Valeo Lane Departure Warning System Wins Nissan's "Global Innovation Award"

TOKYO, Japan, July 15 -- Valeo today announced that its Lane Departure Warning System received a "Global Innovation Award" at the "Nissan Global Suppliers Awards" ceremony in Tokyo.

"It is truly an honor to have Valeo's Lane Departure Warning System recognized as one of the most innovative products by Nissan," said Thierry Morin, Chairman and CEO. "This system is a key element of Valeo efforts to protect drivers and passengers from the many hazards on today's roads. The latest figures show that over 40% of accidents in the United States occur during lane change".

The Valeo system using Iteris technology consists of a miniature video sensor that uses complex proprietary software algorithms to continuously monitor the lane markings in front of the vehicle. This system detects unintentional lane departures, i.e. when the turn signal is not activated, and alerts the driver by an acoustic signal so that he or she can take corrective action.

The Nissan brand Infiniti was the first car manufacturer to install the system on a production vehicle. The Lane Departure Warning System is currently available as an option on the 2005 Infiniti FX sport-utility and 2006 M45 sedan.

This Valeo system also won a 2005 PACE Award in the Product Innovation category last april.

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 132 plants, 66 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 69,500 people in 27 countries worldwide.