Seizing opportunities in challenging times – together with Bosch

Karlsruhe and Plochingen, Germany – The automotive industry is undergoing a period of upheaval that poses major challenges for workshops. New powertrain technologies, increasing digitalization, and ever shorter development cycles in automotive technology are putting workshops under significant pressure. At the same time, the ongoing transformation process offers workshops numerous opportunities to open up new business areas and work more efficiently and sustainably. As one of the largest original equipment manufacturers for almost all automakers, Bosch is familiar with the technical trends and developments of the future, which means it can actively support workshops in successfully mastering the industry’s transformation. Bosch is strengthening workshops in their core competence: vehicle service and repair. The company will be showcasing this comprehensive support with new products and services at Automechanika in Frankfurt, September 10–14, 2024.

ESI[tronic] Evolution – the master tool for service and repair

Bosch has given its proven ESI[tronic] Evolution diagnostic software a major upgrade, expanding it to include a range of new functions for professional workshop service. This enables independent and multibrand workshops to diagnose, service, and repair almost any vehicle that comes into the workshop. For the first time, ESI[tronic] Evolution combines the areas of diagnostics, Bosch instructions for service and repair, as well as automakers’ documentation on a single software platform.

The new ESI[tronic] Evolution now gives users direct access to automakers’ original documentation, enabling them to view information such as circuit diagrams or instructions without having to switch to different software. Another milestone in ESI[tronic]’s development is full support for the diagnosis and maintenance of Tesla vehicles starting in 2025. Besides Tesla itself, Bosch is currently the only company that can communicate directly with a Tesla’s central computer and access its diagnostic protocols. This is necessary even for simple servicing work, such as replacing the brake pads or the 12V on-board battery.

With SDA secure diagnostic access, Bosch has also implemented simple, direct, and standardized access to encrypted vehicle data in its diagnostic software. As a result, ESI[tronic] users no longer need to log on to separate portals for different manufacturers’ individual processes. SDA ensures that independent workshops have uncomplicated access to the data necessary for diagnostic work and guarantees that they will remain competitive in the future.

Building up expertise for work on hybrid and electric vehicles

Another area of future importance for the workshop market is the increasing electrification of the vehicle fleet. Bosch assumes that vehicles with combustion engines will continue to play a major role in workshop work for a long time to come, alongside the growing number of electric vehicles. Nevertheless, if they don’t want to fall behind, workshops must equip themselves to service and repair electric vehicles at the same time and master both technologies. For this reason, Bosch will continue to develop workshop equipment for working on combustion engines. At the same time, Bosch is providing workshops with comprehensive support for their entry into electromobility in the form of high-voltage training and technical training, the latest content in the ESI[tronic] Evolution diagnostic software, special testing and diagnostic technology, and a broad portfolio of spare parts.

This also applies to Bosch Car Service workshops, from which customers expect a high degree of expertise and reliability in all aspects of electromobility. Bosch supports its worldwide partners in the Bosch Car Service organization with specialist information, workforce training, and the best in workshop and workplace equipment for professional work on electric vehicles.

ADAS One Solution – precise and efficient

For workshops, increasing the degree of automation in service work – both on combustion engines and on hybrid and electric vehicles – has become an important business model. Driver assistance systems are now standard equipment in all vehicle classes. But ensuring that these systems work reliably at all times, and thus improve road safety, calls for precise settings and carefully calibrated sensors and camera systems. With the ADAS One Solution calibration software and a workshop-compatible calibration device, Bosch has developed a system for the efficient recalibration of ADAS advanced driver assistance systems that is independent of vehicle brand. The new ADAS One Solution helps workshop mechanics set up their calibration device efficiently and guarantees precise settings for a vehicle’s various ADAS systems. Compared to manual measurement and alignment routines, the ADAS calibration system halves setup time.

Digitalization and connectivity generate added value for workshops

The technologies Bosch has developed, such as the ESI[tronic] Evolution diagnostic software and various diagnostic, testing, and service devices, simplify everyday workshop operations and ensure greater efficiency. Digitalization and connectivity generate added value for workshops – for instance, with the RDS remote diagnostics service. For technically complex tasks, seasoned Bosch experts provide fast and effective support by means of direct remote access to the vehicle in the workshop. Workshop mechanics contact an expert online, who then provides live support. In addition to booking an appointment via the RDS portal, mechanics can now also book help on demand, i.e. with no waiting time. As the Bosch experts have a broad database and access to original manufacturer data, they can support workshops with precise diagnostics for almost every vehicle on the market.

Bosch used-car certificate – creating transparency and trust

The new Bosch used-car certificate also makes use of digitalization and connectivity to offer workshops a simple, fast, and honest assessment of a used car’s condition. ESI[tronic] Evolution, in conjunction with the KTS 560 or 590 diagnostic module, can read out and analyze data stored in the vehicle control units. An innovative function of the software consolidates the data to produce an independent Bosch certificate. This documents error codes, identifies past accidents and overdue maintenance, and uncovers any manipulation of the odometer. In the case of electric vehicles, it also documents the current battery capacity. Bosch’s manufacturer-agnostic certificate brings transparency and trust to the used-car trade.

Commitment to sustainability and to protecting health and the environment in workshops

In addition to outstanding technical developments, Bosch is also focusing on sustainability in the workshop market. With remanufactured products such as starters and alternators, Bosch has been a pioneer in the circular economy for over 60 years. Today, the Bosch eXchange program includes parts for both combustion engines and electric vehicles. This benefits workshops and their customers, as a remanufactured product is up to 30 percent cheaper than a new part. But when it comes to sustainability, recycling also plays an important role. A current example of this is the new packaging for the Aerotwin windshield wiper. Bosch has replaced the plastic tray that protects the windshield wiper during transport with a tray made of cellulose fibers. This means the windshield wiper packaging can be completely recycled as wastepaper. By switching to environmentally friendly packaging, Bosch saves around 350 metric tons of plastic every year.

Bosch’s new DOT 4 E brake fluid, which contains no harmful borates, also stands for sustainability and for environmental and health protection. Borates are added to brake fluids to increase the boiling point, but because they are toxic, they can affect fertility and endanger unborn children. Since it doesn’t contain borates, Bosch’s new brake fluid no longer needs to be labeled as a hazardous substance. This also simplifies hazardous substance management in workshops. With its low viscosity, the new brake fluid exceeds the international DOT 4 standard, while its low conductivity means it can also be used in electric vehicles.