Robert Bosch has spent more than a century establishing a name for really "boss" automobile and industrial equipment, as well as consumer goods and building systems. An industry leader, Bosch operates through 300 subsidiaries in 60 countries; its core lines include automotive systems, from diesel or hybrid drive to steering, starter motors and generators, electronics, and brakes.
Subsidiary Bosch Rexroth makes electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic machinery for industrial use. Bosch Security makes various protection systems. Bosch also makes photovoltaic and wind-turbine components, heat pumps for buildings, and home appliances, through Bosch-Siemens Hausgerate. Bosch nets about two-thirds of its sales in Europe.