PSA Peugeot Citroën and Bosch join forces on hybrid development

PSA Peugeot Citroën and Robert Bosch GmbH have agreed on a strategic partnership for diesel hybrid technology. The recently signed agreement calls for Bosch to co-develop, industrialize and supply electric motors and power electronics for PSA Peugeot Citroën’s four-wheel-drive diesel hybrid powertrain. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroën Hypnos concept cars, this innovative diesel hybrid technology will equip Peugeot and Citroën vehicles starting in 2011.

Diesel hybrid technology is a key focus of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s environmental strategy, and developing and industrializing this technology is a major challenge for the carmaker. By choosing a core partner, PSA Peugeot Citroën is paving the way to rapid market introduction of hybrid diesel vehicles in Europe. Bosch, the world’s leading automobile equipment manufacturer, has been chosen to supply a number of components for this system. PSA Peugeot Citroën is usually sourcing its components from different suppliers.

As part of the agreement, Bosch will supply the rear electric motor, the front-mounted high voltage alternator and the power electronics that will control them. In addition, Bosch will deliver to PSA Peugeot Citroën specifications the interface between the electric and electronic components, the antilock braking system (ABS) and the electronic stability program (ESP) to enhance energy recovery.

This stronger collaboration between the partners’ engineering and design teams will optimize the hybrid powertrain’s operation while speeding the acquisition of mutual expertise in this area, which is expected to expand rapidly in the next few years. With this partnership, PSA Peugeot Citroën has demonstrated its confidence in Bosch, as well as a commitment to forging special strategic relationships with certain suppliers over the long term. The carmaker believes that this is the right approach for bringing to market quickly and cost effectively technological innovations that can significantly lower CO2 emissions. PSA Peugeot Citroën also hopes that this agreement will strengthen the European hybrid technology industry.

For Bosch, this close cooperation with PSA Peugeot Citroen offers an highly promising opportunity to jointly develop an innovative, powerful and competitive hybrid system. For 30 years, Bosch has had experience with hybrid technologies and has comprehensive expertise in battery, electrical drive, and brake management, as well as in engine management. Within the Bosch group, the expertise of roughly 370 associates is pooled in a hybrid project unit, whose purpose is to develop and market systems and components for hybrid and electrical vehicles.