Valeo Wins Saturn Performance Award

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--Aug. 2, 2001--Valeo, a leading supplier of innovative components, systems, and modules for cars and trucks, was recently presented the 2000 Saturn Supplier Quality Achievement award.
    The award recognizes Valeo Electrical Systems for meeting Saturn's stringent quality criteria in the manufacture of starter motors used on the automaker's S-Series cars. It was presented by Roger Fender of Saturn purchasing to Samuel Papazian, sales and marketing director of Valeo Electrical Systems, North America. To be awarded the 2000 Saturn Supplier Quality Achievement, a supplier must have less than 25 ppm defects. On-time shipments, technical support and responsiveness are also taken into consideration.
    In addition to this year's award, Valeo Electrical Systems was also presented this award in 1997 and 1998. Valeo also received Outstanding Supplier Award honors in 1998. Valeo, which has supplied starters to Saturn since 1994, also supplies Saturn with lighting products.
    Saturn's S-Series platform is one of two vehicle platforms, consisting of a four-door sedan, a wagon, and a coupe. These are produced in Spring Hill, Tenn., where the award ceremony was held. Valeo's starter motors attach to the four-cylinder engines used on these vehicles.
    "It's been a long road, reaching this milestone event," said Bill Hurles, Saturn vice president for purchasing, noting that the award is in its ninth year. "One of the primary objectives in coming together here today is to recognize our suppliers' accomplishments in helping us succeed."
    Valeo is focused on the design, production, and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks, and ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. Valeo achieved sales in 2000 of 9.1 billion euros ($8.2 U.S. dollars). Valeo has 162 plants, 49 research and development centers, 10 distribution centers and employs 78,000 people in 25 countries worldwide. Of these, there are 19 plants and six research and development centers in North America employing 12,000 people. For further information, see www.valeo.com.