Bosch Predicts “Slight” Sales Gain This Year

Robert Bosch GmbH reports its sales in 2013 rose 3% to €46.4 billion, and its profit margin before interest and taxes grew to 6% from 5% in 2012.

The company notes that last year's gain came in spite of unfavorable exchange rates and its failed photovoltaic energy business. Bosch estimates those two factors represented burdens of €1.6 billion and €1.3 billion, respectively.

The company forecasts improved earning in 2014. But it says continued economic weakness in Europe and further appreciation of the euro will allow only a "slight" increase in sales this year.

Bosch will continue to pursue new target markets, including energy efficiency, connectivity and personal mobility. Chairman Volkmar Denner, noting that by 2015 about 75% of the world's population will be online, declares, "We want to play an active role in shaping that world."

The company will look for business opportunities related to connectivity in everything from Web-enabled appliances and advanced mobility to industrial technology and energy management, according to Denner. He adds that Bosch aims to bring new ideas to market faster through Bosch Start-up GmbH, a company set up last year that acts as an incubator for new technologies and business models.