VIP Success for NSK Marks 100th Preferred Supplier to Valeo

PARIS, France, November 5 --

Valeo has announced that its prestigious preferred supplier programme, VIP (Valeo Integrated Partners), continues to grow from strength to strength with the latest supplier, NSK, headquartered in Japan, now becoming the 100th supplier to achieve VIP status.

Started in 1999, this program recognizes Valeo suppliers who have demonstrated continued outstanding performance in terms of quality, global competitiveness, productivity, global presence, service, innovation and technology.

At a ceremony held in Paris recently, the 100th VIP agreement was signed with

Larry P. McPherson, Vice President, NSK, for their range of ball bearings for alternators and electrical motors. NSK has been supplying Valeo Electrical Systems, Valeo Wiper Systems and Valeo Motors & Actuators with bearings for many years.

"I would like to congratulate NSK on becoming our 100th VIP supplier and acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by all our VIP suppliers to Valeo's continuing growth and prosperity. Their loyalty, specialist knowledge and commitment are great assets to the continuing success of our global engineering, manufacturing and marketing operations," said Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

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 NSK's bearing technology will have priority in new product design, development and manufacture.

Valeo anticipates that the success of its VIP preferred supplier 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 and electronics systems.

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 125 plants, 55 R&D centers, nine distribution centers and employs 67,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.

Media contact: Malene Pickles, +33 140 55 2074, Malene.pickles@valeo.com