Press kit PARIS 2006 VALEO TECHNOLOGIES Enabling a better automotive world
Enabling a better automotive world Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - The new technologies presented today by Valeo confirm the appropriateness of the Group s strategy to develop global solutions which improve safety, comfort and driving pleasure while at the same time reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. To implement this strategy successfully Valeo has chosen to integrate its systems and services within three Domains: Driving Assistance, Powertrain Efficiency and Comfort Enhancement. Innovations for safety, respect of the environment and well-being >> Driving Assistance: solutions for safer vehicles. The technologies within this Domain are intended to monitor the vehicle s perimeter, inform the driver and other road users about the vehicle s immediate environment and initiate appropriate corrective actions. >> Powertrain Efficiency: Solutions for cleaner, more efficient, more economical vehicles. This Domain covers systems for enhancing vehicle performance and driving pleasure, and minimizing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. >> Comfort Enhancement: Solutions for more comfortable vehicles. This Domain aims to make vehicle use more practical and comfortable and is devoted to vehicle access and safety, and to the comfort and well-being of its occupants. 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 and employs 73,800 people in 133 plants, 71 R&D centers and 9 distribution centers in 29 countries.
V360 - A sixth sense for safety Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - Valeo s unique vehicle demonstrator, named V360 is equipped with a wide array of innovative driving assistance systems. The aim of the V360 vehicle is to highlight the successful integration of a range of Valeo technologies that focus on satisfying the consumers need for a safe driving experience. All these technologies are the result of the research and development work done by Valeo engineers all working together in the Valeo Driving Assistance Domain. Integrated into one common vehicle they prove that these systems interact perfectly with each other whilst presenting excellent ergonomics. >> Safety is the top priority Latest studies conducted among drivers in Europe, Asia and the United States clearly show that driver expectations of future car design relate to safety. The studies revealed that the most important purchasing criteria of consumers is safety, quoted by 65% of respondents, ahead of reliability (52%) and comfort (39%). Drivers wish to be fully informed about their environment and alerted to potential hazards so as to be able to take appropriate decisions, e.g. whether to brake, accelerate, turn, etc. >> 360 vision around the vehicle Valeo s Driving Assistance Domain strategy focuses on the development of assistance systems that continuously monitor the vehicle s immediate external surroundings and then inform the driver, and other road users, of all potential unseen hazards. If necessary, the appropriate corrective action is advised and triggered. >> A transversal approach to the design of innovative systems The technologies developed within the Driving Assistance Domain are designed to identify, alert, assist and control. These four actions are managed by systems using several different technologies - radar, cameras, electroluminescent diodes, infrared vision, ultrasound, control and power electronics - and their successful integration with other on-board systems has required a high degree of collaboration across technical disciplines by all Valeo engineers involved in this project. Valeo has put a special focus not only on the technical aspects of the systems but also on their ergonomics, ensuring that they are easy and intuitive to use. Drivers and passengers will have a whole new driving experience.
>> Technologies that are useful during each and every drive OptiVeo Front System: a compact high dynamic and high sensitivity camera for four functions. The multifunction camera, integrated behind the internal rearview mirror, surveys the area in front of the car. It enables the following functions: BeamAtic : High beam/low beam automation. This system enables automatic switching between high and low beams according to traffic conditions. LaneVue : Lane Departure Warning System. This system detects involuntary changes in vehicle trajectory and alerts the driver with a sound or vibratory warning signal. XtraVue : Infrared night vision system. This active Infrared night vision system ensures nighttime vision and pedestrian detection equivalent to using high beam whilst driving with headlamps in low beam mode. Speed Limit Support: This system looks for speed limit signs and replicates them on the head-up display for driver information. Adaptive XLED headlamps: These adaptive headlamps equipped with Xenon and LED technology provide optimum visibility in all road conditions with up to 90% improvement in visibility compared to halogen lights. The LEDs also contribute to the vehicle s characteristic design. Bending light greatly enhances the drivers view in curves and bends. Motorway light is another module using LEDs as light sources improving visibility on highways up to 30m forehead. Blind Spot Detection: This multi-beam radar system warns the driver if there is a vehicle present in the blind spot on either side of the vehicle. A warning symbol appears in the sideview mirror, and this visual warning may also be accompanied by an audible signal. OptiVeo Rear System - ParkVue : The rear view camera, integrated into the tailgate handle, provides wide-angle images of the zone immediately behind the vehicle. By fusing the rear camera with the rear ultrasonic park assist sensors this system displays distances to potential obstacles. The system is equipped with an integrated heating and cleaning module and operates under all weather conditions.
Adaptive Rearlamps with MicroOptics technology: The homogenous luminous surface of the rearlamps using Light Emitting Diodes (LED) as light sources is the result of the MicroOptics technology and guarantees not only optimum visibility but also greater design freedom. Specific warning signals for different driving situations (fog, sudden breaking, reversing, direction changes, door opening, etc.) inform and caution drivers following behind and help to prevent collisions. Ultrasonic Park Assist (UPA): Front and rear ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles during vehicle maneuvers and help the driver park the vehicle safely and with reduced stress. Front and rear Flat Blade wipers: These wiper systems with their ultra-flat blades combine elegance with exceptional wiping performance in all weather conditions. Their award-winning design, optimal aerodynamics and slim dimensions have won universal acclaim. Rain sensor: The rain sensor automatically activates the wiper system and adjusts its speed according to rain conditions. >> The future starts now Driving assistance technologies are constantly evolving. Many Valeo Driving Assistance systems are already available in series production vehicles such as the Lane Departure Warning System in the Citroën C4, C5, C6 and Infiniti FX, the Xenon Dynamic and Fixed Bending Light systems adopted by Audi, BMW, Citroën, Opel and VW and UPA systems and Flat Blade wipers today already integrated by most automakers. With the V360 vehicle demonstrator, drivers now have the unique opportunity to experience a car of the future. By 2010 most vehicles will be equipped with new driving assistance systems making driving safer and more enjoyable. These driving assistance systems will be a big success for car makers and end-users when fully integrated into the vehicle. Valeo as taken up this challenge for safety and driving pleasure with its new V360 vehicle demonstrator. Photos on CDrom
Road safety enhanced by warning of vehicles present in rear blind spots Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - The Blind Spot Detection system which has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Automotive News PACE Awards in the Product Innovation category, is expected to contribute to reducing collisions with unseen vehicles during lane change maneuvers. The system continuously monitors the rear blind spots on both sides of the vehicle. When a vehicle is present in either blind spot, for example, an overtaking vehicle, the driver is alerted to this potential hazard by a visible icon displayed in the door rear view mirror. Vehicles equipped with this system will be available in North America and Europe during 2007. In the near future, most vehicles will be equipped with new driving assistance systems such as this one making driving safer, said Thierry Morin Valeo Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. Valeo Raytheon Systems draws on the short-range radar and automotive expertise of Valeo and the in-depth knowledge of radar systems from Raytheon. The outcome of this joint effort is a radar-based Blind Spot Detection system comprised of one sensor on each side of the vehicle, both continuously screening the lateral area alongside and to the rear of the vehicle. By using multiple narrow beams of radar to recognize objects in the blind spot, the system allows for unprecedented accuracy in determining the position and distance of the object as well as its relative speed and direction of travel. Blind spot detection sensor technology works in all weather conditions and is invisible. Sensors are located on each side of the vehicle, behind the rear plastic bumper.
LaneVue, an Award-winning innovation Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - The several prestigious awards received by the LaneVue Lane Departure Warning System testify to its significance. These include the Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence, or PACE Award 2005 in the Product Innovations category, the Automechanika Innovation Award 2004 in the systems modules category and a Nissan Global Innovation Award 2005. These awards demonstrate the important contribution to improving driver comfort and road safety made by LaneVue. It is an honor to have Valeo s Lane Departure Warning System recognized as one of the most innovative products of the year, said Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman and CEO. Valeo s lane departure technology is a key system for protecting 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 changes. The LaneVue system developed with 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. During unintentional lane departures - detected when the driver fails to signal - the driver is warned to take immediate corrective action. This system is the result of efforts of engineers from Valeo's Driving Assistance Domain, which develops advanced technologies using cameras and radar, infrared, and ultrasound sensors, as well as lighting and wiping sensors, to provide 360 degree monitoring of the vehicle's environment. The US launch in 2005 of the Lane Departure Warning System on two Infiniti models represented a world first.
First order for the revolutionary Valeo Park4U system Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - Valeo today announces that its new parking assistance system will equip its first production vehicle - the VW Touran - in the first half of 2007. This ultrasonic technology based driving assistance system, a world premiere, automatically steers the car into the parking slot in 15 seconds, making city driving safer and more comfortable. While driving at a maximum speed of 30 km/h, Park4U scans both sides of the street for potential parking slots, based on the length of the car. Once a slot has been identified, the driver stops and puts the car in reverse thereby activating the automated steering. The driver, assisted by the front and rear Ultrasonic Park Assist sensors (UPAs), remains responsible for accelerating and braking while the car steers itself into the parking space. The maneuver can be interrupted at any time by braking or simply taking over the steering wheel. Park4U is the latest example of a Valeo innovation in the area of Driving Assistance and will contribute to easier and more comfortable city driving, said Valeo s Chairman and CEO, Thierry Morin. This intuitive and affordable technology developed by Valeo, world leader on the global UPA market, uses a specific electronic control unit in conjunction with 10 ultrasonic sensors (4 mounted in the rear bumper, 4 in the front bumper and 2 in the front wings for parking slot measurement). The system works with both manual and automatic transmissions.
The camless engine becomes a reality: new Electromagnetic Valve Actuation technology Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - Valeo presents its latest technology for reducing fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 15 to 20% using an engine cylinder head design that adopts Electromagnetic Valve Actuation (EVA) in place of the conventional mechanical operation of engine valves by the cam belt, camshaft and hydraulic cam followers. EVA is the first of many innovative systems that Valeo is actively developing and marketing in order to meet increasing demand for reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. Engine management and power electronics are core technologies for the Group which will drive strong future growth, said Valeo Chairman & CEO Thierry Morin. >> A brand new technology In a camless engine, each engine valve is operated individually by an actuator that is placed on the upper surface of the cylinder head, directly above the valve guides. Each actuator is linked to an engine-mounted Valve Control Unit (VCU) that ensures the optimal positioning of all valves and performs the power drive function. >> Significant benefits for consumers By controlling residual gases, minimizing pumping losses and deactivating cylinders and valves, this environmentally friendly technology reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 15 to 20%. Consumers will also benefit from enhanced performance and driving comfort, due to an increase in low-end engine torque. The EVA development program is currently being undertaken with support from several leading car manufacturers and is scheduled for volume production in 2009. Photo on CDrom
New generation of identifiers: your car is in your hands Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - Valeo presents a new generation of hands-free cards. These smart and interactive identifiers offer motorists unique new functions in order to increase comfort and safety. In addition to providing remote locking/unlocking and keyless starting, the new identifier developed by Valeo memorizes and activates customized settings (driver's seat, mirrors ) and its LCD or OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode Display) display provides extensive information, including fuel level, tire pressure and cabin/outside temperatures, allowing the driver to take the wheel with complete confidence. The new identifier also enables the driver to remotely turn the cabin heating on, for example, or saving the address of a restaurant or music downloaded from the Internet. Once inside the car, this information is automatically uploaded onto the integrated GPS and sound system. The design of this new identifier can be customized in line with each carmaker s needs. Photo on CDrom
Valeo designs air-conditioning systems which respect the environment Paris, France, November 22, 2006 - Global warming resulting from leakage of refrigerant fluid will soon be a thing of the past. By replacing HFC134a coolant with an alternative fluid or a natural gas called R744, the new air-conditioning systems developed by Valeo preserve the environment and already meet the regulations due to come into force in 2011. Test vehicles fitted with these new air-conditioning systems are already on the road in Europe, Asia and the USA, and have given users total satisfaction. The Valeo Group is a leader in research into new air-conditioning systems offering both optimum well-being and minimum environmental impact, declared Thierry Morin, Valeo Chairman and CEO. With a global warming impact significantly lower than HFC134a-based systems, these Valeo systems represent a major technological breakthrough. The system using R744 also presents another important advantage: there is no fluid to be recycled when the vehicle reaches the end of its life. Using R744 natural gas means that significant changes have to be made compared to air-conditioning systems using HFC134a liquid refrigerant. It requires a whole new range of specific components: a new type of compressor, a new technology whereby the condenser cools the gas, and the addition of a heat exchanger to optimize the cycle s performance. The system must be able to handle a significant pressure increase on the circuit. A special heat exchanger may also complete the loop in order to improve the heating in winter. For systems using an alternative fluid, provided their market authorization is granted by the new European legislation, the efficiency of the air-conditioning loop will be maintained by slightly modifying the components currently in use.
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