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Valeo Lights the Way for Every Driving Condition

9 March 2000

Valeo Lights the Way for Every Driving Condition

              Technology and Design Drive Expert Lighting System


    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 8 Whether driving across town
or along a dark mountain road, Valeo and its partner company in North America,
Valeo Sylvania, have engineered the lighting to see and be seen.  Adding to
its roster of high-performance products, Valeo's Expert Lighting System
provides drivers with the comfort and security of a variety of innovative
options.

    *  Bend Lighting increases the quantity of light as the road curves with
the addition of motor-powered movable reflectors, and progressive bulb power
linked with steering position and speed.  The beam follows the position of the
steering wheel as the vehicle turns and facilitates driving along winding
roads.
    *  Motorway Lighting adapts the high beam through a processing unit that
combines a speed sensor and an automatic leveling system.  This smart system
creates wider visibility at lower speeds, and longer visibility at higher
speeds by modifying beam direction and range through automatic prism and lens
movement.
    *  In fog, rain or snow, Adverse Weather Lighting adjusts the headlamps'
beam and intensity.  An electronic rain sensor is coupled with automatic lens
or prism movement to modify beam spread.
    *  For better crossroad vision, Town Lighting increases beam width by
linking bulb power to light sensors and GPS processing units.
    *  Through additional reflectors and manual bulb power, the Overhead
Lighting device gives the driver the option of seeing overhead signs from a
distance and prevents "last-minute" driving decisions.

    From minivans to sedans to sports coupes, Valeo has engineered greater
design possibilities with Baroptic(R) lighting technology.  Based on a new
optical-guide concept, Baroptic(R) lighting has reduced the height and depth
of the headlamp giving greater flexibility in horizontal and vertical
positioning.  Linear rear lighting and 3D rear lamps also provide styling
freedom and the possibility to create daring new lines.
    Valeo Sylvania will showcase many of these lighting products at the SAE
2000 World Congress.
    Valeo is an independent industrial group that designs, produces and sells
components, systems and modules for cars and trucks.  It operates in both the
original equipment and aftermarket segments.  By focusing on advanced
technology, global presence, and the relentless pursuit of zero defects, Valeo
has established itself as a permanent frontrunner in all of its core
businesses:  Electric/Electronics, Thermal Systems, Transmissions and
Aftermarket.
    Valeo is among the world's top 10 automotive suppliers with estimated 1999
sales of approximately 7.7 billion euros.  With a global workforce of 50,400,
the company has 113 production facilities, 29 research and development
operations, and 10 distribution centers in 20 countries.