Bosch to manufacture motorcycle ABS in Thailand plant starting 2022

MANILA: Bosch is set to start the production of motorcycle anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in its Amata plant in Rayong, Thailand by the second quarter of 2022.

With its market-specific products and solutions available to motorcycle manufacturers, Bosch aims to make two-wheel riding safer and more efficient. Due to the growing demand for safety systems in the Asian market, Bosch decided to open a third manufacturing site for motorcycle ABS, following Japan and India.

In a statement, Bosch Two-wheeler and Powersports Unit President Geoff Liersch said, “With ABS10 light and base, we provide dedicated safety systems for the small commuter scooters and motorcycles that represent a major mode of transportation in ASEAN. Our customers will benefit from local production at an established plant that already has experience of producing four-wheeler ABS.”

Since 1996, the Amata plant has been one of Bosch’s major manufacturing sites as it manufactures a wide range of four-wheeler automotive components in the fields of chassis systems, electrical drives, and powertrain. In 2012, the plant started to produce four-wheeler ABS products.

Last May, the Thai Department of Land Transport announced that starting 2024, all new motorized two-wheeler vehicles must have ABS. It will also be required for all existing models with an engine displacement of more than 125cc starting 2026.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand has the highest rate of road-traffic fatalities among ASEAN countries. While the figure for Southeast Asia as a whole reached 20.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, Thailand recorded 36.2 deaths. Forty-three percent of road-traffic deaths in Southeast Asia involve two- and three-wheeled vehicles.

It is a must for all riders to be aware of and educated on greater two-wheeler safety and installation of vehicle safety systems. Motorcycle ABS makes braking safer, when riding on slippery roads. It prevents the wheels from locking up, and guarantees vehicle stability and improved deceleration. According to Bosch accident research studies, 25% of accidents involving motorized two-wheelers can be prevented if all of them were equipped with ABS.

Bosch Southeast Asia Regional President Martin Hayes stated, “User-centric mobility is at the heart of Bosch’s business, and motivates us to develop technology that will make mobility safer for all road users. This development cements Bosch’s commitment not only to road safety in general, but to the countries we operate in.”

Photos from Bosch

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