned 15 lakh impressions while the
entries stood the chance of winning
#mydiyproject tag 3 lakh impressions.
Bosch India News | September 2014
Spotlight | 15
16 | Senior Management
Bosch India News | September 2014
Vijay Ratnaparkhe: Everything is getting
connected slowly and steadily
Vijay Ratnaparkhe (RBEI/P) is President and Managing Director of Robert Bosch
Engineering and Business Solutions Limited. In this wide-ranging interview,
he speaks to Bosch India News about various exciting projects happening at RBEI and the
importance of innovation.
Innovation is the underpinning
how the ST communications team can
has been going on for a year and it is
of our global success. In light of
bring this product to India.
getting more attention and visibility
that statement can you tell us
now from the management as well as
more about the India Innovation
We have bike apps in the pipeline
Pipeline?
that specifically cater to the Indian
the teams.
two-wheeler segment. Also, right
To encourage innovative thinking
Innovations will take us through to
now in India we have 1 kilowatt
among associates and foster a culture
our future. If we bask in the glory of
(kW) rooftop solar photovoltaics
of innovation, we have also launched
the past and fail to create anything
like those deployed as a standard
Winnovate – We innovate to win for
new, we may not be able to continue
solution by the Government of
India, an ideation platform on Bosch
beyond a certain number of years.
Kerala. In Germany on the other
Connect that encourages associates to
hand, solar inverters that are used
contribute product specific ideas for
The India Innovation Pipeline is
are more than 3 kW. We are trying
the Indian market.
a platform that tries to bring in
to create solutions that will enable
products and services of Bosch
photovoltaics to get the inverters to
Around 5,000 patents were filed by
business divisions to the Indian
the 1-3 kW range. These are just some
Bosch last year. How can we at Bosch
market. In order to make some of
of the examples of solutions being
India improve the number and
these products and services more
incubated under the India Innovation
quality of our patents?
effective, they need a certain amount
Pipeline that are trying to address
of tweaking in terms of features or in
India specific needs.
Bosch in India filed more than
200 patents last year.
terms of price points.
Every business division in India
For example, we are looking at
should be aware about this program.
However, awareness is more
two-way industrial communication
RBEI is a partner because it works
important than numbers. People must
from Security Technology (ST)
with all these divisions - both in
be made aware that we file patents
communication solutions. This may
Germany and across the globe.
and that we have a highly competent
be an older way of communicating on
Working with RBEI to localize the
team with the capability of handling
an industrial shop floor, but that is the
solution is the modus operandi of
this complex process from end to end.
requirement here. We are looking at
the India Innovation Pipeline. This
Bosch India News | September 2014
Senior Management | 17
We want to file only high quality
What is Bosch India’s role and
we have to look at a faster launch of
patents this year. If we are able to
contribution in the development of
applications and experiment in the
encourage high quality along with a
the ‘Internet of Things’?
market with a complete, high
quality solution.
higher number of patents, that would
be ideal.
You may think that you are not a part
of the Internet of Things, but the fact
Can you tell us more about the
In my view, a patent is only one of
is that everything is getting connected
expansion of RBEI in Mexico? Are
the dimensions of innovation or
slowly and steadily. Let me elucidate
there other international locations
measurement of innovation. The
with a few examples: bike apps, one
in the pipeline?
other aspects of innovation are
of the projects that Bosch is working
process innovation for cost reduction
on, gives one the ability to use a smart
RBEI is a unique company of Bosch
and collaboration. These are not
phone to lock the bike engine. This
that supports Bosch worldwide, and
patentable, but are very important.
is an anti-theft measure that would
to be able to do that, it needs to have
require the owner to unlock the bike
a worldwide presence. To be in the
using his or her smartphone. There
same time-zone as our customers
How are we fostering R&D at Bosch
are multiple other similar projects
is important. Therefore, we chose
India?
that various teams are working on in
Vietnam two years ago to service
the Bosch world.
Bosch entities in Japan, ASEAN and
China. Similarly, we are looking at
The Robert Bosch Centre at the Indian
Institute of Science in Bangalore is
In Germany there is a telephone
Mexico and Guadalajara as a city to
our biggest R&D venture in India. We
instrument provider called Giga Set
service the whole of America, north
give close to 2 million Euros every
and it has used a Bosch Twist sensor
and south.
year to IISc as a purely philanthropic
as an add-on feature to the telephone
grant – the intellectual property
equipment at home. So through a
We now have four locations -
belongs to IISc and not to Bosch.
small sensor on your door, you could
Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ho Chi Minh
Today we are on the track of creating
know whether it has opened or
City and Guadalajara. The picture,
technology in different verticals.
closed. The Twist sensor has its own
however, is not yet complete. We still
Healthcare is one of the verticals
battery and can potentially deliver
need a presence in Eastern Europe so
we have chosen. Energy is another.
several applications even in an Indian
that could be a possibility in the next
We are studying Indian problems
context. We need to create these
three years.
and how the Internet of Things will
applications and deploy them in the
help us in these verticals. In order to
Indian market. It’s going to be exciting
How is RBEI ensuring that cross-
attract the brightest minds to help
to see this happening.
cultural differences don’t create a
barrier that prevents teams from
us in collaborative problem solving
across the varied regions of India, we
How soon do you see these appli-
have to promote the Robert Bosch
cations being available in India?
working effectively?
The varied cultures that are currently
Centre at IISc.
The technology is available but how
part of RBEI makes for an interesting
At RBEI’s Research and Technology
we enter the market with it and who
work environment. We have found
Centre, which was inaugurated this
could be the right partner for us is the
that despite the differences, we
year, research is being undertaken
current challenge we face. So it could
do have a number of similarities.
to explore new frontiers in video
happen in the next one to three years.
For example, Guadalajara is by
way of being the Silicon Valley or
technology. Car Multimedia, Chassis
Systems, and Security Technology
To an external stakeholder it might
Bangalore of Mexico. It has become
would be the three divisions that
appear that Bosch doesn’t often
the country’s IT hub. This helps in
would benefit from this research.
experiment, but we have to change
better integration of employees as the
Through the New Business Themes
this in the Internet of Things segment.
mindset is similar.
we conduct applied research for
If we look at cell phones as an
We are definitely looking at how we
the Indian market. RBEI also does
example, most people change their
can integrate these various cultures
applied research through pre-
phones every two to four years. If we
better to make RBEI a thriving, multi-
investment projects.
have to play in this market segment,
cultural and united workplace.
(NBT) and India Innovation Pipeline,
18 | Experiences
Bosch India News | September 2014
Never stop learning the new:
A Bangalorean’s guide to living in Shanghai
Dinesh is using his stint in Shanghai to explore a country where the ancient past rubs shoulders with a modern present
James Bond, Tom Cruise, Optimus
enough, but add a new job profile
left behind, Dinesh has taken to
Prime: everyone who is anyone
to the mix and even the stoutest of
e-marketing like a fish to water. He is
– human and robot – seems to be
hearts would quail. Dinesh, however,
brimming with ideas and knows the
making a beeline for Shanghai these
is unflappable. “I never want to stop
pulse of his target audience. “Times
days. The reason for this sudden
learning anything new,” he says –
have changed and so has marketing. I
fascination is pretty obvious when
whether it be a new culture, a new
wanted to step into the new world of
one looks at this Asian megapolis.
language or even a new type of tea.
social media marketing in a big way
and use it to enhance the brand equity
A rich history that stretches
back 5,000 years, remnants of a
Dinesh started off in the Power Tools
of company products.” Dinesh has
turbulent colonial past, the futuristic
division in Bangalore in 2005 when
found collaborating with colleagues
Bladerunner city skyline – all combine
marketing was still pretty much
across the globe and brainstorming
to form one of the most intriguing
an offline activity and Twitter was
ideas on how best to use social
cities on the planet.
something that only real birds did.
media to be helpful in advancing his
Looking back at the time, Dinesh
understanding and knowledge of
Dinesh Kumar D (PT/PAP-MKB)
recalls that “Those were the days
e-marketing. And he couldn’t have
couldn’t resist Shanghai’s allure when
when all marketing was done in
done this without Bosch Connect, a
he first came here to attend the Bosch
the field. We did multitudes of
tool that he feels should be used by
Automotive Aftermarket Convention.
campaigns for IXO and Aquatek,
associates in order to improve their
His experiences in the city stayed
distributed no-parking boards, sold
skills through shared learning.
with him even after he’d returned to
tools to consumers directly, done
India. Dinesh found himself back in
billboards, written articles and
The job however does entail a
Shanghai two years ago, taking up the
spoken to journalists directly.” He
number of challenges. “Most of
responsibilities for content marketing
also had a stint with the Automotive
our colleagues in the APAC nations
and social media marketing for the
Aftermarket division, where he
are yet to embrace social media,”
Bosch’s Power Tools division.
headed Brand Communications.
Dinesh says. Plus, there’s the fact
that even though social media is a
A new country, new responsibilities
Collaboration, key to success
strong communication medium for
the modern marketer, there are a
For most people, moving to a new
As someone who firmly believes
number of pitfalls that the astute
country can be nerve wracking
in the principle of evolve or get
marketer should never forget. “One
Bosch India News | September 2014
Experiences | 19
A new culture, a new language or a new type of tea - Dinesh believes change should be embraced, not resisted
has to be very careful when dealing
On a typical day, he wakes up early to
to commute between home and office
with marketing online. Finally, it is
help his daughter get ready for school
every day and says that getting a hold
all about striking the right balance.
and is in office by half past nine.
of basic local vocabulary tones and
basic directions in Mandarin will
While it is very easy to share a piece
help expats.
of creative content/news to 250,000
Dinesh carries home-made lunch
customers directly in the matter of
to office - as a vegetarian, he has
a second, it does not take much for
found the local cuisine rather tricky
When he’s not working hard at
an upset consumer to tarnish the
to negotiate and the office canteen
e-marketing, Dinesh likes to travel
reputation of companies online.
usually serves non-vegetarian fare. He
and explore all the sights and sounds
Bosch has a clear issue management
has, however, developed a fondness
that China has to offer. He has visited
strategy that we can use to respond to
for Chinese green tea. While food
the Great Wall of China, Beijing,
our users online.”
issues have been relatively easy
Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou
to resolve, Dinesh has found the
with his wife Anitha and daughter
For Dinesh, sharing ideas is key to
weather, especially winters, rather
Diya. A proud father, Dinesh glows as
improving performance. “We have lot
tough. “As Indians we are used to
he says, “My 10 year old Diya is the
of interesting content to share across
warmer climates, so January in
star amongst us. She has picked up
GBs, and use the power of centrally
Shanghai can be a bit problematic.
the local dialect so well that even her
shared online information.” Citing
I moved here in the winter and the
teachers find her language skills much
the example of the recent success
cold was a big shock,” he says. But
better than the native speakers!”
of Construction Monster 2013 at
two years on, Dinesh’s never-say-die
Bangalore – a Power Tools initiative,
attitude and cheerful optimism have
Dinesh says, “We needed a platform
helped him adapt to even the tough
to share. Colleagues from Vietnam,
Shanghai winters.
Never be afraid of the new
The great American jurist Oliver
Wendell Holmes Jr. once said that
Australia, and other countries were
impressed and eager to undertake
Dinesh does miss his friends and
“A mind that is stretched by a new
such an initiative at their locations as
relatives. But the thing he misses most
experience can never go back to its
well. All this becomes possible when
of all is driving. “I almost drool when
old dimensions.” Dinesh, with his
we share ideas across borders.”
I see the cars here. This city is full of
eagerness to broaden his horizons,
fantastic cars, but I am not allowed
has clearly adopted this as his life’s
Holding on to the familiar in a new
to drive as per HR rules.” To drive
mantra. He has taken huge risks in
environment
in Shanghai, it is important to know
moving to a completely new country
Mandarin Chinese, the maze of streets
and quickly adapted to a new
Dinesh has found that establishing a
and local driving rules. So most expats
professional role – for him, change is
routine built around work and family
don’t drive themselves in order to
not something that should be resisted,
that has helped him immensely in
avoid trouble and depend on public
but embraced.
getting his bearings in a new culture.
transport or taxis. Dinesh uses a taxi
20 | In Focus
Bosch India News | September 2014
"It’s important to communicate at all levels
with customers"
Says Navin Paul (IN/EO), who has been responsible for OE Sales in India for Automotive
Technology since April 1, 2009. He has cross divisional responsibility of OE Sales, Marketing,
Sales Controlling & Commercial Coordination and Quality & Warranty, Automotive
Technology for all OE customers in India. He is also responsible for OE Sales for Tata Motors,
globally. Earlier this summer, he sat down for an interview with Bosch India News team,
discussing various aspects about Bosch’s automotive business, including the company’s
customer-centric approach, innovative concepts for the Indian market, the unique
challenges that the country poses and more.
A customer centric approach has
Besides this, it’s very important to
We have been inviting Customer
been a topic of focus at Bosch. Can
keep communicating at all levels with
Service teams and Quality Assurance
you elaborate on this and how we
the customers. We have instituted
teams for outbound programs in
are working towards it?
proper man-mapping – we keep a
which the teams network and also
track on when meetings between
learn the techniques of how to repair
We have customers (OEMs) all across
Bosch and the customers happen and
and maintain the vehicle. The idea is
India. When choosing suppliers,
who are the personnel involved. We
to build trust in relationships, and not
these customers consider factors
send a quarterly newsletter called
just communicate virtually.
such as: who are the best, easiest to
InnoWaves, which covers innovative
sell and easiest to work with. Bosch is
developments and business
These are the various initiatives
a company which is the market leader
milestones, to all key stakeholders
which we have undertaken as part of
therefore we are easy to sell, but we
of our OEMs. Building upon this, we
the customer-centric approach, and
also need to be easy to work with.
also have discussions at the operating
this has enabled us to bond with our
level on issues of delivery, quality,
customers on all steps of our journey.
One of the steps we have taken in this
and projects. These are held every
direction is to become a customer-
three months and once in six months
India is a market that is conscious
focused organization. We have
with all the top customers. We have
about fuel consumption. At Bosch
dedicated key accounts for our
top-leadership meetings, which are
India, how are our offerings
most important customers. We have
attended by the customers and Bosch
positioned with regard to fuel
ensured that in the case of foreign
senior management.
emission and consumption?
Managers (KAMs) who speak the
Further, we also hold Technology
India will always remain a fuel
customer’s language to facilitate
Days at our customers’ premises
conscious market. Also, from 2016
better communication. These key
and we display all our competencies
onwards, we expect regulations that
accounts are co-located at the
and technologies. We have set up
impose CO2 limits to be implemented.
customer headquarters in India.
learning centers for new technologies
Star ratings that depend on fuel
for our major customers. For
economy will also be rolled out.
companies, we have Key Account
We have also located associates
example, at TATA Motors, in Pune,
from the Quality function in the
we have set up a learning center
To ensure that it is ready for these
manufacturing plants of these
related to Diesel Systems and Starters
changes, Bosch is working hard
customers so that they are able to nip
and Generators where we organize
on key initiatives and these are led
a problem in the bud and resolve it
training sessions for their employees
by Diesel Systems as they have the
before it is escalated. This has been
on Common Rail Systems. This gives
system know-how and capability.
appreciated by all our top customers
them an opportunity to know more
Starters and Generators and Gasoline
and they have asked other suppliers
about these systems and Bosch
Systems are supporting them in
to follow suit.
in general.
realizing these innovations.
Bosch India News | September 2014
In Focus | 21
Currently, Bosch offers very good
Another example where Bosch’s
very well on some of these factors
solutions that help reduce fuel
innovation has come to the fore is
and we are working on the others. We
consumption. We have a solution
in the tractor segment. India is a big
need to be as consistent in the future
where there’s a switch by which the
tractor market and one constant
as we have been in the past and this
car goes into an eco or fuel saving
complaint that tractor users have
will enable us to stand apart.
mode. Besides this, we were also the
is with starters. They are unable
first and the only ones to introduce
to function in water-logged areas
I view Bosch as one of the few
the start-stop technology, in which
when water enters and damages the
companies that has the ability to
Bosch is a pioneer. Gasoline Systems
starters. Here we have come up with
make tolerances of microns in
have come up with the e-clutch,
the sealed starter concept and the
millions on a sustainable basis.
which offers an opportunity to
initial trials are almost complete.
We are also a young and vibrant
company. So I think we are on a very
conserve fuel. Our Starters and
Generators colleagues are reducing
As the installation rate of ABS in
good wicket to ensure that we seize
the weight of starters and alternators,
passenger cars is rapidly growing, we
opportunities and continue to be
thus improving the efficiency of
have localized it. But it is needed more
the benchmark against which our
alternators and reducing the
for two wheelers as they are more
competitors are measured.
fuel consumption.
unsafe, especially on Indian roads. At
high speeds there is always a danger
How has the Indian automotive
Our customers will be able to realize
of wheel locking. For this too, we
industry shaped up over the past
fuel savings of 8-10% when they
have an India-specific ABS concept.
two decades? What do you think
adopt combinations of the various
There are two channels for two wheel
about its future path?
innovations that we have to offer.
braking, but there is also one channel
which is for single wheel braking. This
In the early 1990s, you would have
What are your thoughts about
innovation will promote affordable
seen the same kind of cars on the
innovation at Bosch India and
safety for two wheeler riders.
roads. As a customer, you did not
what are we doing to address the
have much choice and you had to wait
What are the various factors that
for a few months before you got your
drive competition in the Indian
car. But I think India has come a
Bosch has developed innovative
automotive market and which of
long way.
solutions developed at the global
these do you think are the most
level and we have transferred these to
important?
country’s unique challenges?
A good thing about the Indian car
market is that it is, for the most part,
our Indian customers. We also have
innovations that are India-specific,
The main challenge OEMs face is that
indigenous. It has been developed
which are a result of our deep insight
everybody wants more for less. The
and manufactured locally, which
into the market and working together
other challenge is that because of
means that repair is affordable.
with our customers.
the intense competition, the time to
India is also becoming a hub for
market for new models has to be
small cars and we have gained global
very short.
recognition for this. Major global
For example, the thermal cut-off
OEMs are manufacturing in India and
switch came about because of a
they are doing fairly well.
problem that Indian truck drivers
OEMs are looking for suppliers who
faced. Whenever his vehicle stalled,
are able to cope with the rapid speed
the truck driver inched forward to
of constantly changing requirements.
As we move forward and cars
the next service center through a
They want suppliers to think like
become more affordable, there will
series of starts and stops that puts
OEMs. Today, as the automotive
be a deluge of buyers. This will lead
an additional load on the starter.
market has grown, Indian suppliers
to India becoming a much bigger
As a result of this action, the starter
have come of age and have
manufacturing hub for the majority of
burned out. This led to Bosch
gone global.
the OEMs, both local and global.
developing the thermal cut-off switch,
where if you are starting beyond a
The focal areas of success for Bosch
certain limit, it would automatically
as a supplier are global quality,
cut-off the starter motor’s functioning
faster localization, and harmonious
and prevent overheating.
industrial relationships. We score
22 | Event
Bosch India News | September 2014
The 11th Bosch India Communication
Workshop held in Bangalore
"Increase brand awareness and create fascination for Bosch products." Dr. Steffen Berns (RBIN/P)
In a world where there are torrents
information overload, heterogeneous
The workshop guest facilitators
of content being delivered through
workforce and boundless options
- Dr. Falguni Vasavada-Oza
multiple channels to consumers, how
for the consumers create an
(Associate Professor at MICA) and
could a brand like Bosch possibly
ambiguity around the impact and
Mr. Arijit Sengupta (Head-Group
cut through the clutter and get its
effectiveness of communication. He
Communications at L&T Finance
message across to its stakeholders?
concluded by stating that the new
Holdings Ltd. and Visiting Faculty at
This was the question that dominated
format of the workshop aimed to
MICA and IIM Bangalore) steered the
the two-day communication
inform and update the Bosch India
workshop with their subject matter
workshop held in Bangalore on
communicators on the contemporary
expertise and industry
August 4 and 5, 2014. Communicators
topics of communication and
relevant insights.
from across Bosch divisions and
help in understanding and
locations gathered to get insight into
executing their roles in an
Highlights and key topics discussed
this conundrum from experts from
impactful manner.
during the conference:
Mudra Institute of Communications
• Case studies on international
Ahmedabad (MICA), one of India's
One of the highlights of the workshop
brands that reworked their brand
premier communication management
was Dr. Steffen Berns' (RBIN/P)
architecture and positioning
institutes. This format was a
keynote address in which he
departure from the previously held
emphasized the communicator's
media landscape - customizing
conferences. The presence of guest
role in positioning the Bosch brand
content and selecting right media
faculty and their wealth of industry
in the current environment. He
for the fragmented
and domain knowledge elevated the
detailed his expectations from the
target audience
standard of discourse and facilitated
communications teams, stressing on
a cohesive exchange of ideas between
their role in increasing Bosch brand
the TG as a differentiating factor
the internal stakeholders and
awareness and taking responsibility
in a highly competitive market
external experts.
to create fascination for the Bosch
• Content marketing and changing
• Using 'emotional connect' with
• Changing concept of Corporate
products. At the Bosch HQ, a new
Social Responsibility (CSR) to
The two-day workshop began
corporate positioning and internal
Cause-Related Marketing
with Mr. Dhiraj Singh (C/CCR-IN)
messages (House of Orientation) are
setting the context. He elucidated
under development. In view of this,
brand ambassadors
that in today's complex, highly
the communication function will
connected and ever-evolving world,
play a vital role in getting the new
communication - speed and
communicators face a number of new
messages effectively transported
planning are key to effective
challenges. Factors such as economic
across to all internal and external
crisis communication
uncertainty, impending crisis,
stakeholders through well-planned
rapid expansion of digital media,
and strategic initiatives.
age consumers, their changing
• Employees as the new-age
• Crisis management and
• Insights into the minds of new
Bosch India News | September 2014
Event | 23
Participants during the workshop
lifestyles, preferences, for collaboration, becoming content
consumption habits and media
champions and communicating
selection
specialness of the Bosch Brand. Mr.
Peter Feldmann (C/CCB), Bosch Global
• In the age of 'screenagers' -
digital channels becoming
- Brand Head, further elaborated on
imperative for media planners
the importance of brand development
and communicating the new brand
India can better leverage social media
to promote the brand, the need for
internal communications to be a twoway dialogue, and how a collaborative
approach can help communicators
create a unified image of the Bosch
brand in the country.
Detailing expectations from
positioning of Bosch post its
communicators in a country as
global rollout.
As we enter the new age of
video messages - Dr. Christoph
An hour of debate and discussion
Communications team envisions
Zemelka, the new head of Corporate
rounded out the concluding day of
Communications - Bosch Group (w.e.f
the workshop. During this session,
October 1, 2014) stressed on the need
participants discussed how Bosch
diverse as India, through special
communication, the Corporate
embarking on a journey to further
enhance the image and reputation of
this 'special' company in India.
The Bosch India team of communicators along with Dr. Berns and the guest faculty at the workshop
24 | Event
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch renews its commitment to mitigating
climate change
Recent bouts of extreme and
unexpected weather coupled with
the latest research findings from the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) shows that to mitigate
the effects of climate change, urgent
actions need to be taken on national
and individual levels. This World
Environment Day (WED) the United
Nations Environment Program (NEP)
threaten the existence of several
20 percent, and improve energy
small island states around the world.
efficiency by 20 percent by 2020.
Low lying coastal areas in countries
such as India also face severe
Back in 1973, Bosch made its
threats due to rise in sea levels,
commitment to protecting the
showing that climate change can do
environment part of its
irreparable damage to the way of life
corporate principles.
for millions of people. Increasing
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions
Worldwide, Bosch is focusing on
and CO2 levels are the main culprits
developing energy-efficient products
for this phenomenon that is further
and processes in all divisions, while
accelerated by deforestation, energy
promoting the use of renewable
consumption from
energies. It is taking a low-carbon,
of runaway climate change.
non-renewable sources.
resource-efficient and socially
The slogan for WED 2014, ‘Raise your
Environment protection at Bosch is
chose the theme of the melting ice
caps to highlight the vulnerability of
the planet to the irreversible effects
voice, not the sea level’, emphasized
the need to mitigate human actions
which are warming the sea, melting
ice at faster rates than ever before
in the Arctic and raising sea water
levels. UNEP chose the theme to
underscore the fact that rising waters
responsible approach to business.
a binding global agreement
On World Environment Day this year,
Bosch associates took part in a series
Bosch takes the European
of campaigns aimed at promoting
Commission's 20/20/20 formula
green initiatives and climate change
as its guideline, aiming to cut CO2
awareness. For a week, from June 2 to
emissions by 20 percent, increase
June 7, the following activities were
the share of renewable energies to
held across Bosch India:
Bosch India News | September 2014
Event | 25
Bangalore plant associates resolving to act responsibly
Vehiclepooling Initiative
getting destroyed leading to loss of
colleagues felicitated key
the biodiversity. A group of workmen
suppliers who complied with ‘best
Irrespective of number of passengers
and M&SS from BanP got their hands
environmental practices’. Schneider
in the car, every car on the road is
dirty, for a good cause by coming
Electric, High Temp Furnances and
emitting harmful pollutants. In an
forward and participating in the
Industrial Metal Finishers were
attempt to make associates aware
sapling plantation drive, held at the
amongst the suppliers who were
of the hazards and to roll out a
new Bidadi construction site. This half
felicitated. The event was concluded
more effective and environment
day event began by welcoming the
with a speech by Gopikumar A
friendly method of commuting, a
participants by giving them a short
(BanP/PC) on eco-friendly practices
‘vehiclepooling’ drive was initiated
brief on the WED theme followed by
adopted in 2013 and challenges
across all Bosch facilities in India. The
information by the horticulturist on
for 2014.
drive encouraged associates not only
the campus landscape as well as the
to carpool but also use alternative
plants and various species of trees
WED 2014 saw a beginning of
modes of conveyance like public
(around 750) to be planted there.
many small practices that are
transport, using company bus, opting
Around 40 saplings were planted
otherwise ignored due to hectic
for a bike ride and even
during the event at the entrance
daily activities. However, it is only
cycling to work!
of the facility.
through sustainable actions that
Go Green – Sapling Plantation
Strengthening supplier
impact on the environment. Let’s take
relationships
a pledge to keep the environment
human beings can make a positive
Around 61,500,000 trees are
clean and continue to make positive
deforested/destructed every year
In a first time initiative to promote
to make paper. With the increasing
‘green supply chain management’,
demand for paper, natural forests are
Bosch CP/TSC along with HSE
contributions in ways big and small!
The green team: Sapling plantation at the new manufacturing location at Bidadi (L) and associates signing up for the vehiclepooling initiative (R)
26 | Bosch Impact
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch pushes for safe driving in India
their technologically advanced
products. The discerning Indian
customer is willing to pay the price
for superior technology but shirks
at the thought of paying a small
premium for critical life-saving
technology such as the ABS, ESP or
even airbags. Just about 25% of all
vehicles sold in India are equipped
with such devices, a majority of them
installed on expensive vehicles.
The lack of awareness on the
importance of vehicle safety
technology has created a lopsided
demand curve where a customer is
fine with compromising his life for
Here’s an eye-opening fact: five of
state of vehicle safety in India, a
India’s most popular small cars in the
country which has the dubious
Indian market last year (including
distinction of highest road fatalities
the Tata Nano and the Hyundai i10)
globally. A whopping 135,000 lives
have failed crash tests performed
are lost on roads each year in India
by London based car-safety
where an accident takes place almost
supervisory body Global NCAP (New
every minute, according to a National
Car Assessment Programme). The
Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.
assessments’ conclusions showed
that the safety features in these
While India has proactively
Indian cars were “20 years behind the
implemented stricter emission
five-star standards now common in
norms, it has so far lagged behind
Europe and North America”.
most of its peers in adopting safety
mechanisms on-board a vehicle. This
The Society of Indian Automobile
is evident by the glaring fact that two
Manufacturers (SIAM) addresses
binary safety technologies – Antilock
this critical issue through its annual
Braking System (ABS) and Electronic
Society for Automotive Fitness &
Stability Program (ESP)—are yet to be
Environment (SAFE) convention in
made mandatory in India.
Bangalore, which usually sees many
saving a small premium.
In their bid to make Indian roads
safer, Bosch, the pioneer in
automotive innovation has been
taking the lead to create awareness on
life-saving technologies that are vital
to reduce fatal accidents. Earlier this
year, the Ministry of Road Transport
& Highways had made anti-lock
braking system or ABS mandatory for
all new commercial vehicles hitting
the road from 2015.
India is one of the top 10 vehicle
makers globally. However, it fairs
lowest on safety parameters. For a
market that is bound to take stronger
and bigger leaps, a sustainable future
hinges on its ability to make mobility
safer for millions of its consumers.
international road safety experts
“If every car was equipped with
participating. Organized by SIAM,
ABS, 1 in 5 (20%) of all car accidents
the theme of the convention this
could be avoided,” said Navin Paul,
year was ‘Safety: Bringing Policy
Executive Vice President, Bosch
& Practice Together.’ Speakers
India, at the Convention.
• Every 4 minutes a person dies
safety features in Indian vehicles
The ambiguity about safety standards
• There were 490,383 accidents
and loopholes in motor vehicle laws.
is even more alarming for a market
Apart from Bosch, representatives
that is set to become the third biggest
from Nissan also shared information
in the world by 2020. Global auto
on their safety technology. The
makers are making a beeline to
experts deliberated on the dismal
impress the Indian customer with
expressed concern over the lack of
Why Indian automobile
companies and buyers need to
care about road safety
in a road accident
in India in 2012 in which
138,258 people died
• 25.1 % of all accidents involved
2 wheelers, the highest among
all vehicle categories
Profile | 27
Bosch India News | September 2014
V.K. Viswanathan: Keep the faith, get ready
and be ‘fit for the future’
The 62nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Bosch Limited was a first in many ways.
Addressing shareholders for the first time as the new chairman of Bosch Limited, a position
he took up on July 01, 2013, V K Viswanathan welcomed first timers Mr. Peter Tyroller,
member of the Bosch board of management, who succeeded Dr. Bernd Bohr, and
Mr. Franz Hauber who joined the Board as an alternate director to Mr. Peter Tyroller with
effect from January 1st, 2014. On the occasion of the AGM, we caught up with
V.K. Viswanathan, fondly and famously referred to as VKV, in a free-wheeling interview.
VKV shared his thoughts on encouraging learning and sharing, Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR), expectations from the new government and a lot more.
In your previous interview
been learning; the Group has been
thoughts on the triple bottom-
with the Bosch India News you
operating successfully for over 127
line approach, where they state
stressed on the need to 'constantly
years and in India for more than
that a company’s priority is solely
learn.’How in your opinion can
60 years.
not just the shareholder, but all
corporates’ foster a spirit of open
three stakeholders- shareholders,
and transparent exchange of ideas
Another success factor is our
and encourage education? Do you
offerings that are so varied, it caters
believe that there should be closer
to the requirements of both the high-
Professionally, I am of the opinion
ties between corporates’ and
end and mid-segment ranges, and
that irrespective of such a law being
education institutes to upgrade the
solutions such as these can only be
mandated or not, we should behave
quality of innovation in India?
offered when we are continuously
in a responsible and conscious
learning. And one can learn from
manner. It is only justified that we
A successful organization is one that
customers, end consumers, suppliers,
invest a small portion of what we
is constantly learning, renewing and
parent company, educational
gain from the society back into it,
reinventing itself. Conditions change,
institutes and young engineers.
thus strengthening our grassroots.
markets change, technologies change
associates and society?
Personally, I believe that charity
and competition too changes, in that
Learning from educational institutes
and responsible behavior should
environment we need to keep abreast
and young engineers is crucial,
come from within rather than
with the changes and times.
thus highlighting the need for tie-
being mandated through legislative
ups with reputed engineering and
compulsions. That said, given that it
And as a sexagenarian organization
management institutes. It is one
is now a law certainly more number
in India, how do we keep abreast
of the key reasons as to why we
of underprivileged and needy people
with those changes?
tied-up with the Indian Institute of
can be helped.
Science, Bangalore. Increasingly
Well, a prerequisite to that would be
corporates’ in India need to tie-up
Bosch of course has been at the
to keep an open mind. It means not
with educational institutes to develop
forefront of CSR activities, well
just being aware about the current
quality and futuristic technology, this
before discussions about the
megatrends, but also to posses the
collaborative approach will indeed
implementation of such a legislation
right judgment in order to assess
help us in the long run.
came into existence. Bosch has been
what the probable developments in
investing and developing areas in and
the future would be like. Judgment
Given the large inequity in the
around its plants such as Bangalore,
when backed by experience and
country, India has brought in a
Nashik and Jaipur, among others.
foresight can help us prepare
law that states companies have to
ourselves to meet future challenges.
spend two percent of their profits
At Bosch we intrinsically believe that
Bosch for decades has been an
towards CSR. In your opinion is
apart from offering beneficial and
organization that has constantly
it a good idea? Also what are your
quality solutions that would help us
28 | Profile
Bosch India News | September 2014
meet the demands of the customer,
power for the next five years thus
How do you perceive the rest of
we also need to work towards
promising us reasonable amount of
2014 to perform, especially the
creating a sustainable and long-term
stability and certainty. Going by the
automotive industry?
difference in the society. In that
pronouncements of the government
direction we voluntarily established
post election, by various cabinet
The automotive industry has seen
a foundation called the ‘Bosch India
ministers, give us much reason for
the worst of times, though one cannot
Foundation’ (BIF). Five Bosch group
hope and optimism, and I too share
expect a turnaround in the next
companies in India contribute
this sentiment.
couple of months; I however do see
some recovery beginning October.
a portion of their profits to the
initiatives driven by BIF. Clearly, the
Apart from framing forward looking
The automotive industry has rather
thought to be a proactive citizen has
policies and reform measures, I
faced a prolonged slowdown for the
come from within and we continue to
strongly believe that India needs to
past two years caused by many factors
play a very meaningful role through
turnaround and turnaround quickly
such as sluggish economy, high fuel
our CSR initiatives.
in its economic progress. The last
prices and escalating interest rates
two-three years have seen our growth
among others.
With respect to the three-pronged
rate hover at around sub-five percent
approach our associates still continue
in real growth terms. Given the size
I believe things are about to get better
to be our most important and valued
and potential of our country we
as we look forward to the revival of
asset, and Bosch has always taken
need to increase this by at least two
the auto industry given factors such
great care of its associates. It is
percentage points, thus highlighting
as the pent up demand of the last few
through the constant effort and
the need for tough decision making,
years, and the expected turnaround
dedication of our associates that
need for clear agenda setting in terms
in sentiment and confidence level can
we have been highly competitive,
of economic policies and strong
help us regain our growth trajectory.
produced quality goods and have
leadership skills.
I foresee better growth momentum
during the second half of the fiscal
been in tune with the present and
future requirements of the market.
Personally, I am an optimist and the
year (October 2014-March 2015)
None of this would be possible
recently concluded elections give us
that will continue onto 2016, and this
without their support and Bosch in
a platform to initiate and implement
growth is most likely to be led by the
India constantly works towards their
policies that will facilitate growth,
commercial vehicle and passenger
development by offering quality
higher employment, curb
car segments.
training and development programs
inflation and create an investor
and opportunities to work abroad,
friendly environment.
Your message to associates on how
to successfully tide over the current
apart from other benefits.
That said, India as a country is by and
business scenario
For our shareholders, we need to
large a sentiment driven economy and
ensure that we provide them with
we urgently need to have an upturn
Keep the faith, get ready and be
adequate returns on the capital
of sentiments. This necessitates
‘fit for the future.’
they have invested. We need to treat
the pronouncement of broad
them fairly and equitably apart from
policy measures backed by actions
Eventually when the economy does
living up to their expectations. At
creating a high level of confidence
turnaround, it will be sharper and we
Bosch Limited, we look forward to
and optimism, which would therein
need to be ready to capitalize on the
delivering long-term value to all
lead to a dramatic turnaround in the
opportunities that lie ahead of us. For
our stakeholders.
investment and sentiment climate.
that, we presently need to keep
Simultaneously, the supply side of the
our faith, be confident and be
What do you make of the recently
economy also needs to be improved
‘fit for the future.’
concluded Lok Sabha elections?
given the high inflation we see mainly
What are your expectations from
driven by the escalating fuel and
the BJP-Led NDA government?
food prices.
With the conclusion of the general
Overall, I am optimistic that we can
elections this May, we have a
look forward to better and happier
government that is likely to be in
days in the future.
Snippets | 29
Bosch India News | September 2014
News at a glance: What's been happening
in Bosch India
Communication managers responsible
for APAC & ASEAN countries converged
at the 3rd Bosch Asia Pacific (APAC)
Communication Conference held
in February at Jakarta, Indonesia to
understand the current unique trends and
prepare the next steps to stay in sync with
the inevitable transformation of the APAC
region. The Bosch India communication
team was awarded for its well executed
World Environment Day 2013 campaign
which promoted measures to alleviate
hunger across India.
The legendary Nashik Run, which Bosch
has been funding since the beginning, once
again invited more than 20,000 participants
who ran on a 5 km stretch starting from
Mahatma Nagar in the city of Nashik. The
run, now in its 12th year, took up the baton
to uplift the underprivileged and also
spread the message of healthy living
in the city.
Bosch strongly believes in the safety of its
employees at work places. The National Fire
Service Week which falls in mid-April was
observed at all the Bosch India plants. Fire
safety trainings and mock drills did their
best to drive home the ‘Safety first’ message.
Initiative such as recording near-miss and
minor incidents and sharing them with
associates online has resulted in a significant
decrease in fire accident rate at Bosch India.
As part of skill development initiatives and
to tap future opportunities in the industrial
automation sector, Bosch Rexroth India has
set up a ‘Centre of Excellence in Automation
Technologies’ at College of Engineering,
Thiruvananthapuram and a ‘Centre of
Competence’ at Gov. Polytechnic
Kalamassery, in collaboration with the
Higher Education Dept., Gov. Of Kerala. The
centres have world class infrastructure with
state-of-the-art technologies, equipment
and well-trained faculty.
Bosch Power Tools India took its business to
the next level of performance with the rollout of the IPOSplus Program, an end-to-end
business solution which helps perform a
range of tasks and functions even more effectively. The program will facilitate
associates with time-saving and
effort-saving options.
‘4Es for Women’ program empowered
women associates with strategies necessary
to maximize their professional potential as
part of this year’s International Women’s
Day initiatives at Bosch India. ‘Energy,
energize, execute, edge’ were the 4Es
around which the workshop centered and
contained insights and training modules.
A small function was also organized by
the Diversity Team with power-packed
presentations and entertainment sessions.
On August 9, 2014, in Verna, Goa, the
Packaging Technology division celebrated
the PAIV manufacturing site’s 2nd
anniversary. Bosch associates found a
creative way to mark this milestone. Ashok
Gourish (PA/PA-IN), Business Head –
PAIV, delivered the keynote address and
congratulated everyone on this milestone.
He also asked that associates continue to
be focused and work as a team to achieve
organizational goals.
Many of the assembled associates, who
had witnessed the move from Bangalore to
Goa in 2007 and then again in 2012 to PAIV
shared their stories of this journey. Also
speaking at the event was Chandra Prasad R
(PA/ECF-IN), Business Unit Head – CF, who
shared his own experiences of the move to
the new facility.
30 | Snippets
Now in its second edition, “Best of Bangalore
– Innovation Edition‘, projects the revival
of the start-up buzz in India and focuses
on the innovations pioneered by the key
businesses across various sectors. Bosch,
which was one of the oldest multinational
companies to set up operations in
Bangalore, has been recognized for its
contribution to the fields of Manufacturing,
Research and Development.
Bosch reaffirmed commitment and
confidence in the India growth story with
the announcement of planned investment
of Rs. 1200 crores in 2014. A new Research
and Technology Center was inaugurated
in Bangalore with the vision to expand the
activities of IT subsidiary Robert Bosch
Engineering and Business Solutions.
The Security Systems India division was
honoured with the EFY (Electronics For
You) Readers’ Choice Award, 2013 for
the second year in a row under the CCTV
Cameras category. In the 10th edition award
ceremony, the division was chosen amongst
leading players in the industry such as
Panasonic, HIKVision and Samsung.
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch Limited celebrated the completion of
its one-millionth rail (used in common rail
systems) production in March 2014. This
milestone was achieved within a short span
of just four years ever since the first rail was
manufactured in 2010. This achievement
highlights the increasing demand for
Bosch common rail technology in India,
especially due to its fuel saving and optimal
functionalities for diesel vehicles.
Bosch Automotive Electronics India was
awarded the Technovation 2013 award
for the 'Best Electronics Manufacturing
Company‘ at the 9th Vision Summit
International Conference held at Bangalore.
These awards honour stalwarts in the
industry and academia who have furthered
the growth and development of the
electronics and semiconductor industry in
the country. Prabhu Panduranga M
(RBAI/GM AE/RP-IN) received the
prestigious award at the function.
Bosch India celebrated its first Diversity Day
in June, 2014. Flash mobs, games, cultural
events that reflected the diverse traditions
of India, a plethora of regional cuisine – all
combined together to show the rich and
varied backgrounds that Bosch
associates represent.
German Federal President Joachim Gauck
visited the ‘Bosch Vocational Center’ (BVC)
in Bangalore in February, 2014.
He acknowledged the importance of
vocational training and Bosch’s
admirable efforts towards demonstrating
responsibility to Indian society. He hailed
the company as a role model for
other businesses.
"With this portfolio expansion, we
consolidate our position in the energy
business as a ‘full-line solution provider,’
offering products, solutions and services,”
said Dr. Steffen Berns (RBIN/P) while
launching the new energy business division
in India, in February. Headquartered
in Bangalore, this facility is collectively
responsible for the Middle-East and
Asia regions.
In a week-long donation drive, associates
and their families from Bosch Chassis
Systems India, Chakan, put together a
sizeable collection of more than 300 clothes
and donated them to Hope Foundation. The
clothes were useful for over 150 families of
migrant workers from a slum in Koregaon
Park, Pune.
31 | Snippets
On August 6, 2014, associates at Chassis
Systems (CC) were in high spirits as they
celebrated ten years of production of two
essential brake system components - NOAH
Booster and Tandem Master Cylinder
(TMC 8), and the completion of series
production of one million Anti-Lock
Braking System (ABS) units.
At the event, Mr. Dirk Hoheisel (G42) gave a
short presentation, covering topics such as
global economic growth, Bosch’s business
situation, the future of mobility and the high
rates of accidents in India that underscored
the need for safety features like the ABS.
Bosch India News | September 2014
The theme of this year’s CSR Live Week,
now in its fourth year, was “CSR & National
Goals - Towards Shared Value”. Through
participation in such a large-scale CSR
oriented event, Bosch had the opportunity
to showcase its CSR projects and initiatives,
socially responsible and sustainable
business practices, and demonstrate its
commitment to sustainable development
in India. The event was also an invaluable
opportunity to directly engage with
important stakeholders such as non-profit
organizations, media, investors and others.
At the CSR Live Week event, Bosch Limited
was present as one of the key sponsors
along with other leading conglomerates
such as Aditya Birla Group, Wockhardt
Hospital, and Jindal Steel and Power
Limited. The company was one of more than
100 participants at the event.
Bosch India and Startupbootcamp in
association with StartupWave, an online
incubation platform, hosted Startup Pitch
Day, on August 20,2014, in Bangalore.
Startups from all over India applied for
the contest, trying their luck in one of
three categories – Energy, Healthcare
and Transportation. The winning
team from Cubito, a cloud-based SaaS
company providing transport solutions
for organizations, walked away with a
two week fully paid trip to join in and
observe the Startupbootcamp Berlin Smart
Transportation and Energy program in
action.
Bosch India, under the aegis of New
Business Initiatives (NBT), has been working
with startups across the globe to incubate
and commercialize new businesses. The
recently launched Bosch eye care solution
was a result of this initiative.
On Sunday, August 24, 2014, the Snap
Run Marathon, organized by Snap Fitness
in association with Multiple Sclerosis
Society of India (MSSI), was flagged off at
Freedom Park, Bangalore. More than a 1000
enthusiastic Bangaloreans ran both the 5 km
and 10 km runs on a wonderfully breezy and
cloudless morning.
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of India
(MSSI), established in 1985 and housed at
Bosch, is working for persons suffering from
Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In Bangalore, MSSI
supports about 230 MS patients with free
medicines, physiotherapy and equipments.
Every year, during the annual Bosch Sports
Day, the company holds a special raffle draw
that raises funds for MSSI.
To meet the rising demand for construction
solutions in the booming metropolis of
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Bosch Power Tools, in
collaboration with Phoenix Agencies, has
opened the first Bosch System Specialist
store that caters exclusively to the industry.
Mr. Gautham Panchu, the driving force
behind Phoenix Agencies, was the first
to spot the market opportunity for
such a concept.
Located on bustling Mount Road in the heart
of Chennai’s commercial district, the store
has already seen a good number of walk-in
customers and a steady flow of Bosch brand
loyalists looking for tools and expert advice
on the best solution for their construction
requirements. The store also has a special
Health and Safety section which details the
many health and safety aspects of Bosch’s
power tools.
At the recently concluded 40th edition of
the AIMA National Competition for Young
Managers (NCYM), Bosch India continued
its successful run at the annual competition,
with a team comprising Vijay Jangid
(RBIN/ ICO), Sylvi Nazareth (JaP/MFN)
and Charul Jain (JaP/FCM) being adjudged
the winners. Another team from Bosch,
mentored by Mr. Vijay Pandey (PT/SAI),
comprising Padma Shanbhag (RBIN/TAX-I),
Mobin Joseph (GS/ENG-IN) and Mamta
Ashar (CP/PUC), was named the second
runner-up. Ms. Nazareth also won the
coveted Best Young Manager title.
This is the fourth year running that RBIN
has achieved these accolades – a testament
to the company’s dedication to cultivating
and encouraging young managerial talent.
Bosch India News | September 2014
Bosch India News invites news, views, stories, comments and suggestions with appropriate photos and captions from all of you. Please
send us your articles to the Editor, Bosch India News or e-mail us at bi.news@in.bosch.com before October 15, 2014 for the next issue.
Edited and published by Dhiraj Singh on behalf of Bosch Limited, Hosur Road, Adugodi, Bangalore 560 030. Reproduction of any article
from Bosch India News, without express permission of the editorial team is a violation of copyright.