VIP Success for Valeo's Preferred Suppliers

PARIS, March 28 -- Valeo today announced that its prestigious preferred supplier program, VIP (Valeo Integrated Partners), has grown from strength to strength with a total of 83 suppliers now achieving VIP status.

Started in 1999, this preferred supplier program is a one-time award, subject to continuing excellence, which represents an exclusive selection of Valeo's best-in-class suppliers. All suppliers nominated for VIP status have demonstrated outstanding performance in terms of quality, global competitiveness, productivity, global presence, service, innovation and technology.

As Valeo pursues the rationalization of its supplier base, the VIP program is truly a cornerstone of its panel strategy, allowing it to concentrate on the very best partners while reducing its total number of suppliers.

The 83rd nomination was made to Dynacast International Limited, Alcester, England, for their range of high pressure zinc alloy die casting products. Dynacast has been supplying Valeo for many years in both conventional and multi-slider technologies and now joins the club of preferred suppliers of Valeo who have earned the VIP status of "best-in-class."

Although all of Valeo's suppliers are required to meet the company's stringent quality standards, the VIP award goes further in committing both companies to even closer co-operation which includes product development and cost reduction. The preferred partner status represented by the VIP agreement means that Dynacast's high pressure zinc alloy die casting technology will have priority for Valeo new product design, development and manufacture.

Valeo anticipates that the success of its VIP program will continue to support its technology leadership. The company is the world's number one supplier of engine cooling systems, lighting systems, ultrasonic park assist, wiper systems and transmissions and is leading the way in many other technologies including climate control and electrical/electronics systems.

"I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by our VIP suppliers to Valeo's continuing growth and prosperity. Their loyalty, specialist knowledge and commitment are a great asset to the continuing success of our global engineering, manufacturing and marketing operations," said Thierry Morin, Chairman of Valeo's Management Board.

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 now has 140 plants, 54 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 69,100 people in 25 countries worldwide.