FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (May 16, 2013) — Strong auto parts sales contributed to an 8.2-percent jump in 2012 sales for Bosch Group in North America .
It was the largest year-over-year increase among all of Bosch's global markets last year.
"In 2012, the North American team effectively leveraged the relatively stable market environment, particularly in the Automotive and Industrial Technology sectors, both of which experienced strong growth in 2012," said Mike Mansuetti, president of Robert Bosch L.L.C.
While the group's sales fell 5.9 percent to $67.5 billion for the year, the North American operations boosted its sales to $10.6 billion, assisted by a 9.5-percent jump in sales to $6.9 billion for the automotive technology division. Automotive sales accounted for 65 percent of Bosch's sales in North America.
Mr. Mansuetti said he expects the North American region to experience double-digit growth in 2013. Bosch said it has positioned itself for future growth by making investments in North America that totaled $425 million in 2012—an increase of 30 percent over 2011, and the highest in six years.
The investments focused on injection systems for passenger and commercial vehicles, hydraulics, acquisitions in the automotive aftermarket, and packaging technology.
In 2012, Bosch spent nearly $1.15 billion to acquire the Service Solutions business of SPX Corp., based in Canton, Mich.
Despite a slump in global sales, Bosch Group boosted its net earnings 20 percent to $3 billion last year.
For 2013, Bosch expects global sales growth of 2 to 4 percent. The measures that began in 2012 to improve results, such as limits on fixed costs, capital expenditure and company acquisitions, will continue, the company said.