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13 5.21 to 5.26.2018 “We started 2018 very well: we closed the first four months with a growth over 20%.” According to the president of Bosch factories have gone through many adjustments in recent years. The workforce was reduced by 1,6 thousand people - today the company employs 8,3 thousand people in Brazil: “We have increased productivity, changed our portfolio and are looking for new businesses in other segments, such as agribusiness. But even in the recession we invest R$ 100 million a year.” In 2017 the investment was higher, R$ 127 million, divided into three parts: modernization of lines and structure, portfolio development and industry 4.0. Another R$ 162 million was invested in research and development - there are 400 professionals working in the area, of which 360 are focused on mobility. Botelho affirmed that one of the few segments that showed a drop last year was the foreign sales, “which, because of the exchange rate, fell to 28% of sales. But it is a healthy index and that in 2018 is expected to grow, because we have competitiveness in the United States, Europe and Asia”. Diesel Challenge - In a more global scope the big challenge of Bosch is to prepare the diesel engines for the new emission standards in Europe, much more rigid. One solution has been introduced in recent weeks: a diesel- powered vehicle with emissions equivalent to one-tenth of today’s propellants. Botelho has designed that the diesel engine will still have its space in the industry, even with electric, hybrid and hydrogen cell solutions. According to him the discussion will leave the exhaust muffler to the whole chain of electricity production - in some countries with coal-fired power generation, the emissions of the electric, throughout the chain, could exceed the diesel engine. Brazil, however, should have a separate role in this discussion, according to the president of Bosch. Although Botelho admits that the hybrids and electric will have a larger presence in the country, even more with the incentives that should come along with Rota 2030, ethanol, in his opinion, should gain a more relevant role in the eyes of the government.