Valeo Wins Gold and Silver Innovation Awards At Equip Auto 2001

    PARIS--Oct. 18, 2001--Valeo (Paris: FR; OTC: VLEEY) has won the prestigious Gold innovation award for its novel Silencio(TM) Flat Blade in the "Aftermarket, Services and Accessories" category of the "International Grand Prix for Technical Innovation" at Equip Auto.
    Valeo also won a Silver award for its Reglolux(TM) tool in the "Garage Equipment" category. Both trophies were presented to Valeo yesterday at Equip Auto's bi-annual award ceremony in Paris, France.
    An international panel of 70 journalists and automotive experts evaluated the 24 innovations short listed for an award. The Equip Auto international awards conferred on Valeo recognize innovation for eligible products, concepts and services of exhibiting companies.
    Valeo, the only company to win two innovation prizes, was also short listed for an award for its Thermal Management Intelligent System (THEMIS) and Bonded Tripod(R) clutch disc.

    Silencio(TM) Flat Blade

    Valeo's Silencio(TM) Flat Blade uniquely combines innovative and individual styling with advanced technological wiping efficiency. Valeo's application of its aerodynamics, acoustics and physics expertise, followed by extensive consumer trials, has culminated in a wiper design that overcomes conventional noise problems, improves safety further and has a style that is appealing to consumers.

    Reglolux(TM)

    Contributing to driver safety, Valeo's Reglolux(TM) is designed for car repairers and vehicle testing centers. It was developed using Valeo's expertise in vehicle lighting systems for the OEM market and in aftermarket tools. Thanks to its integrated camera and innovative image processing technology, Reglolux(TM) is the first diagnostic tool to offer a full vehicle lighting check-up. It can be used to accurately identify if a vehicle's headlamps or bulbs need to be adjusted or replaced and if they comply with regulatory requirements.
    Valeo is presenting the Silencio (Flat Blade and Reglolux(TM)) in Hall 6 at stand F30 at Equip Auto in Paris, October 16-21, 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, 53 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs over 77,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.