''World First'' for Valeo's Double Xenon Lighting Technology for New Volkswagen Phaeton

    PARIS--May 28, 2002--Valeo (Paris: FR; OTC: VLEEY) today announced that the Volkswagen Group has selected it to supply a stylish and powerful headlamp system, called "Double Xenon", for the new Phaeton luxury saloon launched at the recent Geneva Motor Show.
    Commenting on the premiere, Thierry Morin, Chairman of Valeo's Management Board said, "Valeo is delighted to be associated with the launch of the Phaeton. The W12 model is the first application for our innovative Double Xenon headlamp technology. With its leading edge design philosophy and the adoption of a host of new vehicle features, the Phaeton is a tremendous showcase for Valeo's latest lighting systems. I wish to applaud the great teamwork of all Valeo employees who have worked so successfully with Volkswagen to deliver the Double Xenon lighting program for the Phaeton."
    Specialist styling engineers, based at Valeo's Design Studio in Paris, France, have successfully realized Volkswagen's styling concept for the new headlamps by creating a visually striking "eagle view" effect for the vehicle front-end. This styling is further enhanced by the integration of a linear turn indicator, the largest on the market with best-in-class homogeneity. Valeo's Double Xenon headlamp modules are small elliptical modules measuring only 60mm. These have been successfully packaged into deep recesses in the Phaeton's front wings and, when combined with the arrow shaped contouring of the bonnet and integrated chrome grille, combine to produce an expressive front-end styling.
    Valeo's new Double Xenon system is a major advancement in headlamp technology when compared to less powerful Halogen lights or current Xenon designs that provide only low beam illumination. In each of the two Double Xenon headlamp units, one Xenon projector module provides low beam illumination while the second module delivers a powerful high beam. Each projector module is only 60mm in diameter, and uses a ballast to convert DC to AC to generate high voltage start up and significantly more power for maximum lighting efficiency.
    "The Double Xenon is the most powerful automotive lighting system in the world. Not only is the high beam function delivered by Xenon but the Xenon low beam is itself extremely powerful, which is a feature appreciated by most drivers. This is achieved by the perfect width, homogeneity and above all great reach of the Xenon low beam," said Dr. Falk Beil, Head of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Volkswagen Phaeton.
    A feature of the Double Xenon headlamps specified by Volkswagen for the W12 Phaeton is a dynamic self-leveling system to avoid dazzling on-coming road users when in low beam mode. This advanced system employs sensors positioned on the front and rear axles to communicate suspension compression rate information. The information is electronically "filtered" before being fed to a motor in each Xenon projector module. The motor reacts in milliseconds to actuate the position of the projector module so that the light beam always stays at the optimum angle to avoid dazzle while providing the best light on the road ahead.
    Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 143 plants, 53 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs nearly 71,500 people in 24 countries worldwide (end March 2002).
    For more information on the Group and its businesses, consult our Web site: www.valeo.com .