German Bosch Group, one of the world's largest auto parts suppliers, announced the launch on Tuesday of its nationwide Bosch Diesel Partner (BDP) project that aims to recruit 100 dealerships in six regions by the end of this year.

The program is "an effort to build an integrated and extensive service network in China to tap the looming boom of diesel technology", said Andreas Andorfer, chief general manager of Bosch Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd.

Bosch BDP project follows a Bosch Diesel Center (BDC) program begun last June in nine cities in the country.

The new BDP program will first launch in Beijing, Shanghai, South China's Guangdong Province, East China's Shandong Province, Central China's Hubei Province and Northeast China's Liaoning Province this year, then expand into other regions.

After decades of involvement in China, Bosch sees a rising demand in the after-service market and formulated the BDP program to fit Chinese customers.

Bosch BDP service points will include maintenance and repair centers, and will extend service to a larger region by cooperating with existing Bosch diesel operations.

"We believe BDP is convenient, efficient and cost-saving for the consumers and profitable for the partners recruited," said Andreas Buschsieweke, marketing manager of Bosch Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd.

Buschsieweke said BDP centers will be able to diagnose problems and replace defective parts, enabling customers to drive their vehicles away more quickly.

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