Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG Business Report FY ended Dec. 2015
Financial Overview |
(in million EUR) |
| FY ended Dec. 31, 2015 | FY ended Dec. 31, 2014 | Rate of change (%) | Factors | |
| Net Sales | 6,053 | 5,169 | 17.1 | 1) |
Factors
1) Net Sales
-The Company’s sales in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 increased by 17.1% over the previous year to EUR 6,053 million. Half of the increase in sales was due to the positive effect of currency translation. Other factors leading to the increase in sales included strong performances throughout the Company’s regions. North America sales grew by 27%, Asia sales grew by 19%, and sales in Europe grew by 13%.
Acquisitions
-The Company will acquire the remaining 40% equity in its joint venture with Dongfeng Parts & Components, Shanghai Brose Electric Motors. The joint venture is focused on manufacturing electric drives. (From a press release on April 21, 2015)
Joint Ventures
-As an adjustment to its business agreement with Dongfeng Parts & Components, the Company will establish a new 50:50 joint venture with Dongfeng Parts & Components in Wuhan. The new joint venture will cover the Company’s entire product portfolio including door systems, seat systems, and electric drives. (From a press release on April 21, 2015)
Awards
-The Company announced that it has received the Volkswagen Group Award. The award was given for the company’s outstanding innovations, high product quality, advanced development capabilities, and expertise to manage projects in a sustainable manner. (From news releases issued by multiple sources on August 17, 2015)
R&D Structure
-In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, the Company invested more than EUR 470 million in research and development.
-The Company has over 3,000 engineers and technicians working in research and development.
Product Development
Products displayed at IAA Frankfurt 2015
-At the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Company showcased a variety of products to improve the safety, comfort and efficiency of driving.
- Electric oil pump: Consists of an electronically commutated motor, control electronics and an integrated pump. The electric oil pump enables start-stop functions and coasting for engines by maintaining oil pressure in the transmission, thus reducing emissions.
- Electric air conditioning compressor: Compressor for hybrid and electric vehicles that doesn’t require the engine to be running in order to operate. The motor, ECU, and compressor are combined into a single system which can be operated in both 48V and high-voltage systems. The compressor produces fewer emissions and also features less noise than conventional compressors.
- Electric drives for doors: An electric drive allows hinged doors to be controlled through mobile devices. A capacitive sensor and variable door check provides additional levels of safety and convenience.
- Electrification of all interior seating: By completely electrifying all seat rows within the vehicle, the customer can remotely customize the arrangement and positioning of all seats within the vehicle. Thus, the interior can be arranged to provide maximum seating space or maximum storage space for luggage, all through a smartphone app.
Electric oil pump
-As a result of stricter environmental regulations, the Company developed its electric oil pump (eOP) for stop-start systems. The eOP maintains oil pressure in the transmission while the engine is stopped, improving handling and fuel efficiency. The eOP combined with a stop-start engine system is expected to increase fuel economy by up to 6%. North American production of the eOP is expected to begin in 2018 at the Company's El Marques, Mexico manufacturing location. The Company will produce more than 5 million full stop-start electric oil pumps in the next five years. (From a press release on May 15, 2015)
Capital Expenditures |
(in million EUR) |
| FY ended Dec. 31, 2015 | FY ended Dec. 31, 2014 | FY ended Dec. 31, 2013 | |
| Overall | 362 | 237 | 264 |
-The Company is planning to make EUR 1 billion in investments worldwide from 2016 through 2018.
Investments in Germany
-In 2015, the Company made investments to expand several plants in Germany. Investments were made to the Company’s plants in Coberg for its seat systems business, Hallstadt for its door systems business, and Wurzburg for its drives business. (From a press release on September 16, 2015)
Investments outside Germany
-The Company announced that it has laid the foundation stone for its new production facility in Prievidza, Slovakia. The first stage of expansion will set up the production of electric motors and drives, liftgate systems and window regulators for customers such as Volkswagen, Daimler, BMW, Ford and General Motors. The Company is investing EUR 50 million in the facility and plans to create 600 jobs in the first five years of operation. (From a press release on October 1, 2015)
-In 2015, the Company commissioned two new plants in China. One plant is located in Taicang while the other is in Guangzhou. In addition, the Company has started the construction of a new facility in Taicang with a production space of up to 50,000 square meters. The new plant will be the Company’s largest manufacturing facility in both size and turnover. Construction on the new plant is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2017. (From a press release on April 21, 2015)