Bosch’s two-wheeler business grows faster than the market

The Bosch Two-Wheeler and Powersports business unit, based in Yokohama, Japan, continues to gain momentum in the global motorcycle market. Since the business unit was founded in April 2015, Bosch motorcycle technology sales have risen more than 20%.

In comparison, production volumes for motorized two-wheelers have grown by less than 5% over the same period. Demand for enhanced motorcycle safety and smart connectivity solutions is driving the business.

“The future of the motorcycle is not only safer but also more connected,” says Dirk Hoheisel, a member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH.

Around the world, the unit’s 160 associates – three times more than a year ago – can draw on a worldwide network of thousands of engineers and on the manufacturing capacity of the Mobility Solutions business sector. This places them in a very favorable position to meet future challenges.

Most growth will take place in Asia
“In 2020, we want to achieve sales of one billion euros in motorcycle technology,” Hoheisel says. In the future, Bosch will generate more than half these sales in Asia. Studies indicate that by 2021, the annual global production of two-wheelers will reach around 160 million units, nearly 90% of which will be made in China, India and Southeast Asia. This is roughly one-third more than today. Production volumes will predominantly comprise of small motorbikes and scooters with up to 250 cc displacement – the most common form of transport across much of Asia.

Bosch components cover the entire two-wheeler spectrum: from those in Asia’s lower price segment to powerful machines with over 1,000 cc displacement, demand for which is strongest in Europe, Japan and North America.

The portfolio includes safety systems, powertrain components for internal combustion engines and light electric vehicles, and interfaces for connecting motorcycles with smartphones, tablets, and connected services.

Desire for safety boosting business
As the market leader for motorcycle safety systems, Bosch offers a variety of solutions for one of the most pressing challenges of the global motorcycle market.

In Thailand and Indonesia, for example, some 21,000 people die in motorcycle accidents each year. Studies by Bosch accident research indicate that, if every two-wheeler were equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS), roughly one in four of these accidents could be prevented. As the anti-lock braking system stops the wheels from locking
up, riders remain in control of the motorcycle when braking. They can, therefore, react more quickly and without hesitation in hazardous situations.

Worldwide, more and more countries are mandating motorcycle ABS. For example, throughout the EU, all newly registered motorised two-wheelers with more than 125 cc displacement must be fitted with an anti-lock braking system from 2017.

Since 1995, Bosch has manufactured more than two million motorcycle ABS units. In 2013, Bosch developed MSC motorcycle stability control, the world’s first “all-in-one” safety system for two-wheelers. But it still sees room for further developments: with side view assist, Bosch has launched the world’s first rider assistance system for two-wheelers. When changing lanes, the assistant uses ultrasonic sensors to check for danger in the areas on either side of the bike – areas that are hard for the rider to see.