As China cements its place as the global leader in the vehicle market, the country is setting the pace for a transformative shift—one that views the car not merely as a mechanical construct but as a software-defined platform. In lockstep with this vision, Bosch, a stalwart in global automotive innovation, is expanding its footprint by aligning its technological expertise with China’s forward-thinking automotive ecosystem.
Bosch’s strategic focus on intelligent, software-driven vehicles has propelled its Mobility division to new heights in China. In 2024 alone, Bosch Mobility grew by 4.0% to 116.6 billion yuan (approximately €15 billion), outperforming the national vehicle production increase of 3.7%. More than 65% of the new orders Bosch secured in China were for electrified powertrains and software-defined cars—sectors considered crucial for the industry’s future.
“Bosch is driving forward developments in China at high speed,” said Stefan Hartung, chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH, during Auto Shanghai 2025. He highlighted the company’s commercial successes across infotainment, driver assistance, and electromobility.
In a notable milestone, Bosch received its first Chinese order for a powerful, AI-based cockpit computer—a major step forward in creating natural, intuitive vehicle-human interaction. Leveraging a system-on-a-chip (SoC), this cockpit integrates multiple domains like infotainment and driving assistance, offering streamlined installation, simplified cabling, and over-the-air update capabilities.
Production of this next-gen cockpit begins this year, with a six-figure unit target, signaling growing acceptance of Bosch’s high-performance vehicle computers in the region.
Bosch is also reimagining essential vehicle systems. Its innovative brake-by-wire technology—now set for deployment by a leading Chinese manufacturer—eliminates the traditional mechanical linkage, relying instead on fully electronic control with dual hydraulic actuators for safety. Additionally, Bosch’s steer-by-wire solution is attracting strong interest, with production planned for Q4 2025 under its joint venture Bosch Huayu Steering Systems.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) remain a core pillar of Bosch’s strategy. The new Bosch ADAS product family, designed in three scalable configurations, caters to everything from entry-level to high-end vehicles. Already adopted by brands like BAIC, Dongfeng, and Jetour, these systems deliver a mix of cost-efficiency, high performance, and customization options. The mid-segment variant, which supports hands-free freeway driving, enters serial production in China this year.
“With our new Bosch ADAS product family, we offer solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and safety, making driver assistance features more accessible and adaptable than ever,” said Christoph Hartung, President of Bosch’s Cross-Domain Computing Solutions division.
Bosch’s end-to-end approach includes in-house development of key components such as radar sensors and multi-purpose cameras, both incorporating proprietary SoCs. These elements support SAE Level 2 capabilities and integrate with Bosch’s broader sensor ecosystem, enabling vehicles to reliably perceive and react to their environment—even in complex urban settings.
Moreover, Bosch’s new inertial measurement unit (IMU) ensures precise localization, a critical feature for assisted and automated driving, even under challenging conditions like GNSS blackouts.
China’s booming demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs)—which captured 40% of the market in 2024—has further positioned Bosch as a vital player. Its electric axle drive (e-axle), powered by advanced silicon carbide chips, extends driving range and charging efficiency. Bosch’s fuel-cell modules are also gaining momentum, with thousands already deployed across commercial vehicle fleets in China.
From AI cockpits to brake-by-wire systems, Bosch is helping shape a future where vehicles are not only electrified but also intelligent, responsive, and deeply integrated with their users. With its full-spectrum solutions—spanning software, hardware, and integrated systems—Bosch is not just adapting to China’s automotive revolution; it’s helping lead it.
As Auto Shanghai 2025 illustrates, the future of mobility is being defined not by horsepower or horsepower alone, but by the computing power behind the wheel—and Bosch is clearly in the driver’s seat. 
