PSA Peugeot Citron and Robert Bosch GmbH join forces on hybrid development

The recently signed agreement calls for Bosch to co-develop, industrialise and supply electric motors and power electronics for PSA Peugeot Citron's four-wheel-drive diesel hybrid powertrain.

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on the Peugeot Prologue and Citroen Hypnos concept cars, this innovative diesel hybrid technology will equip Peugeot and Citroen vehicles starting in 2011. Diesel hybrid technology is a key focus of PSA Peugeot Citron's environmental strategy, and developing and industrialising this technology is a major challenge for the carmaker.

By choosing a core partner, PSA Peugeot Citroen 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 Citroen 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 Citroen specifications the interface between the electric and electronic components, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the electronic stability programme (ESP) to enhance energy recovery.

This stronger collaboration between the partners' engineering and design teams will optimise the hybrid powertrain's operation while accelerating the acquisition of mutual expertise in this area, which is expected to expand rapidly in the next few years.

With this partnership, PSA Peugeot Citroen 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 quickly and cost effectively bringing to market technological innovations that can significantly lower CO2 emissions. PSA Peugeot Citroen also hopes that this agreement will strengthen the European hybrid technology industry.

For Bosch, this close cooperation with PSA Peugeot Citroen offers a 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.

Credits: JRC