Mercedes Chooses Valeo Air Conditioning for its New GL-Class

PARIS, France, January 9 -- Following the recent successful launch of Mercedes' new M-Class and crossover R-Class 4WD models equipped with Valeo air conditioning systems, the new top-end GL-Class model, presented to the American public for the first time at the Detroit Motor Show, also features a new Valeo 4-zone air conditioning system.

Given the size of the areas to be cooled and heated in these three models, each available in several versions, Valeo created 20 original systems, offering maximum comfort to every passenger seated on each of the three rows of seats. The performance and sound level of these air-conditioning systems, comprising a front HVAC, a booster and a rear air conditioning HVAC, rank among the best in their category. The 1700-watt additional electric heater, which increases the temperature almost instantaneously, is also particularly pleasant to use.

As well as offering an ideal temperature, these systems ensure optimum air quality for the passengers, with interior and exterior gases and odors captured by high-performance active-carbon filters.

These air-conditioning systems also feature an innovative architecture: the actuators, ventilation motors and additional electric heating module are all interfaced through a LIN bus network. This architecture, which offers high operational reliability and reduced maintenance costs, should become an automobile standard in the years to come.

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 131 plants, 68 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 72,400 people in 27 countries worldwide.

For further information, please contact :

Bruno-Roland Bernard, Group Communications Director, Tél.:+33-01-40-55-37-86

Telinge Alexandre, Group Media Relations & PR Manager, Tél.:+33-01-40-55-20-74

For further information, please contact : Bruno-Roland Bernard, Group Communications Director, Tél.: +33-01-40-55-37-86. Telinge Alexandre, Group Media Relations & PR Manager, Tél.: +33-01-40-55-20-74