In 1926, Bosch revolutionized driving safety with the first electric windshield wiper. 100 years later, the company is celebrating this significant anniversary and looking back on a long history of groundbreaking innovations. From the introduction of interval wiping to the Aerotwin flat-blade wiper, Bosch has decisively shaped the development of wiper systems and repeatedly redefined the standards for clear vision.
A journey through the milestones of wiper technology
The history of Bosch windshield wipers is a story of progress. The electric drive was followed by the development of the dual-material wiper rubber (1994), which significantly improved cleaning performance. With the Bosch Aerotwin in 2001, the company set the new standard for modern flat-blade wipers, which are now original equipment (OE) in most new vehicles. Their aerodynamic design with a custom-fit Evodium spring strip ensures optimal contact pressure and a long service life.
“The invention of the electric windshield wiper by Bosch in 1926 was a quantum leap for road safety,” says Bart Robijns, Head of Wiper Development at Bosch. “A modern wiper is a crucial component in the vehicle: The latest generation of electric vehicles, in particular, places high demands on acoustic performance. Wipers with maximum running smoothness and no disruptive background noise are required. Furthermore, modern driver assistance systems rely on an impeccably clean windshield so that cameras and sensors can accurately and continuously capture the vehicle’s surroundings.”
Anniversary campaign celebrates “Keeping the essentials in sight for 100 years”
To celebrate this anniversary, Bosch is launching a comprehensive communication campaign, which officially begins with the trade fair Automechanika. Under the motto “Keeping the essentials in sight for 100 years,” the campaign tells a story that connects generations and focuses on the themes of family, care and nostalgia. The campaign includes videos, extensive social media activities and other materials that workshops and retailers can use in their marketing efforts.
In the Philippines, Bosch kicked off its wiper centenary at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) with a showcase of its 100-year heritage and current line-up. The celebrations continue through 2026 with eCommerce promotions, exclusive merchandise and double-digit sale offers at participating Bosch Authorized stores until December.
Outlook: Innovations for the mobility of tomorrow
Innovative strength has been the driving force behind Bosch wiper systems for 100 years. With pioneering technologies, the company actively shapes global trends and offers tailor-made solutions for OE and the aftermarket. For example, the Aerotwin J.E.T-blade for commercial vehicles embeds nozzles into the wiper blade, so washing fluid can be sprayed directly in front of the blade as it travels across the windshield, thus reducing disruptive spray mist and immediately improving visibility for drivers. On these systems, fleet operators benefit from maximum reliability, while workshops save time during installation thanks to pre-assembled adapters.
