First Contract Win for Valeo's New Dual Reversing Front Wiper System

PARIS, December 9 -- Valeo today announced that a leading European car maker has awarded the company a first contract for the supply of a new generation of dual reversing front wiper systems for an unnamed model, scheduled for launch in 2006. The contract has a lifetime value of over 100 million euros.

The new dual reversing front wiper system has been specifically designed for use on vehicles with large windscreens that require an opposed wiper system to achieve maximum wipe efficiency for enhanced forward visibility in all weather conditions.

"Having successfully developed and launched the single reversing front wiper system this year, Valeo design engineers have now achieved a breakthrough wiper solution for larger vehicles. Valeo's expertise in motor design and electronic control has been applied to great effect since the new system has class-leading performance and functionality," said Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

In addition, by specifying dual reversible front wipers, vehicle designers will now be able to delete the traditional cross vehicle wiper linkages and free-up valuable space in the plenum area.

This greatly reduced packaging space is just one of several major benefits of the dual reversing front wiper motor system. The system can be specified with either two direct drive motors, or alternatively, two motors with integrated linkages. Wiper arms are attached directly to both types of motor. However, the motors with integrated linkages are particularly suited to applications where the motor location is constrained by space or where location close to the A-pillar is required. Both types of motor are of a compact and lightweight and each motor requires only a single screw mounting for rapid and easy installation during vehicle assembly.

Valeo has drawn upon over ten year's experience in the design of electronically-controlled wiper systems to develop the dual reversing wiper technology which is the latest innovation from the world leader in wiper 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 (October 2003).

Malene Pickles, +33 1 40 55 2074, Malene.pickles@valeo.com