Valeo Named `Supplier of the Year' by Decoma International

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--Oct. 15, 2001--Valeo Switches and Detection Systems, a branch of the Valeo Group, has been selected a Decoma International "Supplier of the Year." Decoma is a full-service supplier of exterior appearance systems to the world's automotive industry.
    The award, presented at Decoma's recent Seventh Annual Supplier Conference, was announced by Chris Rolko, director of Purchasing and Continuous Improvement for Decoma.
    "Companies are selected `Supplier of the Year' for exceeding expectations in the areas of quality, delivery, responsiveness and cost," said Rolko. "Valeo Switches and Detection Systems was recognized for its outstanding performance in supplying sensors for the Reverse Park Assist system to the Nascote and Polycon Divisions of Decoma."
    Roland Lartigue, general manager, Valeo Switches and Detection Systems, said, "With this award, Decoma recognizes Valeo's ability to achieve outstanding quality in an intricate manufacturing process required to produce park assist sensors. We are extremely gratified."
    Valeo, the world's leading supplier of ultrasonic park assist sensors, supplies Decoma with sensors that are mounted in the bumper fascia for the Ford Windstar and Ford Explorer, the Mercury Mountaineer and the Lincoln Blackwood.

    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. The Group 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.