Valeo awarded contracts for Volkswagen Group power closure systems

Frankfurt, Germany, September 10 -- Valeo today announced that Volkswagen Group had awarded the company contracts worth 60 million euros for power closure systems that will feature will feature on several future new car models whose production date was not disclosed.

"The development of our new Power Closure Systems - standard drive unit opens up exciting growth potential because it meets important consumer needs for a more convenient and safer way to operate not only trunk lids, but also tailgates and sliding doors," said Thierry Morin, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. "These valuable contracts demonstrate how Valeo has successfully adapted its award-winning power closure technology, first seen in trunk lid applications on the Maybach and Mercedes E-Class, to meet the demands of the volume car sector."

Following the completion of development work, Valeo engineers have successfully achieved a new standardized design for an electrically-power drive unit that adopts a modular architecture for maximum application flexibility to all types of vehicle closures - trunk lids, tailgates and sliding doors. Special adapters permit a complex but standard powered closure system drive unit to operate efficiently with the wide variety of hinges.

With a torque range up to 180 Nm and very compact packaging, the Valeo standard drive unit has a class-leading power to size ratio. The motor incorporates patented electro-magnetic clutch technology that ensures high levels of comfort when operating a powered closure.

The Valeo standard drive unit is believed to be the first in the automotive market to have integrated electronics and sensors that provide enhanced functionality. Vehicle doors and hatches quietly open and close automatically, either by remote control or by buttons, and an obstacle detection function is a standard security and safety feature. Manual operation is possible due to the design of the electro-magnetic clutch, and the complete powered closure system may be located discreetely within the vehicle body so that it is invisible to users. Power closure systems complement Valeo's expertise in keyless entry systems, and together they represent a complete solution to vehicle access and security using advanced electronics.

Valeo's Domain Approach is the basis of the company's marketing and technology strategy, and it contributed significantly to the success of the power closure systems. The Domains bring together men and women from diverse Valeo technical areas to develop products meeting future market needs. This transversal approach to new product innovation resulted in a cost-effective, standardised electro-mechanical drive unit that outperforms current systems relying on electro-hydraulic motors.

In this case, the Vehicle Access and Security Domain focused on more convenient, safe and secure vehicle access. By working together from the earliest moment, the team optimized the design of the powered closure system by combining Valeo expertise in control electronics, sensors, actuation, security systems and vehicle latches and strikers. The integrated control electronics were developed together with mechanical components at Valeo's R&D centre in Erdweg, Germany.

Valeo is exhibiting at the 60th IAA International Motor Show on stand D02 in hall 8.

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 130 plants, 54 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 69,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.