Record year for Bosch

In 2016 Bosch Power Tools racked up record sales amounting to € 4.5 bn. Due to special effects, the turnover in 2016 is only comparable to a limited extent with the turnover published for the previous year. The growth rates specified are based on comparable values.
Speaking at the company's traditional press conference in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Henning von Boxberg, chairman of the board of Robert Bosch Power Tools GmbH, said that this was equivalent to growth of seven per cent in local currency. Nominal growth amounted to four per cent. "2016 was the most successful year in the history of Bosch Power Tools," commented von Boxberg. "We sold more than 50 million power tools and increased sales yet again. Our products are well received by do-it-yourselfers and tradespeople alike." However, since the separation between the sales lines was abolished, the growth of the Bosch professional (blue) line has been stronger than that of the DIY (green) line, continued von Boxberg.

Bosch Power Tools increased its sales on all continents in 2016. In 33 countries, double-digit growth was recorded. The division enjoyed particular success in key Western European markets such as Germany, the Iberian Peninsula and the United Kingdom. Overall, Power Tools notched up a nine per cent increase in European sales in local currency, with a twelve per cent increase in Germany. In North America, the division increased its revenue by seven per cent.
In spite of the downward economic trend in Brazil and China, Power Tools also increased its sales in emerging markets, with growth of five per cent in Latin America and two per cent in the Asia-Pacific region. The business in India grew by ten per cent. Growth was also recorded on the African continent.

Bosch perceives great potential in emerging markets such as Africa, where it says many first-time users of power tools are to be found. These tradespeople first have to be convinced that switching from a classic hand tool to a power tool confers benefits. "A decisive factor for success in emerging markets is the availability of affordable products and on-site service," says von Boxberg. For 2017 Power Tools intends to introduce 20 new professional products for Africa alone - products that are affordable, durable and easy to maintain. "We are building up our own sales organisations in Africa and a tight network of service centres to meet local needs."