Bosch Urges Consumers to Go Green AND Blue for Earth Month

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - April 9, 2009) - April is Earth Month, the time when consumers around the world are reminded to think about extra ways they can change their lifestyles and habits in order to conserve precious resources. Earth Month 2009 arrives with not only an economic crisis, but a persisting drought forcing new water restrictions in many parts of the country. Therefore, it only makes sense for homeowners to look at kitchen and laundry appliance efficiency as one way to reduce energy and water use.

According to energy and water data provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, conventional top-loading washing machines use on average 31.4 gallons per load (gpl). However, improvements in efficiency enabled Bosch front-loading machines to use as little as 13.2 gpl. In fact, if a family doing 7 full loads per week upgrades to a Bosch Nexxt® washer, the water savings over the course of a year can reach up to 7,409 gallons -- enough to fill a swimming pool. By adding a Bosch dishwasher, which uses as little as 1.8 gallons per cycle, a family can boost their water savings even further with no compromises in cleaning performance -- plus, they can enjoy the unbelievably quiet operation Bosch is famous for.

"Bosch encourages consumers to examine their daily water and energy use and adapt eco-friendly living practices into their everyday lives," said Michael Traub, president and CEO. "We're doing our part as a company by developing products that greatly reduce impact on the environment during their manufacturing, everyday use, and subsequent recycling and disposal."

Bosch is committed to preserving the environment through innovative approaches to the products it manufactures, as well as the partnerships it forms with key leaders in sustainable construction and design. Bosch has taken significant steps to reduce the eco-footprint of its manufacturing with state-of-the-art production plants. Many of Bosch's major factories, including its appliance park in New Bern, NC, have received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 certification, a worldwide certification that requires a company to meet strict international standards that minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by production. Moreover, the brand relies on reusable and recyclable materials while recycling its wood, cardboard and paper. Bosch even requires its preferred suppliers to adhere to environmental policies similar to its own.

Bosch appliances offer innovative features that enable the brand to offer some of the most water and energy efficient appliances on the market. In fact, Bosch is the only US manufacturer with entire product lines of ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers, washers and refrigeration.

-- Bosch Dishwashers: All Bosch Dishwasher models exceed the federal energy standard by 36%. Bosch's energy saving dishwasher features include:

- The QuickWash™ program offers an abbreviated, energy-conscious cycle for smaller loads or less soiled dishes, and is the fastest option in the industry.

- The EcoAction option adjusts water temperature and cycle length for optimal efficiency, reducing energy usage by up to 25%.

-- Front-Loading Laundry: Already exceeding the strict 2011 ENERGY STAR standards, Bosch's 27" depth and quiet front-loading Nexxt laundry makes it easier than ever to achieve maximum energy savings. ENERGY STAR®-qualified Axxis washers also offer a superior solution for smaller laundry rooms by taking up less space and using less energy than conventional compact top loaders. Utilizing a condensation drying system, Axxis requires no exterior venting. This eliminates the need for additional construction to install a vent duct and decreases the amount of air pollution. The water is removed from clothing, condensed and then pumped into the washer drain. The original air is reheated and blown back into the drum to continue the drying process. A vented dryer blows a continual stream of new air, through the clothes and out a duct.

About Bosch

Bosch home appliances is part of BSH Bosch and Siemens Home Appliance Group, the third largest appliance manufacturer in the world. Inspired by the lifestyle of today's discerning consumers, all Bosch products combine efficiency, quietness, and quality with unrivaled ease of use. Opened in 1997, the company's appliance park in New Bern, North Carolina is comprised of state-of-the-art factories for washers, dryers, dishwashers, ranges, ovens and cooktops. A recipient of the 2009 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for appliances, Bosch is the only US manufacturer with entire product lines of ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers, washers and refrigeration. Bosch appliances regularly receive industry and consumer awards. In fact, Bosch dishwashers have earned the highest ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Major Home Appliance Customer Satisfaction Study for three consecutive years. For more information, please visit www.boschappliances.com or call 800.921.9622 to request a catalog.