How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability or crises, Bosch legal department approach to managing legal aspects is rooted in proactive risk management and robust adherence to regulations. We conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential legal risks, such as those arising from the ongoing chip shortage, geopolitical tensions, and high inflation. Strengthening our adherence to regulations ensures we meet evolving standards, including Euro7 and environmental policies.

The legal department is part of a dedicated crisis management team to respond swiftly to emerging issues, supported by comprehensive crisis response plans for various scenarios, including supply chain disruptions and cybersecurity breaches. Given the increasing importance of connected vehicles, we have implemented enhanced cybersecurity measures and developed a comprehensive incident response plan to address potential breaches.

Also, our legal strategy is closely aligned with Bosch’s broader business strategy to support innovation and development. We ensure robust protection of our intellectual property, particularly in areas such as hydrogen fuel cells and vehicle software development. Engaging with regulatory bodies allows us to advocate for favorable policies that support our technological advancements.

Facilitating strategic partnerships is another key focus. We draft and negotiate collaborative agreements with technology partners, suppliers, and infrastructure developers, addressing critical issues like intellectual property rights and dispute resolution. Additionally, we work closely with the supply chain management team to diversify suppliers and mitigate risks associated with disruptions.

To ensure organisational resilience, we create adaptive legal frameworks that allow Bosch to pivot quickly in response to market changes. This includes flexible contract terms and scalable regulatory adherence programs. Transparent communication with stakeholders, including employees, customers, regulators, and investors, is maintained to manage the company’s reputation and provide regular updates on legal and regulatory developments.

By integrating these strategies, our legal department effectively manages legal aspects during crises and aligns with Bosch’s broader business strategy, ensuring resilience and continued success in the evolving automotive industry.

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?

In Bosch, sustainability is integral to our core business operations. We have taken significant measures to embed sustainable practices, focusing on climate action, supply chain sustainability, circular economy principles, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

We have achieved carbon neutrality (scopes 1 & 2) across all our locations since 2020 by improving energy efficiency, generating renewable energy, purchasing green electricity, and offsetting residual CO₂ emissions. In Romania, our plants in Cluj and Blaj have implemented energy efficiency projects, including installing photovoltaic panels, optimising compressed air pressure, and using heat from compressors to produce domestic hot water. These initiatives have significantly reduced our energy consumption and increased our production of green energy.

The Legal Department in Bosch Romania and Bulgaria plays a crucial role in driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company. We ensure Bosch sustainability initiatives comply with local and international regulations, develop internal policies promoting sustainability, and identify and mitigate legal risks associated with these initiatives. We also collaborate with various departments to integrate sustainability into their functions and engage with external stakeholders to advocate for supportive policies. By embedding sustainability into our operations and leveraging the legal department’s support, Bosch Romania and Bulgaria are committed to creating a sustainable future.