Valeo "Start-Stop" Belt-Driven Starter-Alternator Wins the EPCOS/SIA Jury's Grand Prix

PARIS, France, June 23 -- The 2004 EPCOS/SIA Grand Prix of the Jury has been conferred on Valeo for its reversible belt-driven starter-alternator. The trophy was presented to Valeo's research and development team at the annual reception of the SIA, the French Society of Automotive Engineers, held yesterday in Paris, France. This year the EPCOS/SIA awards celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Thierry Morin, Valeo's Chairman & CEO, who attended the award ceremony, said, "It's an honour for Valeo to receive an EPCOS/SIA award for the fourth consecutive year. It is testimony to Valeo's commitment to improving vehicle performance by the application of electronics-based technologies."

Valeo's system combines the functions of a starter and an alternator into one easy-to-install unit. It enables the "start-stop" mode - a feature that automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill, at a red light for example, and instantaneously and silently restarts it when the driver engages a gear or releases the brake. Consumers will benefit from up to ten percent fuel savings, zero emissions when the vehicle is at a standstill and reduced noise levels.

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 129 plants, 65 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 68,700 people in 26 countries worldwide.