July 23, 2007 -- Robert Bosch GmbH and Japan's Denso Corp are to invest an initial 8 mln eur in a 50-50 joint venture to manufacture diesel particulate filters in Poland, which has now gained regulatory approval, Bosch announced. The companies plan to begin production in 2009 in Wroclaw, Poland. The venture -- announced in October last year when it was still subject to approval -- will involve the production of "highly efficient and cost-effective" diesel particulate filters using cordierite ceramics. Each company will then market the filters independently.
Back in October, the companies said they expect particulate filters to become standard equipment for all new diesel-powered cars in Europe due to the Euro 5 emission standard for cars. As a result, they expect the market for these filters to grow strongly. Cordierite filters result in higher engine performance and more efficient purification than filters made of other materials, Bosch said. Initially, a branch office will be set up in Kariya, Japan, to begin filter development and production preparation. The manufacturing will then be done in Wroclaw, Poland, where Bosch already has a braking systems plant.
Source: AFX Asia
Source: Factiva
