Press release. March 2014 PI 8479 PT BD

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1 Press release PI8479 Steady development in 2013 Bosch Power Tools successfully defends market leadership and sets course for further growth Great success with innovative products March 2014 PI 8479 PT BD Sales increase of three percent in local currency Focusing on strategic growth segments pays off More than 100 new products planned for 2014 Leinfelden The Bosch Power Tools Division held its ground in 2013 and, as in the previous year, achieved worldwide sales of 4.0 billion euros. Sales grew by three percent in local currency. At the same time, the market also grew by three percent to an overall volume of 25.4 billion euros. Even though our growth was severely affected by currency fluctuations in important regions in 2013, from a worldwide perspective we are still number one in the power tools, accessories, and measuring tools business segments, while for garden tools we place second, said division president Henning von Boxberg at the annual press conference in Leinfelden. In 2014, the division strives to grow further by continuing to focus on strategic growth areas such as cordless technology, measuring tools, and accessories, and by continuing to concentrate on emerging markets. In recent years, this strategy has enabled the division to consistently win share in developing markets, thus setting the course for continuous growth. The size of the workforce remained constant worldwide at about 19,000 associates in 37 locations. Proven Bosch quality for emerging markets Bosch Power Tools achieved strong growth in local currency above all in Latin America, with sales up by twelve percent in the past year. In its home and largest market, Europe, the division generated a sales increase of four percent over previous year. This was driven primarily by increasing demand in Russia where Bosch Power Tools grew at 14 percent twice as fast as the market. Launching products which are tailored to the needs of users Robert Bosch GmbH Postfach D Stuttgart Bettina.Dannenmann@bosch.com Phone Fax Corporate Communications, Brand Management, and Sustainability Senior Vice President: Uta-Micaela Dürig

2 PI8479 in emerging markets and taking into consideration the purchasing power in these markets has enabled us to succeed in winning market share, emphasized von Boxberg. In contrast to the Eastern, emerging markets, the Western European market was unable to register any growth in The important submarket for portable electric power tools and benchtop tools even declined by one percent, mainly due to unfavorable development in Southern Europe where the effects of the financial crisis were especially noticeable particularly in Spain and Italy. However, Bosch Power Tools expects these markets to recover slightly this year. In Asia, sales performed well with an increase of five percent despite the economic slowdown in China. Double-digit growth rates were achieved in various countries including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Bosch achieved this success thanks to market-driven products which are very much geared towards the needs of local professional users. Sales declined by three percent in North America. This decline was due to adverse weather conditions and the conscious decision by Bosch Power Tools to favor its own profitability over giving in to prevailing pricing pressure. All other regions developed positively. All in all, Bosch Power Tools generated about 90 percent of its sales outside of Germany. Success due to innovative products Innovative products are one of the guarantors for success at Bosch Power Tools. The cordless segment continues to be an important core segment. Whereas one in three tools was cordless in 2007, 43 percent of all power tools worldwide, now have a battery. Lithium-ion technology is still on the increase, though 83 percent of all cordless tools in Europe are already equipped with it. Bosch managed to strengthen its market leadership in the cordless segment again in This success is especially attributable to systems of tools which use the same interchangeable battery. These systems save users from having to purchase multiple batteries as multiple tools can be operated with a single battery. Bosch will again expand this range of system tools in Global market leadership was further strengthened in the measuring tools segment in While the market grew by eight percent, Bosch grew by 13 percent considerably faster than the market. This success can be largely attributed to the easy use of Bosch measuring tools, an important selling point both for do-it-yourselfers and professional tradespeople alike. Launched in the autumn of 2013, the PLR 15 laser rangefinder is as small as a marker pen. With its self-explanatory, single-button operation, it for the first time makes laser technology easily accessible to people who have little experience using measuring tools. Following on the success of the Page 2 of 4

3 PI8479 PLR 15, Bosch will launch the GLM 30 Professional onto the market in The GLM 30 is the DIY PLR 15 s professional counterpart, with a longer range adapted for professional users. A new tool for do-it-yourselfers is the PLL 2. It is the first cross line laser that can project lines at any required angle making it especially easy to level and align objects, and providing new creative possibilities. Although rarely a user focus, the right power tool accessories are intrinsically important for efficient work. Bosch grew in its accessories product area by five percent in 2013, which was nearly twice as fast as the market s three percent growth, thereby strengthening the market leadership in this heavily competitive segment. A range of innovative developments have been introduced to Bosch accessories to optimize the efficiency of the user s work. New products such as extra-long, plunge-cutting saw blades for removing windows with professional multi-cutters, and especially powerful saber saw blades with carbide technology will continue this development in Bosch Power Tools will launch more than 100 new products onto the market in Germany over the course of This innovative strength is an important basis for the success of the division, as is evidenced by the fact that some 35 percent of sales in 2013 were generated with products that had been launched onto the market less than two years beforehand. Press photos: 1-PT-19909, 1-PT Contact person for press inquiries: Robert Bosch GmbH Dr. Bettina Dannenmann Phone: Fax: The Power Tools Division of the Bosch Group is the world market leader for power tools, power tool accessories and measuring tools. In 2013, its roughly 19,000 associates generated sales of 4.0 billion euros, 90 percent of which outside of Germany. With brands such as Bosch, Skil and Dremel, the division stands for customer focus and great engineering progress. The core success factors are innovative strength and pace of innovation. The division generated about 35 percent of its sales in 2013 with products that have been on the market for less than two years. In 2014 Bosch Power Tools will again launch more than 100 new products onto the German market in its four business segments power tools, accessories, measuring tools and garden tools. Page 3 of 4

4 PI8479 The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, its roughly 281,000 associates generated sales of 46.4 billion euros in 2013 (Note: due to a change in the legal rules governing consolidation, the 2013 figures can only be compared to a limited extent with the 2012 figures). Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2013, Bosch applied for some 5,000 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group s products and services are designed to fascinate, and to improve the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. In this way, the company offers technology worldwide that is Invented for life. Additional information is available online at and Page 4 of 4

5 Press Photo 1-PT e PI8479 Bildtext Caption Weltmarkt Elektrowerkzeuge in Menge und Wert Wechselkursbereinigte Entwicklung World market for electric power tools by volume and value Development adjusted for currency effects Pressebild-Nr. Press Photo No. 1-PT e zu Presse-Information See Press Release PI8479 Nachdruck für redaktionelle Zwecke honorarfrei mit Vermerk Foto: Bosch Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit Picture: Bosch Alle Bosch-Pressebilder finden Sie unter You can find all Bosch press photos at

6 Press Photo 1-PT e PI8479 Bildtext Caption Weltmarkt Elektrowerkzeuge in Wert nach Regionen Wechselkursbereinigte Entwicklung World market for electric power tools by value and regions Development adjusted for currency effects Pressebild-Nr. Press Photo No. 1-PT e zu Presse-Information See Press Release PI8479 Nachdruck für redaktionelle Zwecke honorarfrei mit Vermerk Foto: Bosch Reproduction for press purposes free of charge with credit Picture: Bosch Alle Bosch-Pressebilder finden Sie unter You can find all Bosch press photos at

7 RF00219 March 19, 2014 RF e Bosch innovation creates markets Henning von Boxberg President of the Power Tools Division of Robert Bosch GmbH on the occasion of the press conference in Leinfelden on March 19, 2014 Check against delivery. Robert Bosch GmbH Postfach D Leinfelden-Echterdingen Communications Power Tools Phone: Fax: Corporate Communications, Brand Management, and Sustainability Senior Vice President: Uta-Micaela Dürig Press forum:

8 RF00219 Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bosch Power Tools Division generated sales of 4.0 billion euros in 2013, a result on the same level as the preceding year. Our sales development was negatively impacted by unfavorable currency effects, especially due to the weakening of exchange positions with Brazil, Turkey, South Africa, and India. After adjusting for currency effects, sales grew by three percent. We are still a model of great innovative strength. A total of 35 percent of our sales in 2013 was generated with products that were launched onto the market within the last two years. The size of our worldwide workforce remained constant at about associates in 37 locations. Sales development differed regionally. We achieved growth of four percent in Europe and five percent in Asia/Pacific, but sales in North America declined by three percent. This decline was due to adverse weather conditions and a conscious decision to favor profitability over giving in to prevailing pricing pressure. In the emerging Latin American market, however, we grew by twelve percent. In the power tools, accessories, and measuring tools business segments, we are the world market leader in value, while for garden tools we place second. Worldwide market growth of three percent Adjusted for currency effects, our market grew worldwide by three percent overall to a total 25.4 billion euros in The larger power tools and accessories markets both registered three percent growth. The measuring tools market grew at a much stronger rate of eight percent over previous year, while 2 of 7

9 RF00219 the market for electric garden tools, on the other hand, shrank by one percent. The highly important worldwide submarket for portable electric power tools and benchtop tools grew by four percent in volume to 220 million pieces and by three percent in value to 11.6 billion euros. This submarket grew in all regions except for Europe where it shrank by one percent, mainly due to declining development in Southern Europe where the effects of the financial crisis were noticeable in individual countries, especially Spain and Portugal. The regions North America, Asia/Pacific and Middle East/Africa each managed to grow by five percent. Latin America achieved a double-digit growth rate of ten percent. The cordless strategic growth segment The share of cordless power tools in the market is continually increasing, and we continue to strengthen our leading position by focusing on this strategic growth segment. Whereas one in three tools was cordless in 2007, nearly half of them now have a battery. Lithium-ion technology is still on the increase. Of all cordless tools in Europe, 83 percent are already equipped with it. This figure was still 52 percent in In 2013 we further strengthened our market leading share in the European cordless segment from a 2012 base of 32 percent. Users trust Bosch products. We have been a technology leader for lithium-ion tools since launching the Ixo in With this cordless screwdriver, we were the first manufacturer to launch a power tool with lithium-ion technology onto the market. Numerous other cordless products from Bosch were the first in their respective categories to use the innovative lithium-ion 3 of 7

10 RF00219 technology. Examples of these are the Rotak LI cordless lawnmower, the Uneo all-in-one cordless power tool, the Ciso pruning shears, the AHS LI hedgecutter, the PSR Select cordless screwdriver with integrated bit cylinder, and the Indego robotic mower with navigation system for systematic mowing in parallel lines. Our unending enhancement of cordless technology drives us to apply our innovative strength to solve the problems of our users, including both tradespeople and do-it-yourselfers alike. For example, tradespeople can use our powerful and compact cordless tools to work freely without an annoying cord and without having to constantly recharge their battery. With our Power4All cordless system, do-it-yourselfers no longer have to buy and store a battery and a charger for each of their tools. One battery and one charger are enough for all power tools within a given voltage class. Success with easy-to-use measuring tools We have also further strengthened our market leadership in measuring tools. While the market grew by eight percent, Bosch grew by 13 percent considerably faster than the market. As a result, in 2013 we further increased our market share from a 2012 basis of 21 percent. We offer professional tradespeople simple solutions for complex processes. For example, the GLM 100 C Professional laser rangefinder enables a tradesperson to easily measure without the assistance of another tradesman, and to save the results to a marked photo on his or her smartphone. Its exceptionally easy handling also makes this tool attractive to first-time users of this technology. 4 of 7

11 RF00219 We have also been able to win over many new DIY users with our handy, easy-to-operate measuring tools. Our PLR 15 laser rangefinder, for example, has for the first time made laser technology accessible to people who have little experience with using measuring tools thanks to its self-explanatory, singlebutton operation. Strong growth with accessories The accessories market is also an area of particular strategic focus for us. Whereas this market grew worldwide by three percent in 2013, Bosch achieved a growth of almost double that rate, growing by five percent. Our market share has continually increased in recent years and we further strengthened our 2012 market leading twelve percent share (in value) in In the accessories market we continue to focus on differentiation, innovation, and presentation. Through our portfolio of strong brands, we are able to offer tailor-made solutions for do-it-yourselfers, tradespeople, and industry. We use our innovative strength in the accessories segment to increase application effectiveness and therefore also the efficiency of the user s work. With clearly arranged, self-explanatory, and attractive product presentations we make it easier for the user to find the right accessory for the task at hand, and we help retailers to increase sales. Success in emerging markets We are also dedicated to further developing our sales and the state of the industry in emerging markets such as China, India, Brazil or Russia. In the area of portable electric power tools and benchtop tools, these markets grew in total by seven percent 5 of 7

12 RF00219 in Our sales, however, grew by eleven percent, well ahead of the market and therefore indicating a further increase over our 2012 market share of 27 percent. In Russia we even managed to grow twice as fast as the market to achieve a sales increase of 14 percent, therefore successfully further increasing upon our 2012 market share of 20 percent. Launching products which are tailored to the needs of users in emerging markets and taking into consideration the purchasing power in these markets has enabled us to succeed in winning market share. For example, we offer a cordless drill/driver for professional users in Russia, which has a narrower range of features than the tools offered in industrialized markets, but is robust and reliable to work with. Its charging time is longer, its torque lower, the chuck is smaller and it does not have convenience features such as an LED light or a belt clip. However, because of these feature adaptations it costs less than half that of a comparable cordless drill/driver which we sell in markets with higher purchasing power and feature focus. In Russia, we currently offer a total of ten such products which are tailored to the needs of users in emerging markets including rotary hammers, angle grinders, an impact drill, a hand-held circular saw, a jigsaw, and a dust extractor. Forecast We will again launch more than 100 new products onto the German market in These launches will come across the power tools, accessories, measuring tools, and garden tools segments, and will once again create new markets and amaze users. Our goal is to strengthen our leading position by again growing faster than the market and wining additional share in 6 of 7

13 RF00219 what will surely be a tough, competitive environment. We will do so by relying on systematic analysis of user needs, the innovative strength of our associates, and our customer s trust in our strong brands. 7 of 7

14 RF00220 March 19, 2014 RF e Easy do-it-yourself with Bosch Henning von Boxberg President of the Power Tools Division of Robert Bosch GmbH on the occasion of the press conference in Leinfelden on March 19, 2014 Check against delivery. Robert Bosch GmbH Postfach D Leinfelden-Echterdingen Communications Power Tools Phone: Fax: Corporate Communications, Brand Management, and Sustainability Senior Vice President: Uta-Micaela Dürig Press forum:

15 RF00220 Ladies and Gentlemen, Bosch continues to be successful in the European market for DIY tools. Whilst the market stagnated, we registered disproportionately high growth of five percent and managed to further increase our market share of 38 percent 1 with power tools from the Bosch and Skil brands in Our products are penetrating the market: 16 of the 20 best-selling power tools in European homecenters are from Bosch. Understanding do-it-yourselfers supporting do-it-yourselfers This success is based on our great innovative strength and our aim of knowing and meeting the needs of do-it-yourselfers. We very closely follow what it is that do-it-yourselfers want, and develop products to meet these wants. Doing things yourself so that you can be proud of your own achievement, expressing yourself creatively, finding information and service offers that suit you on the internet these are trends that move do-ityourselfers. We offer them matching solutions for this. Easy wall preparation with the PWR 180 CE A classical time-consuming and annoying DIY job is removing old wallpaper painstaking and dirty manual work which many people do themselves instead of hiring a professional. Normally the walls are perforated numerous times with a spike roller and then soaked before the wallpaper can be pulled off bit by bit using a scraper. Bosch s solution is the PWR 180 CE, a universal system for wall preparation. This tool reliably removes wallpaper, plaster and paint residues from surfaces. It works with a rotating disc and application-specific interchangeable 1 Due to a change in the data basis, this year s figures are only comparable to an extent with the figures published in of 9

16 RF00220 accessories. These include a perforator which replaces the spike roller, a sanding plate which can be used to remove substances such as plaster, and various brushes for cleaning or bringing out textures. The PWR 180 CE therefore covers a wide range of applications. Moreover, it is clean to work with: the dust produced is extracted by means of an integrated highperformance turbine and fed directly into the connected dust box. It has a three liters capacity and features a high-quality membrane filter which efficiently absorbs fine dust such as concrete and plaster dust. Another advantage is the Constant Electronic which ensures a continuously high material removal rate even under load. This is a quicker, more thorough and cleaner way to prepare walls than by hand. Easily apply paint with Bosch paint spray systems When the surface is finished, it is time to apply the paint. Until now, do-it-yourselfers had to think carefully before painting about which different tools they will need to apply wall paints, lacquers and glazes. The Bosch PFS and PFS 5000 E paint spray systems now put an end to this because they are the first spray systems that can apply the different types of paint with the same gun. The right nozzle and the corresponding paint mode are easy to select and set due to easy-tounderstand symbols and color coding on the tool. These tools make it easier to quickly and consistently apply paint even on structured surfaces such as brickwork or garden fences, therefore saving time and materials compared to applying paint with a paintbrush and roller with easy cleaning and no major loss of paint. The PFS offers a 650 watt motor with twostage adjustment for wood and wall paints. Typical applications include spraying walls or structured surfaces such as brickwork 3 of 9

17 RF00220 and lacquering or glazing larger pieces of furniture and garden fences. The more powerful PFS 5000 E has watts of power and is suitable, for example in a renovation project, to paint entire apartments or houses including the exterior from different walls, to wooden floors, through to garages covered with tongue-and-groove panels. We are therefore offering two solutions that make paint application easy. Easy sanding with Bosch multi-sanders Sanding surfaces, sanding tight spaces, and removing a lot of material anyone who wants to do these jobs with one single tool rather than multiple tools can use a multi-sander. We are now adding two compact corded tools to our successful multisander series: the PSM 100 A for occasional sanding work and the PSM 200 AES which offers even more flexibility and convenience as a result of new product features. It is supplied with an additional rectangular sanding plate which is 18 x 9 centimeters in size. With the sanding surface that is approximately 60 percent larger, surfaces can be sanded even more quickly and efficiently than with the previous sanding plate. This is particularly easy thanks to the new two-handed grip: whilst one hand rests comfortably on the front at the tool s head, the other hand pushes the PSM 200 AES effortlessly over the surface. Other sanding accessories can be used, such as a louver sanding attachment or a so-called sanding finger with which you can easily get between the spars of the backs of chairs, for example. Six different speeds can be set to adapt the tool to different materials and applications. The supplied microfilter box ensures low dust levels when working. Alternatively, do-ityourselfers can also connect an external dust extraction system 4 of 9

18 RF00220 to the dust extraction outlet. This makes it quick and easy to complete sanding jobs. Easy sanding with the PSM Primo Anyone who has previously not felt confident of being able to work with a multi-sander or has sanded smaller objects by hand can use the PSM Primo in future it is a handy tool which enables good sanding results to be achieved quickly and easily even without having to have any particular prior knowledge. This tool combines three features that have already made trendsetters of products such as the Ixo cordless screwdriver and the Glue Pen: a good ratio of power to weight coupled with a modern design and a slim, compact shape. The PSM Primo is the smallest and lightest multi-sander on the market: it is only 18 centimeters long, has 50 watts of power but weighs only 600 grams, and is comfortable to hold and control with one hand thanks to its rubber coating and the recesses in the side of its handle. Unlike conventional multi-sanders, its iron-shaped sanding plate has an especially long, flat tip. As a result, the PSM Primo comfortably gets into all the corners and edges even of small objects. Whether you want to finally sand that side table from the flea market, spruce up those chairs from grandma for the shared apartment, or convert wine crates into a coffee table the PSM Primo masters the required sanding applications and many more with ease. Easily be flexible with the Ixo Collection We also offer do-it-yourselfers an incredibly easy-to-use tool with our Ixo cordless screwdriver. This tool is by no means a classical power tool anymore, rather it can be used with different adapters to perform tasks such as driving screws 5 of 9

19 RF00220 around corners, opening wine bottles, seasoning food, and lighting charcoal. All of the adapters not only the previous special editions Vino, Spice and Barbecue, but also the tried-and-tested DIY adapters angle screw adapter, off-set angle adapter and torque setting adapter will in future be permanently included in the range as the Ixo Collection and will also be available individually. A new addition to the range is a universal cutting adapter called the Cutter. It effortlessly cuts different materials such as decorative fabrics, cardboard and carpet up to six millimeters thick. Its blade is self-sharpening, eliminating the need for blade changes. The universal cutting adapter is ready to use in only three steps: remove the black cap on the Ixo, click on the adapter and press the red switch the Cutter is then ready to cut. Easily staple more with the PTK 3,6 LI Office Set We are also offering users greater flexibility in future when it comes to stapling. There were previously two tacker categories: office staplers for stapling paper and hand tackers for hobby and household. Both were limited to their respective application range. We are now offering a cordless tacker that can do both with the help of two new accessories: the PTK 3,6 LI in the new Office Set. This tool performs classical jobs such as upholstering furniture or fitting decorations just as easily as stapling paper up to 60 pages and brochures up to 30 pages. This makes the PTK 3,6 LI the most versatile cordless tacker on the market. This cordless tool is small, handy and can be comfortably taken anywhere with you. Its integrated lithium-ion battery has hardly any self-discharge. This versatile tool is therefore always ready for easy stapling and tacking in the office, hobby and household. 6 of 9

20 RF00220 Easy aligning of objects with the PLL 2 More complex tasks such as hanging up pictures, light fixtures and shelves present do-it-yourselfers with multiple challenges at once because the objects have to be correctly positioned and then precisely aligned. With the PLL 2 cross line laser Bosch offers a solution to replace classical equipment such as the meter stick and spirit level. This instrument is easy to operate and is the first cross line laser on the market that can project lines at any desired angle. This is made possible by the incline function with digital angle display. If you set the incline function on the tool and tilt the PLL 2 parallel to the wall, the selected angle from 0 to 90 degrees is shown on the illuminated display at all times. On the basis of the projected lines, it is then possible to align, for example, objects along a roof slope or wallpaper with geometric patterns, tiles or areas of color at any desired angle. Alongside the incline function, the PLL 2 offers an automatic leveling function required for precise horizontal or vertical alignment and can also be used as a digital spirit level for example to check whether a stove, washing machine or worktop is level. The combination of these three functions makes the instrument exceptionally versatile and also makes precise alignment and positioning easy. Easily perform filigree work with the Dremel Micro Many do-it-yourselfers still use hand tools such as chisels and files to perform detailed work. It is however not always possible to get into tight spaces with these large tools, and working by hand requires skill and strength. The Dremel Micro provides a remedy for this. It is the handiest multitool from Dremel, weighs only 250 grams, is only 20 centimeters long and has an especially slim grip with softgrip coating. You can therefore wrap 7 of 9

21 RF00220 one hand around the Dremel Micro comfortably and guide it in a controlled manner at all times. As a result, filigree work such as routing smaller shapes is made just as effortless as work in hard-to-reach areas, for example to make recesses in cabinets and drawers. The Micro is also the first multitool from Dremel to be equipped with a ring-shaped LED light. The workpiece is therefore always well lit even in poor lighting conditions. This makes work easier especially when performing tricky tasks. The speed is adjusted in five stages from to revolutions per minute simply using two buttons on the top of the tool, which enables it to be adapted to each application. A fivestage LED scale makes it quick and easy to see which speed is currently set. This makes the Dremel Micro exceptionally userfriendly. Easy sanding with the Fox 6-in-1 multi-sander from Skil We successfully cater to the needs of the pragmatic do-ityourselfer with the Skil brand. We do so by providing powerful and easy-to-operate tools. This also applies to sanding. Do-ityourselfers would ideally like to complete all sanding jobs with the same tool. The Fox 3-in-1 multi-sander met this demand almost entirely when it was launched last year. Now Skil is launching another Fox model onto the market: the Fox 6-in-1 multi-sander. As with its tried-and-tested namesake, this tool is a random orbit sander, orbital sander and delta sander in one and additionally offers three new attachments: a louver sanding attachment, a so-called sanding finger and a special flexible attachment for machine-sanding curved surfaces. This makes the 6-in-1 Fox the most versatile sander from Skil. Equipped with a 250 watt motor, it offers high performance for fast work progress. Two speeds can be set: the lower speed is used for 8 of 9

22 RF00220 applications on small surfaces that require careful control during material removal, whereas the higher speed is used for working on large surfaces. The Fox is therefore easy to operate, even for do-it-yourselfers who have little experience of using sanders. Personal customer communication with MyBosch After products with which they can master their personal challenges, the second major building block for satisfying customers is service. Customers want service offers that suit them. Online they ideally want to be able to access services via a single platform instead of having to go from homepage to homepage. Caused by social media channels, personal customer communication is also growing in importance: the customer wants to be perceived as an individual and no longer an anonymous entity. This is what our My Bosch concept has been designed for. We want to use this new communication platform to encourage users to get into contact with us even more intensively than before and to use individually tailored information, advice and services. Forecast All of these new products are consistently geared towards the needs and wants of users. They go by the slogan Easily do-ityourself with Bosch, which we want to live up to again in 2014 to amaze and win over customers. Focusing on this is the basis for further strengthening our leading position and winning additional market shares. 9 of 9

23 RF00221 March 19, 2014 RF e Bosch makes it easy to work efficiently Henk Becker Member of the executive management of the Power Tools Division of Robert Bosch GmbH on the occasion of the press conference in Leinfelden on March 19, 2014 Check against delivery. Robert Bosch GmbH Postfach D Leinfelden-Echterdingen Communications Power Tools Phone: Fax: Corporate Communications, Brand Management, and Sustainability Senior Vice President: Uta-Micaela Dürig Press forum:

24 RF00221 Ladies and Gentlemen, Bosch was successful in the European market for professional power tools again in Whilst the market for portable electric power tools declined by two percent, Bosch was able to achieve growth of three percent and to further increase its market share of 30 percent. Our system solutions help professional tradespeople to be productive, to competently solve tricky challenges and therefore to master the time pressure in tough day-to-day jobsite work. We are again pursuing this goal with this year s innovations. These include exceptionally efficient cordless tools, tools with high user protection, and tools and accessories for specific applications. The building blocks of exceptionally efficient cordless tools Cordless tools are exceptionally efficient when they have a long lifetime and long runtime. To ensure that our tools meet precisely these criteria, we have equipped them with maintenance-free, long-life EC motors, batteries which have CoolPack technology to protect against too sudden and severe heat-up and which have a further increase in Ah. Unlike conventional DC electric motors with carbon brushes, the brushless EC motors from Bosch are completely maintenance-free and work with a degree of efficiency of more than 80 percent instead of 60 to 70 percent. This results in less heat loss. The tools do not get as hot and can perform up to 30 percent more work per battery charge. In addition to this, the Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) protects the tool: it shuts the motor down immediately if it overloads. As a result of these factors, the lifetime of Bosch cordless tools with EC motors is double that of tools with conventional motors. 2 of 13

25 RF00221 EC technology also allows for a very compact and lightweight design of the tools. Since launching 2.0 Ah for 36 volt professional tools in January of this year, we have been the first manufacturer to consistently offer batteries with 2.0 and 4.0 Ah. In the 18 volt class we have continuously increased the capacity since 2007: from 1.3 to 2.0 Ah for the Compact batteries, which excel due to their low weight; from 2.6 to 4.0 Ah for the XL batteries, which excel due to their long runtime. Now we are increasing the capacity again and for the first time offering 5.0 Ah batteries for 18 volt tools. These batteries have the tried-and-tested CoolPack technology to fully exploit the runtime. 18 volt CoolPack batteries with 5.0 Ah The new 5.0 Ah batteries provide another 25 percent more runtime than the previous 4.0 Ah batteries. At the same time they have a size of only 11.5 x 7.5 x 5.5 centimeters and a weight of 620 grams, making them the smallest and lightest 5.0 Ah batteries for 18 volt tools on the market. Moreover, the heat generated as the duration of use and power demand on the battery increase is permanently dissipated outwards by the CoolPack battery from Bosch due to its special housing geometry with cooling fins. As a result, it remains considerably cooler inside than conventional batteries and remains operational over the entire runtime of 5.0 Ah. The heat dissipation also has a positive effect on the lifetime of the battery, enabling it to last for twice as long as a battery without CoolPack technology. Anyone who purchases a battery from Bosch can also use it straightaway, without having to worry about whether it will fit because the tried-and-tested Flexible 3 of 13

26 RF00221 Power System ensures compatibility with all existing power tools and chargers within a voltage class. We therefore offer professional tradespeople planning and cost certainty. Efficient working with the new EC drill/driver generation The advantages of the EC motor and CoolPack battery are now also offered by our GSR 14,4 V-EC Professional and GSR 18 V-EC Professional drill/drivers and the GSB 14,4 V-EC Professional and GSB 18 V-EC Professional combis. They are part of the dynamicseries a series of especially compact tools with long battery runtime and are based on tried-andtested models. However, they have a longer lifetime thanks to their EC technology, lasting for twice as long as tools which do not have EC motors. They are therefore especially suitable for serial applications and enable finishing trades such as electricians, plumbers and joiners to work quickly and efficiently. Both cordless drill/drivers have a head length of only 179 millimeters, while both cordless combis are only 189 millimeters long. This enables professional tradespeople to easily use them overhead and in tight spaces or hard-to-reach areas. A high torque the GSR 18 V-EC Professional, for example, provides 31 newton meters in a screwdriving application in softwood and a 13 millimeter Auto-Lock chuck give the tools a wide range of applications. Efficient screwdriving with the GDX 18 V-EC Professional The GDX 18 V-EC Professional impact driver combines the advantages of EC technology with the tried-and-tested, unique hexagon/square toolholder from the existing GDX model, enabling both screwdriver bits and nutsetters to be used. The GDX 18 V-EC Professional also offers an up to 100 percent 4 of 13

27 RF00221 longer lifetime and a more compact and lighter design than tools with conventional motors. It drives about 490 screws measuring 6 x 65 millimeters in softwood with a 4.0 Ah battery, which equates to an increase of 40 percent over the model which does not have an EC motor. This therefore provides professional tradespeople with an even more versatile and efficient tool for all the connections required in installation, metal and wood construction. Three preset speed settings make work easy because the preselected speed minimizes the risk of overtightening and thus snapping screws. The first setting is designed for small screws, the second for medium screws, and the third for large screws. This corresponds, for example, to driving screws in sheet metals, wooden boards and metal profiles. Three LEDs in the tool s head provide good illumination of the work area. They can be switched on and off as required and make it easier to work in poor lighting conditions. Plan for the future: efficient charging with induction Anyone who works with cordless tools is mobile, but always has to schedule the required time and remember to charge the energy source, otherwise the tool will not be operational. It may also be necessary to purchase multiple chargers in order to be able to charge batteries simultaneously so that they are ready when needed. Moreover, dirtied contacts and constant insertion and removal of the batteries make them more prone to wear. Bosch s plan for the future is therefore inductive charging and offers users three major advantages, above all in semi-stationary applications: 5 of 13

28 RF00221 greater user-friendliness and productivity because the batteries stay in the tool and can be parked on the charging unit during every work interruption to charge them, complete flexibility because the inductive batteries within a voltage class will continue to be compatible with all tools in that class, very robust charging units that no longer have contact points and are therefore insensitive to water, dust and dirt. Inductive batteries and chargers are scheduled for launch in autumn of this year. With this we are for the first time offering a technology for power tools, which has already found its way into daily life be it as induction cookers or charging stations for electric toothbrushes. We are convinced that we can be just as successful with this pioneering achievement as we were with the first integration of lithium-ion cells in a cordless screwdriver a technology that was known prior to 2003 only from cellphones, but which 83 percent of all hand-held cordless power tools in Europe are now equipped with. High user protection: angle grinders with brake system Our system solutions also include tools that combine efficiency and high user protection, such as angle grinders. These tools repeatedly have to be put down between individual work steps. Long run-down of the disc is not only a hindrance in such cases, it can also be dangerous if the user puts the tool down too early and it moves of its own accord. To remedy this problem, we are launching six new small angle grinders which go by the slogan The first ever brake that lets you go faster. Three of the models have watts and three have watts. They are all equipped with the Intelligent Brake System, the first brake module to work magnetically and is therefore completely wear- 6 of 13

29 RF00221 free and maintenance-free. Unlike mechanical or electronic brake systems, it brakes reliably even if there is a power outage and ensures that the angle grinders stop 70 percent faster than an angle grinder without a brake system. Since the disc comes to a standstill faster, the angle grinder can be put down faster, which means the user can carry on working sooner. This saves time and money. Moreover, these tools are therefore also suitable for applications in which high safety standards apply, such as in refineries, on oil platforms and in crane, ship, tank and container construction. Two of the six models are additionally equipped with the tried-and-tested Protection Switch, a deadman switch that can be operated along the entire length of the handle regardless of whether the angle grinder is held at the front, back or in the middle. As a result, users always have full control over the tool even in difficult working positions. The Intelligent Brake System is an eddy current brake. If the angle grinder is switched off or there is a power outage, two parallel magnets in the gearbox are aligned so that their north and south poles face each other. The resulting magnetic flow generates a braking torque in a copper disc positioned between them (eddy current principle). As a result, the disc of the angle grinder comes to a standstill very quickly. High user protection: drilling and chiseling without dust We also make a major contribution to user protection with our solutions for low dust levels when drilling and chiseling. Demolishing concrete, drilling holes and recesses for fitting light fixtures and plug sockets, core drilling for cable and pipe feedthroughs the debris that trickles down or the dust that 7 of 13

30 RF00221 swirls up during these applications interferes with a tradesperson s work and is bad for his health. We now offer tradespeople a complete system for low dust levels when drilling and chiseling: the GDE 16 Plus Professional for small rotary hammers, GDE 68 Professional and GDE 162 Professional for all standard rotary hammers, diamond or impact drills for drilling with core cutters up to 68 or 162 millimeters, GDE max Professional for SDS-max rotary and demolition hammers in the current Bosch range, and now the new GDE 16 Cyl Professional for Bosch impact drills and GDE hex Professional for breakers as well as the GSH 11 VC Professional SDS-max demolition hammer. With the help of these dust extraction systems, drilling debris and dust are extracted directly where they originate. This results in work which is healthier, kinder to tools and more efficient. As with the systems which are already available, the new dust extraction systems feature easy handling, low weight on the machine and a robust design. They are fixed by a quickaction clamp, and together with our wet/dry dust extractors in the Click & Clean System they form a system solution for low dust levels when working, with the power tool, dust extraction system and dust extractor all available from a single source. Tools and accessories for specific applications In addition to tools that cover a wide range of applications such as screwdrivers, rotary hammers and jigsaws, we also offer power tools and accessories for very specific applications including pneumatic nailers, stirrers, a pipe belt sander, a metal cut-off saw, and a grinding system for efficiently grinding welded seams and achieving a clean surface in only two steps. We are therefore living up to our claim of offering professional tradespeople a suitable solution for virtually every problem. 8 of 13

31 RF00221 Efficient routing with the routers in the new watt class We are now launching two new routers in the woodworking segment. Routing jobs require precision. Even deviations in a range of tenths of a millimeter can lead to the cut not providing the desired result. Difficult adjustment, cumbersome handling, complicated bit changes these are the challenges that tradespeople have to overcome when using routers. Bosch s solution is handy precision tools with watts of power and 60-millimeter plunge depth: GOF 1250 CE Professional and GOF 1250 LCE Professional. They feature an easy fine adjustment system the After-Lock fine adjustment enables the user to readjust the selected routing depth in a range of tenths of a millimeter even in the plunged position and enable especially precise control thanks to the new geometry of their base plate, plunge columns and handles. Bit changes are also made easy: simply place the router on its head, activate the spindle lock and engage the parked position. Now the user has both hands free to change the router bit. The tools are identical except for two product features. The LCE version has a digital depth display. Its display makes it even easier to set and reproduce the required depth than with the customary scale. In addition to this, its LED ring illuminates the work area to make precise routing even easier. Easy window removal with C-Tec Speed saw blades When it comes to performing different tasks, there is hardly a tool that offers more possibilities than a multi-cutter. However, this versatile tool only becomes a problem-solver when used with the right accessory. Take window removal, for example. Nowadays an oscillating tool makes it very easy to get into hard- 9 of 13

32 RF00221 to-reach areas without damaging surrounding building components and walls. The frames and fixings can however not be cut cleanly because standard 40-millimeter plunge-cutting saw blades are not long enough. Our 70-millimeter-long C-Tec Speed saw blades solve this problem. They are available in the Wood and Wood & Metal versions and saw at least 30 percent faster than conventional plunge-cutting saw blades thanks to their special blade geometry. This is due in part to their slim blade body and rounded cutting edge which enables the C-Tec Speed saw blades to quickly and effortlessly plunge into the material. Moreover, they fit all conventional professional multicutters without the need for an adapter thanks to their universal OIS (Oscillating Interface System). This gives professional tradespeople additional flexibility. Clean cutting of composite elements with carbide technology With the right accessory, saber saws can also cut whatever you want. In construction, hardened and high-alloy steels such as stainless V2A, V4A or duplex steel are increasingly being installed together with wooden parts. Previous bi-metal saw blades cannot, however, cut through hardened steel and wood in composite building elements. Bosch has solved this problem and enhanced carbide technology for saber saw blades. The new Progressor for Wood and Metal series comprises three saber saw blades with lengths of 150, 225 and 300 millimeters and enables professional tradespeople to efficiently cut composite building elements in demolition and renovation work. These saber saw blades have carbide teeth welded onto them. These teeth are exceptionally robust and sharp. In addition to this, the tooth strip is progressive which is from where the blades get their name. This means that the tooth spacing 10 of 13

33 RF00221 increases from the shank towards the blade tip. The same blade can therefore be used to simultaneously cut thin materials such as screws and thick materials such as wooden profiles. As a result, the Progressor for Wood and Metal blades work efficiently and have a longer lifetime than bi-metal blades. The comprehensive carbide range from Bosch also includes saber saw blades for high-alloy steel ( Endurance for Stainless Steel ), drywall materials such as cement-bonded fiber boards ( Endurance for Fiber Plaster ), aerated concrete ( Endurance for Aerated Concrete ), poroton brick ( Endurance for Brick ) and cast iron ( Basic for Cast Iron ). The right accessories at hand with the Pro-Mix accessory sets A constant irritation to tradespeople is having to lug countless drill and screwdriver bits around with them, only to then realize on the jobsite that they do not have the right accessory with them. With our Pro-Mix Metal, Pro-Mix Concrete and Pro-Mix Wood, we are therefore offering professional tradespeople accessory sets that cover virtually all drilling and screwdriving applications. In accordance with their naming, these 35-piece sets consist of the six most common metal, concrete or wood drill bits, plus three nutsetters, two double-ended bits, two bit holders and 22 screwdriver bits. With only one set, tradespeople therefore have the right accessories at hand for virtually every application even if they have to unexpectedly switch from one jobsite to another or if they have to do an unforeseen job at the work location. All of the sets are clearly arranged. The screwdriver bits also have color coding. This helps the user to find the right bit for the relevant application at a glance. The range comprises PH, PZ, slotted, hex and Security Torx screwdriver bits. 11 of 13