Valeo Domains Unveiled At IAA 2001
PARIS--Sept. 14, 2001--Valeo (Paris: FR; OTC: VLEEY) has unveiled a new and visionary approach to customer-led innovation, called "Domains", demonstrated and explained in major displays on Stand E02 in Hall 8.Valeo's Domains enable the company to anticipate and exceed customer expectations more efficiently and effectively as well as continuously identify and exploit technology integration possibilities. A result of a large independent and industry-wide study, the Domains form the foundation of Valeo's technology and marketing strategy and promise customers and motorists increased value solutions and satisfaction.
The Domains, which have been identified following extensive market analyses, describe reliable solutions that satisfy important market needs such as comfort, safety, environment, performance and style. Valeo has grouped relevant automotive functions such as obstacle detection, lighting and wiping together with underpinning technologies and products and each Domain is transversally optimizing Valeo's entire technological competencies, product capabilities and processes while fulfilling current and future customer needs.
The Domains presented by Valeo at the 59th IAA International Motor Show are:
- Electric Energy Management - Seeing and Being Seen - Thermal Energy Management - Vehicle Access and Security - Driveline Systems
The introduction of the Domains has already resulted in creative synergies, via enhanced co-operation and co-ordination between Valeo's many Research and Development centers. This has been a prerequisite in order to efficiently design and develop the underlying technologies and manufacturing processes required for innovative vehicle features. Several strategic technical partnerships have also been signed.
"The Valeo Domains are not just product groups or a bundle of technologies," explained Thierry Morin, Chairman of the Management Board. "They represent an exciting new way of viewing the market and potential growth opportunities. By focusing on the vehicle manufacturers' and consumers' perspectives this transcends traditional product, technology and system definitions and stimulates innovation. The aim is to optimize our ability to innovate through networking our product and technology competencies across the Valeo organization. This creates a global solutions approach for the rapid creation of user friendly vehicle features whether they be visibility, comfort or safety related," Morin added.
By addressing the most important future needs of vehicle manufacturers, drivers and passengers together with wider concerns regarding the environment and the nature of future transportation systems, Valeo's Domain approach is unique in that its objective is to satisfy such wide ranging demands.
"Electric Energy Management"
The Electric Energy Management Domain centers on providing the technologies and products required that enable the generation, storage, control and distribution of electrical energy and data communication within the vehicle. It is the key to implementing many new electrical and electronic functions, many with customizable features, especially when linked to the introduction of powerful 42 Volt networks.
Valeo announced at the IAA International Motor Show that it has entered a technical partnership with Ricardo to develop a vehicle demonstrator that is expected to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent and reduce emissions significantly, using Valeo's key 42V systems.
"Seeing and Being Seen"
The objective of the Seeing and Being Seen Domain is to achieve a more thorough and precise understanding of a vehicle's immediate environment in the light of increasing traffic density and a growing demand for higher standards of road safety.
Lighting, windscreen wiping and obstacle detection systems that Valeo already supplies today, are, under the Domain concept, now being closely interlinked to address a single consumer need for enhanced all-round visibility both from within and from outside the vehicle. In response to this need, Valeo has drawn together a broad range of its technologies from "intelligent" lighting to "smart" sensor activated windscreen cleaning together with ultrasonic, radar and camera based obstacle detection systems.
Earlier this year Valeo signed a partnership with Iteris to develop a video-based image processing system called AutoVue which tracks forward road lane markings and alerts the driver should an unintentional lane departure be detected.
"Thermal Energy Management"
The Thermal Energy Management Domain offers solutions to generate, control and dissipate the thermal energy generated within the vehicle. This Domain includes thermal management in the vehicle interior and seeks to provide climate comfort for the vehicle occupants. Valeo is able to leverage the many product specific technical competencies available from its operating Branches. Synergies will speed up the development of new systems and modules with increased functionality, ease of installation and consumer operation while achieving vehicle cost targets.
Products from the Valeo portfolio contributing to innovation in the Thermal Energy Management Domain include radiators, condensers, heaters and a wide range of oil, air and gas coolers, combined with electronically controlled fans, water pumps, thermostats and valves. Compressors, the HVAC unit with sophisticated air quality control and the novel odorization system that allows consumers to choose in-cabin fragrance, round off this unique product offering.
Under the technical agreement with Ricardo, a demonstrator vehicle has been created to also roof and highlight developments in Thermal Energy Management.
"Vehicle Access and Security"
Included in the Vehicle Access and Security Domain are products and systems that facilitate vehicle access and also prevent unauthorized vehicle usage. Lock, handle and latch sets, mechanized door opening and closing systems, steering column locks, user identification and keyless access are just some of the many Valeo technologies that have the potential for further integration and functional enhancement. This will provide comfort and comprehensive solutions to consumer's concerns regarding the safety and security of their vehicle and its occupants.
Key examples of Valeo systems incorporated into this Domain are the award-winning "hands-free" keyless entry system, developed with Renault, and the electric powered closure systems. Both systems are displayed at the Valeo stand, IAA International Motor Show.
"Driveline Systems"
The concept of the Driveline Systems Domain is to satisfy the consumer need for the safe and comfortable control of the vehicle. Valeo's Transmissions Branch has developed a comprehensive range of products and systems that ensure the smooth transfer, reliable distribution and precise control of engine torque and power to the wheels under all driving conditions.
Modules
Complementing the five major Domains described above is a continuing emphasis by Valeo on offering vehicle manufacturers front-end, door, rear hatch and cockpit modules. These modules represent the physical integration of many Valeo products, and customer benefits include streamlined logistics, cost and weight reduction while delivering increased functionality via Domain driven innovation.
Aftermarket
Valeo's Domain approach makes a significant contribution to enhance the company's aftermarket activities and customer propositions. Valeo Distribution is, in each Domain, closely involved in all technological innovations and integrations. This cutting edge involvement enables Valeo Distribution to launch innovative aftermarket solutions. Silencio Flat Blade and Master Park System (retrofit for Ultrasonic Park Assist) are examples of Valeo Distribution initiatives that will be launched over the coming months.
Illustrations can be downloaded from the Valeo Internet site, www.valeo.com, which features a special section on Valeo's participation in the IAA International Motor Show 2001.
Valeo is an independent industrial group fully 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. The Group has 162 plants, 49 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs 78,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.
For more information on the Group and its businesses, please consult our Web site: www.valeo.com