Bosch produces its 75th million common-rail system

The leading supplier of common rail systems, Bosch GmbH is celebrating the production of its 75th million common-rail system following 75 years of diesel passenger cars. Common-rail engine technology was first used in diesel engine cars 14 years ago. Needless to say, the system revolutionised diesel engine technology and brought about a new era of diesel passenger cars. Among the first car makers to use common-rail diesel engines in their passenger cars were Alfa Romeo in their 156 JTD model and Mercedes-Benz in their C220 CDI in the year 1997.

In 1997 the market share for diesel passenger cars in Western Europe was 22%, common-rail direct injection diesel engine technology has pushed that number up to 50%. 

“In the past, diesel engines were seen as economical and robust. The modern common-rail diesel is just as efficient and durable, but it is also extremely dynamic, comfortable, and eco-friendly. Common-rail high-pressure injection, in conjunction with turbocharging, has revolutionised the diesel engine,” says Dr. Markus Heyn, executive vice president passenger cars in the Bosch Diesel Systems division. 

By the end of the year 2001, three million Bosch common-rail systems were in use, at the end of the yar 2002 the number had gone up to ten million. By the start of 2009 it was 50 million. The necessary components are produced in an international manufacturing network comprising of 17 locations spread around the world. In 2011 alone, Bosch produced some nine million common-rail systems, which were fitted in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, in the off-highway segment, and also in large diesel engines such as those found in ships. 

Looking forward, enginners at Bosch are working on coomon-rail systems with 2,500 bar pf pressure and more. This will help increase efficiency, refinement and performance of diesel engines in the near future. Common-rail diesel engines with 2,500 bar pressure will meet Euro 6 emissions norms.