BANGKOK: Bosch plans to start production of motorcycle anti-lock braking system (ABS) at its Amata plant in Rayong, Thailand, in the second quarter of 2022.
The announcement came as motorcycle ABS will be mandatory in Thailand for all new models over 125cc from 2024.
Motorcycle ABS supports riders while braking, even when braking hard or riding on slippery roads. It prevents wheels from locking up, and ensures vehicle stability and optimum deceleration.
Bosch said roughly 25 percent of accidents involving motorised two-wheelers could be prevented by motorcycle ABS.
According to the World Health Organisation, the rate of road-traffic fatalities in Thailand is the highest in the Asean region.
While the figure for South-East Asia as a whole is 20.7 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, the figure for Thailand is 36.2. Accidents involving motorised two- and three-wheelers account for 43 percent of all road traffic deaths in the region.
Apart from having a plant each in Japan and India, Bosch's Thai plant will be its third factory for motorcycle ABS in the world.
This global manufacturing network allows Bosch to support global two-wheeler manufacturers' efforts to optimise their supply chains.
"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," said Bosch president (two-wheeler & powersports unit) Geoff Liersch.
"Our customers will benefit from local production at an established plant that already has experience in producing four-wheeler ABS systems."
Since 1996, the Amata plant has been growing in importance as a production site, producing a range of four-wheeler automotive components in the fields of chassis systems, electrical drives, and powertrain. Four-wheeler ABS products have been produced there since 2014.
