Bosch Invests $8 Million in Michigan Facility

Good news for the people of Flat Rock, Michigan, USA, as Bosch invested $8 million in renovating the vehicle test track it has there. Bosch started a collaboration with other local companies to upgrade its facility track so it can be used to test and implement a variety of automobile technologies.

The reconditioning of the facility included repaving and expanding the surface size of the Vehicle Dynamics Area and reconfiguring the course so it can accommodate Bosch's vehicle dynamics and foundation braking along with future tests.

According to Bosch's press release, the money went in the following improvements:

- Pad size expansion from 417,000 to 937,000 square feet
- Addition of a three-lane high bank curve
- Extension of the track loop from ¾ mile to 1.4 miles
- New installation of a hydroplane surface

"This proactive investment in the expansion of our testing facility provides us with the necessary means to continue to bring innovative safety technologies to market," said Ronaldo Reimer, regional president, Chassis Systems Control Division, Bosch North America.

The Flat Rock facility is one three testing grounds Bosch has in the US and has served Bosch well in developing new technologies for light vehicles, heavy trucks and buses. We can mention here that Bosch was the first to market ( ESC) Electronic Stability Control systems.

"We also intend to rent this facility to automakers, automotive suppliers, government entities, media and others who are in need of this type of test track facility," said Kay Stepper, director of marketing and product planning, Chassis Systems Control Division.

“This is a great example of Michigan companies collaborating to further develop and contribute to the success of our region" concluded Stepper.