Bosch Automotive R&D Centre marks 10 years of innovation

Dr. Burkhard Michaelis, head of the Bosch Automotive R&D Centre

Established in 2014 with a total investment of €36 million to date, the R&D centre has since continuously expanded until now with more than 120 engineers. It has become pivotal in Bosch’s global automotive strategy, nurturing local talent and making substantial contributions to the industry.

“Meeting customer expectations through customised and personalised solutions for both local and global markets has been the key to our success,” Michaelis said.

Initially focused on researching automotive technologies and developing the skills of the company’s workforce in Vietnam, the R&D centre has expanded its scope to lead regional product development from six years back to include electrical connectors for active safety and engine management systems, pushbelts for continuous variable transmission, and fuel supply components for petrol and diesel applications.

Additionally, in keeping up with the adoption of electric vehicles (EVS), the centre is increasingly developing components for electrified powertrains, supporting both battery-driven and fuel cell-driven technologies. The centre is stepping up to work on future core vehicle solutions, including electrification, hydrogen, and more.

Further units have been established in virtual engineering, AI, digitalisation, and technical evaluation of legal requirements for Bosch’s global target markets. The R&D centre offers virtual testing demonstrations for relevant business units, including internal combustion engine and emerging technologies like electrification and hydrogen.

Currently, AI is applicable across all business units. These units are integral to Bosch’s global development network, covering a broad range of automotive product portfolios.

Apart from driving technological advancements for two of Bosch’s automotive manufacturing plants in Vietnam and Thailand, the centre has also started development collaborations with other similar Bosch locations in Asia Pacific, Europe, North and South America.

Bosch Automotive R&D Centre marks its 10th year of innovation

Bosch opened its first representative office in Vietnam in 1994. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has grown to become one of Bosch’s largest operations in Southeast Asia, boasting over 6,250 employees engaged in manufacturing, R&D, sales, connected software, and services.

As an essential part of Bosch's presence in Vietnam, the R&D centre remains dedicated to advancing automotive technology and the high-tech industry.

Bosch has been investing in human resources development in Vietnam right from the start of its operations. To develop a highly skilled workforce for high-tech areas, especially the automotive technologies and software solutions, Bosch Vietnam is working with key universities. Bosch Vietnam has established over 12 partnerships with local universities to provide educational opportunities.

Through strategic partnerships, Bosch in Vietnam, including the Bosch Automotive R&D Centre, collaborates closely with universities on various initiatives, such as establishing the Bosch Automotive Lab at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, and the Bosch Transmission Lab at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education.

These facilities aim to enrich students’ education with advanced equipment and diversified curricula.

Moreover, experts from the centre actively participate in technical training programmes at these universities and organise joint technical competitions like the Bosch Future Mobility Challenge and Bosch Hackathons for young students. These collaborations expand educational horizons, stimulate innovation, and prepare the future talents for the automotive industry.

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