summary - valeo - smart technology for smarter cars · three position sensors. it is capable of...

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Summary

StARS starter alternator �

e-Valve System 3

Exhaust Gas Recirculation 5

Double Dry Clutch 7

UltimateCooling™ system 9

Water cooled charge air cooler ��

THEMIS™ electronic valve �3

STOPStayCOOL �5

VALpower �6

Smart Closure �7

Electric compact spindle drive �8

Smart car key 20

E-media™ control system 2�

Senseative® seats control 23

Thermeo 25

Park4U™ Semi-Automatic Parking 26

Xenon Mercury free bulb 28

LED Daytime Running Lights 29

Intelligent Lighting Systems 30

Full LED Lighting 32

Innovative Styling technologies for rearlamps 34

Flat Blade 2 wiper blades 35

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CYCO

MFO

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CEM

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TAN

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Innovation is the answer

Automotive suppliers like Valeo are indeed increasingly responsible for the development of complete systems and technological solutions for their OEM customers. This added responsibility obviously requires greater coordination with one’s own internal and external suppliers and technological partners, from the product design and engineering stage through to production and delivery to the customer. It also entails an ongoing effort to find synergies and complementarities among different product families and activities within the company, which can lead to the creation of innovative solutions that are reliable, economical and meet both automakers’ and consumers’ needs.

Valeo has long been a global leader in the supply of complete systems and solutions for safer, cleaner and more comfortable vehicles. The Group’s technological innovation and development activities are indeed organized into three market driven Domains – Driving Assistance, Powertrain Efficiency and Comfort Enhancement, in order to identify systems and modules which answer to essential market needs .

>> Driving Assistance

Our Driving Assistance Domain develops systems that enhance driving safety by monitoring the vehicle’s immediate environment and informing or alerting drivers and other road users of potential hazards, or providing this information to other vehicle systems. We have developed a full range of radar, ultrasonic and camera-based systems – showcased on our V360 demonstration vehicle – which provide drivers and vehicle systems with 360° vision by day or night. Blind spot detection, lane departure warning, dynamic bending light and night vision are just a few of the featured functions. Equally important for safety are the obstacle detection and parking assistance functions we have developed, including the new Park4U™ semi-automatic parallel park assist system featured as a world premiere on the 2007 VW Touran.

>> Powertrain Efficiency

Powertrain Efficiency is another key Domain, responsible for developing cost-effective systems that improve performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Valeo is a world leader in this field, with a variety of thermal management, exhaust gas recirculation and micro-hybrid starter-alternator solutions already on the market, including the “Start-Stop” StARS system introduced in 2004 on the Citroën C3. This system reduces fuel consumption by up to 28% in congested urban driving conditions. Another promi-sing solution now in development is the camless engine system, using smart variable valve actuation, which should further reduce consumption and emissions by 20% in the future, whilst improving low end torque.

>> Comfort Enhancement

Our third Domain of technological innovation, Comfort Enhancement, is dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of drivers and passengers, notably through the development of systems that filter and purify cabin air. Vehicle access and security, as well as ergonomics and the Human Machine Interface (HMI) are other key areas covered by this Domain, with solutions including smart hands-free keyless entry and remote-controlled power closure systems, supervised by safety oriented sensor systems.

All of these solutions are not just dreamed up by our engineers, however. Our innovation process is driven by real consumer needs. Valeo uses a wide variety of regional consumer surveys and focus groups to test end-user interest and acceptance of new automotive features and systems.

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Enabling a better automotive world

Fully focused on the design, production, and sale of components, systems, and modules for automobiles and trucks, both on the original equipment market and the aftermarket, Valeo is an independent and international industrial group. It is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers.

Valeo applies its profitable growth strategy in line with a policy of sustainable development.

« Valeo strives to be a benchmark in the automotive industry in terms of operational excellence, total quality, global presence and technology. More than ever before, Valeo is committed to enabling a better automotive world. »

Thierry Morin, Chairman and CEO

>> Key figures

Sales in 2006: 10 billion euros

Originalequipment 82%

Sales by regionin million euros, and in % of sales

2004* 2005* 2006

71%

16%

10%3%

9,018

69%

14%

12%

5%

9,736

13%

13%

5%

9,970

Europe North America

Asia and others South America

69%

Sales by marketin % of sales

Aftermarket 18%

* In accordance with IFRS norms, all 2004 and 2005 figures are restated, mainly to account for non-strategic activities.

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>> Operational excellence

The5AxesmethodologyisdeployedinalltheGroup’ssitesworldwide.

The 5 Axes methodology is the Group’s standard for obtaining operational excellence and Total quality at the best possible cost. Methods, manufacturing, projects and purchasing are systematically optimized.

The 5 Axes - Involvement of Personnel, Production System, Constant Innovation, Supplier Integration, and Total Quality - have formed the cornerstone of Valeo’s culture for the last �5 years, with the ultimate objective of achieving customer satisfaction.

Valeo uses a full range of tools to enhance operational excellence, such as “pull-flow” or Kosu, which assesses the resources required to manufacture a particular part. Valeo’s pur-chasing department is permanently optimizing its costs through a strategy of selecting and integrating suppliers, and putting all its tools at their disposal.

>> Total Quality

Qualityisafoundingprinciple.Itreliesonmethodbutfirstandforemostonastateofmind.

Total quality is an obsession for Valeo’s 70,000 employees. It requires the involvement of everyone at all times and in all circumstances.

San Gen Shugi is a common-sense, logical approach to problem solving based on a concrete analysis of what really happens on the production line: Gen-ba (where and when a problem arises), Gen-butsu (analyzing actual parts), Gen-jitsu (using measurable facts).

QRQC (Quick Response Quality Control) is used to detect and analyze any problem and deploy immediate corrective actions. This approach applies to all domains: production, quality, purchasing, logistics, safety and projects.

* In the automotive industry, non-quality of products is expressed in ppm (the number of defective parts per million produced).

63 plants, or

47% of the Group’s sites,recorded single-digit ppmin 2006.

In 3 years, ppm levelswere divided by twelve.

Customer returns(in ppm*)

2003

185

2005

32

2004

53

2006

15

63 plants, or

47% of the Group’s sites,recorded single-digit ppmin 2006.

In 3 years, ppm levelswere divided by twelve.

Customer returns(in ppm*)

2003

185

2005

32

2004

53

2006

15

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>> Global presence

Valeoworkswithautomakersinallcountrieswheretheywishtooperate.

Western Europe> 56 production sites> 42 R&D centers> 6 distribution centers> 3�,540 employees (Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, UK, Italy,

Portugal, Sweden, Netherlands)

Eastern Europe> �4 production sites> � R&D center> 2 distribution centers> �0,�60 employees (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania,

Slovakia, Turkey)

North America> �4 production sites> �2 R&D centers> 7,200 employees (USA, Mexico)

South America> �0 production sites> � distribution center> 3,600 employees (Argentina, Brazil)

Asia> 26 production sites> �� R&D centers> 7,600 employees (China, South Korea, India, Japan, Thailand,

Malaysia, Indonesia,Iran)

Africa> 9 production sites> 2 R&D centers> 9,700 employees (South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt)

69,800 people

91nationalities,129 production plants,68 R&D centers,9 distribution centers

in 29countries

Global solutions for localproduction

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StARS starter alternator

The StARS starter alternator, available exclusively from Valeo, provides automakers with the possibility of reducing fuel consumption in city driving by up to �5%, without making any radical changes to their engine architecture.

>> A winning technology

The reduction of fuel consumption, greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions is one of the major challenges that the automotive in-dustry faces today. Automakers are making massive R&D investments in a bid to improve the efficiency of their engines. But progress is only made in small steps. Since, in city driving, vehicles are at a standstill for almost 35% of the time, during which the engine idles needlessly, the benefits of the Stop-Start system are quite obvious. This system switches off the engine when the vehicle stops, at a traffic light, for example, and starts it up again as soon as the driver asks for power. Valeo’s StARS solution (Starter Alternator Reversible System) fully automates this function and can achieve fuel consumption savings of up to 28% in congested city driving.

The StARS solution combines the alternator and starter functions. In starter mode, the engine is started immediately and silently by the belt linking the system to the crankshaft. The alternator mode features a new technology that improves the electrical efficiency of the system. These two decisive advantages make StARS the ideal product to achieve fuel savings and to improve comfort by doing away with the vibrations and noise made by the engine when it stops and restarts.

Thanks to its advanced design, the StARS starter alternator can be adapted to any Stop-Start strategy required by the automaker. The system can also take into account a multitude of parameters related to the engine, clutch, gearbox, brakes or other comfort and safety equipment. It also allows the engine to be restarted when in the process of stopping, if, for example, the driver unexpectedly chan-ges their mind. Conventional starters do not offer this function. StARS can be used with any gasoline engine with a capacity of up to 2.0 liters and Diesel engines up to �.6 liters, and with all types of gearboxes. By 2009, the system will be available for all gasoline- and diesel-fuelled vehicles, irrespective of the engine capacity.

In 2004, Valeo became the first automotive supplier to market a starter alternator. StARS was launched in Citroën C3 �.4i �6V, and then in Citroën C2. Today’s smart fortwo mhd (micro hybrid drive) also offers the benefits of the StARS starter alternator. Valeo’s solu-tion reduces its fuel consumption in busy city driving by �3% to 4 l/�00 km and emits just �03 grams/kilometer of CO

2 (provisional

figures). The ingenious design of Valeo’s StARS starter alternator was rewarded with the 2006 PACE Award, the Grand Prix of the EPCOS/SIA Jury and the 2004 Engineering Award, distinctions that underscore the keen interest shown by the automotive industry in this solution.

>> Operating principle

The starter alternator is driven by a belt that can also be used to drive other accessories, such as the air conditioning compressor, the water pump or the power steering. A reversible tensioner allows power to be transmitted in both directions, depending on whether the StARS starter alternator is working as a starter or a generator. The system features a battery based on technology that accepts high numbers of charge/discharge cycles. The battery is also fitted with a sensor that enables the system to inhibit the Stop-Start function if the charge level is too low or to restart the engine if the charge level drops below a critical threshold.

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>> Details of the StARS starter alternator

The StARS starter alternator is a synchronous machine with a claw rotor. It is air-cooled and uses a three-phase current that is trans-formed to �2 V DC voltage by a separate electronic transformer.

In starter mode, the electronic transformer delivers three currents with a �20° phase shift in relation to the data from the machine’s three position sensors. It is capable of delivering a 600 A current generating enough torque to drive the internal combustion engine immediately and at higher revs than a conventional starter. The machine can start the engine in less than 0.4 seconds, before imme-diately switching to alternator mode. In this configuration, the electronic transformer uses MOSFET field effect transistor technology to rectify the three phases. This is one of the reasons behind the outstanding 82% efficiency of the StARS starter alternator, which is a full �0 points higher than the best conventional alternators on the market. The machine delivers a current of up to �80 A.

>> The benefits of the StARS starter alternator

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The StARS starter alternator significantly reduces fuel consumption and CO

2 emissions with minimal investment.

• At 2.5 kW at �4 V, the starter power is high.• Electrical efficiency is greater than that of a conventional alternator.• The engine can be restarted when in the process of stopping, if, for example, the driver unexpectedly changes their mind.• Installation on the cylinder block and electrical integration are simple. • The length of the powertrain is not increased, as it is when starter alternators are incorporated in the shaft line.

Advantagesfortheuser• Consumption is reduced by up to �5% in city driving.• CO

2 emissions are reduced by up to �5% in city driving.

• The engine stops and restarts automatically.• The engine restarts in less than 350 milliseconds and in complete silence.• Engine noise and vibrations are eliminated when the vehicle is at a temporary standstill, which represents 35% of city driving

time.

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e-Valve System

The e-Valve system replaces the traditional camshaft system. It reduces fuel consumption and CO

2 emissions by �5%-20% while

improving low end torque up to �5%.

>> Attractive concept

In the current context of global warming, reduced CO2 emissions demanded of the automotive industry by governments worldwides

are challenging targets - especially within the relatively short timeframe requested. Valeo’s e-Valve technology allows automakers to reduce vehicle emissions and consumption by �5%-20% in a mixed driving cycle.

The opening and closing of valves is no longer controlled by a camshaft but by an electromagnetic system that operates each valve individually and independently of the crankshaft position. This total flexibility is similar to that available with very sophisticated varia-ble valve actuation systems, allowing engine calibration engineers almost infinitely variable valve timing and valve opening duration. The e-Valve system also offers other advantages such as cylinder deactivation, offering additional fuel consumption benefits for the internal combustion engine.

It is now possible to design engines that optimize engine performance with respect to the demands of the driver, applying different engine strategies such as cylinder deactivation or Atkinson-Miller cycle based on actual driving inputs.

This flexibility in engine valve control also significantly increases low-end torque, enhancing driving comfort.


Each valve is controlled by two springs and two magnets. The two opposing springs provide alternating forces, one to open the valve, the other to close it. The two magnets catch the armature plate attached to the valve stem, the lower magnet to open the valve and the upper magnet to close it. The whole unit is controlled by an electronic management system (the Valve Control Unit) with an integrated �2/42 Volt converter and cooling system.

A benefit of the increased valve control flexibility is that the engine no longer requires an air throttle valve. This reduces or even eli-minates the negative pressure in the intake combustion phase at low engine speed (also known as pumping losses), which therefore improves fuel consumption. As a result, idle speed can also be lowered. The e-Valve system gives engine calibration engineers a wide choice of settings that can favor low-end torque, engine performance and reduced emissions. For example, deactivating certain cylinders - by temporarily closing their valves - enables the active cylinders to work in a more efficient portion of the engine map. All these new options contribute to the reduction of fuel consumption and CO

2 emissions by �5-20%.

>> The e-Valve system in detail

An e-Valve system has one actuator for each pair of valves. Valve movement is controlled by two magnets that harness the energy released by two springs. At the start of the valve opening operation, the valve is released by the upper magnet - the valve is then driven open (down) by the energy stored in the upper spring. The lower magnet catches the armature plate, fully compressing the lower spring and keeping the valve open for the required time. Valve closure follows the identical procedure in reverse. The valve is kept closed by a locking strategy, reducing the energy being consumed by the magnets. The valves also remain closed while the engine is not running. Noise due to the opening and closing of the valves is managed by controlling the speed of the valve as it reaches the upper and lower limits of travel.

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The Valve Control Unit (VCU), which is cooled by the engine cooling system, operates on a standard �2-Volt vehicle architecture. It is fitted with a voltage converter in order to locally power the actuators with 42 Volts.

The flexible e-Valve system allows infinitely variable valve timing and valve opening duration, along with the possibility to deactivate some cylinders. In addition, by opening and shutting valves faster than a cam system at low engine speeds, pumping-related losses are reduced and almost eliminated. In addition to improved thermodynamic performance and torque, it is also possible to use several different combustion strategies such as switching momentarily to a Miller cycle, or accelerating gas intake speed by opening one valve and so reducing the creation of pollutant gases.

Current tests on prototype vehicles are focusing largely on half-camless systems, which control inlet valves only and offer most of the benefits and an excellent cost-benefit ratio.

>> Advantages of e-Valve System

AdvantagesfortheautomakerValeo’s e-Valve System represents a major technological advance in the design of internal combustion engines, and can offer many advantages to automakers.• Pumping losses are reduced to virtually zero, which improves performance and lowers engine idling speed.• Engine calibration engineers benefit from almost infinitely variable valve opening settings, with a positive effect on: - Torque, notably at low engine speeds - NOx and HC emissions - Ease of recycling exhaust gases• The system is highly adaptable on: - A very wide range of engine displacements - Indirect and direct injection, atmospheric and turbocharged, even highly turbocharged, gasoline engines - Existing engines - those already in production equipped with traditional camshafts• The system is compatible with all fuel blends and quality• The deactivation of cylinders increases performance at low engine speeds.

AdvantagesfortheuserCustomers benefit from a more efficient engine, with lower fuel consumption and reduced CO

2 emissions. In addition, the customer

benefits from enhanced driving comfort through increased low-end torque.• Consumption is reduced by �5-20%.• CO

2 emissions are reduced by �5-20%.

• Low-end torque is increased by �5-20%.

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Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Valeo is a European market leader in exhaust gas recirculation; offering systems that further improve dynamic and thermal performance.

>> A tried and tested solution

The success of diesel engines in Europe is largely due to their low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. The growth in diesel

engine’s market share has been made possible by reducing pollutant emissions with optimized combustion and post-treatment devi-ces. The carbon oxide (CO) and unburnt gas (HC) are reduced by a catalytic converter and the particles are processed in a self-regene-rating filter (DPF: Diesel Particle Filter). The nitrogen oxides (NOx) are reduced by the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.

The EGR system takes part of the exhaust gases at the cylinder head outlet and re-injects them into the air intake. The main benefit is that NOx is reduced at the source by limiting the quantities formed in the combustion process, rather than by post-treating the gases. Consequently, the combustion process is cleaner.

The gases are only recirculated under specific conditions, when the engine is idling or only lightly loaded. An electric valve fully or partially opens the recirculating circuit, depending on the operating phase of the engine. The valve is driven by a powerful electric motor that guarantees reliable operation, even under the severe constraints imposed by temperature, exhaust pressure, condensates and a highly corrosive environment. The maximum throughput is high and the control of the valve position allows the recirculation rate to be precisely adjusted. The system works in association with an electric throttle valve on the intake side that reduces the quantity of intake air. It is completed by a heat exchanger between the recirculated gases and the engine’s cooling circuit, which lowers the temperature, thereby increasing the reduction of NOx.

Valeo is one of Europe’s leading EGR system suppliers. With the expert knowledge of the Engine Management Systems and Engine Cooling branches, Valeo has the skills required for research and development of the exhaust gas recirculation function. EGR systems for gasoline engines are also available to reduce CO

2 emissions.


The new electric EGR valve is made up of an electric motor, gearing, a cam system, a valve and a position sensor. With a high-power DC motor, the valve can be fully opened or closed in just �00 and 75 milliseconds respectively. One of the system’s most distinctive features is the progressive cam-driven control device that converts the rotary movement of the engine into controlled downward travel of the valve. The valve’s opening mechanism must be very reliable; in a highly corrosive environment, it must take into account the risk of the valve being jammed by soot deposits or oil combustion residues. The rotation/travel ratio of the cam increases the thrust force by significantly gearing down the movement. Once the valve is open, the second priority is the speed of travel of the valve. The gradient of the cam is then gradually increased. The cam also ensures that the valve can be closed tightly and quickly. The cams are linked to the valve by two bearings that eliminate friction and risk of seizure.

Valeo has opted for an outward-opening valve for greater dependability, since the high exhaust gas pressure generated by a turbo-charger applies a force that tends to close the valve. Pressure loss in the gas recycling circuit is low thanks to the clearance area, the aerodynamics of the valve head and the small diameter of the shaft. This property is especially important when idling and with very low loads. A Hall-effect sensor precisely measures the position of the valve. This is an important point, since a precise recirculation rate reduces the flow tolerances and enables the engine to comfortably meet the requirements of the Euro IV standard and, more importantly, the Euro V standard.

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The capacity to cool the exhaust gases is another major factor contributing to the reduction of NOx, and Valeo has succeeded in im-proving the heat exchange capacity with engine coolant. The round corrugated tubes developed for Euro IV have been replaced by flat corrugated tubes to meet Euro V emission standards. This increases the heat exchange surface, resulting in thermal efficiency of 85%, and a reduced exhaust gas pressure drop. A U-shaped heat exchange circuit reduces the dimensions of the part. The gases can bypass the cooler via a pneumatically controlled flap. This function is essential for Euro V-compliance and is useful after engine cold start, when the temperature in the combustion chamber must increase quickly in order to minimize toxic emissions.

>> NOx reduction in detail

High quantities of nitrogen oxides are produced in combustion at high temperatures with excess air. Consequently, both of these parameters must be reduced. By recircuating part of the exhaust gases into the air intake, the mass of intake air is reduced, as are the quantities of oxygen and nitrogen available for combustion. The mass of intake air is also limited by partly closing the intake circuit. Lower quantities of oxygen also help to lower the combustion temperature. The heat exchanger, which is cooled by the engine’s coolant, lowers the temperature of the recycled exhaust gases, which in turn reduces the combustion temperature. The temperature can be further reduced by incorporating the UltimateCooling™ concept, which is capable of further lowering the temperature of the coolant whenever necessary.

Exhaust gases are only recycled under certain conditions, when the engine is idling or only partly loaded, because in these circums-tances, combustion occurs with excess air.

>> The benefits of the EGR system

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The EGR system avoids the need for NOx post-treatment devices.• The power of the cam-controlled electric motor offers dependability and enables the valve to be opened and closed quickly.• The valve remains closed in the event of a malfunction.• The U-shaped circuit reduces the dimensions of the exchanger.• The exchanger and bypass valve are protected against high temperatures and exhaust gas surges when the EGR valve is closed

(when the valve is on the exhaust side).• The thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger is 85% with minimal exhaust gas back-pressure.• Valeo is the only supplier of the full EGR systems that includes the valve and heat exchanger.

Advantagesfortheuser• With an EGR system, vehicles can meet the requirements of Euro IV and upcoming Euro V standards without a significant cost im-

pact, unlike other post-treatment solutions.• The EGR valve does not affect engine power.

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Double dry clutch

Valeo offers a double dry clutch that provides comfort when shifting gears and fuel economy when compared to other automatic transmissions.

>> The technology

The double clutch gearbox offers the automotive industry a future automatic transmission solution that provides a combination of comfort of use and reduced vehicle fuel consumption. Valeo offers a double dry clutch developed using its manual gearbox expe-rience. When coupled with electro-mechanical actuator technology, this concept offers significantly higher performance than that of the hydraulically actuated double clutch systems currently fitted in double clutch production vehicles.

The double dry clutch is designed to offer maximum comfort when shifting gears. This comfort is provided by ensuring controlled slipping of the plates in both clutches during gear changes. Valeo handles this harsh clutch use by offering an integrated clutch and actuator solution. This solution couples technologies already tried and tested in series production, such as bonded rather than riveted linings, with specially-developed technologies ensuring double-clutch strength and reliability, such as travel adjustment integrated within the actuators.


The double dry clutch offered by Valeo contains three plates. The central clutch plate is fixed axially and its rotation is linked to the engine’s flywheel. A disk presses on each side of the central plate, and a moving plate presses in turn on the disks. The disk on the plate’s motor side engages both when starting and when shifting to odd gears. The plate on the plate’s gearbox side engages only when shifting to even gears and reverse. The plates transmit torque to two coaxial shafts: one of them is hollow and is used for even gears, and the other passes inside it and is used for odd gears.

The plates are engaged by an electromechanical actuator applying a force, via a release fork, to a diaphragm spring that presses onto the corresponding moving plate. Both clutches are disengaged when at rest.

>> The double dry clutch in detail

To obtain maximum comfort during gearshifts, sufficient controlled slip from both plates is required. When one plate is disengaging, the other is engaging, meaning that the mechanism must withstand a high thermal load applied for a very short time. This heat is absorbed through a careful choice of materials. The slipping movement also increases plate wear. Valeo therefore utilizes its Tripod® plates with bonded linings (already in use in single clutches) offering a longer clutch plate life. This exclusive patented technology allows the total thickness of both plates to be reduced and thereby optimizes the thermal mass, which is key in efficient double dry clutch operation.

The engaging of a clutch requires the balancing of the forces applied by the diaphragm and those by the actuator. In order to reduce the demands made on the electric motor, the actuator includes an assisting spring. This utilizes a cam to apply a force almost equal to that applied by the diaphragm. The electric motor then provides the additional force required to control the plate engaging and disengaging actions, thereby consuming less energy. �5 Amperes electric current are required during gearshifts, and only � Ampere is required between gearshifts to keep both clutches closed. This contributes to Valeo’s double dry clutch exceptional efficiency. Lastly, the actuators include a bi-directional travel adjustment mechanism that adjusts for disk wear and also adjusts automatically to com-pensate for production tolerances. This last point simplifies the vehicle assembly process.

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If requested, Valeo can alternatively supply an automotive manufacturer with its electro-mechanical actuators alone, for fitting to wet friction clutches.

The double dry clutch can be fitted in conjunction with a dual mass flywheel if required for particular diesel or gasoline engines. The permitted torque range for a transverse gearbox varies from 200 to 350 Nm depending on the clutch plate diameter defined by the space available, the vehicle weight and the gearing reduction in the gearbox’s first gear.

>> Valeo double dry clutch advantages

AdvantagesfortheautomakerValeo offers a highly efficient mechanism, providing exceptional performance:• The double dry clutch is more efficient than an automatic gearbox or a double wet clutch, due to the following: - The clutch plates are dry instead of being immersed in an oil bath, requiring a hydraulic pump - Use of electro-mechanical rather than hydraulic actuators The system results in an approximately �0% reduction in CO

2 emissions compared with an automatic gearbox and an approximately

4% reduction compared with a wet friction double clutch gearbox.• Reliability is ensured by the careful choice of technologies that minimize the number of double clutch components, the use of clutch

plates with bonded linings and the wear adjustment mechanism integrated in each actuator.• The double dry clutch can be easily adapted to a large number of gearboxes.

AdvantagesfortheuserThe customer enjoys not only better performance and improved fuel economy but also improved comfort and driving pleasure:• The Valeo double dry clutch system provides the comfort of an automatic transmission coupled with lower fuel consumption than

that offered by a manual transmission.• This system also provides a truly pleasurable driving experience, compared to an automatic gearbox, by allowing the user the option

of shifting gears without any torque interruption.

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UltimateCooling™ System

The UltimateCooling™ system offers a major advance in comprehensive vehicle module temperature management.

>> A totally new thermal management concept

A combination of up to four heat exchangers in a vehicle’s front structure is currently commonplace, with an engine cooling radiator, air to oil cooler, a charge air heat exchanger and an air conditioning heat exchanger. Valeo’s new UltimateCooling™ concept utilizes a single coolant for all heat exchangers, limiting the number of front-end exchangers and improving thermal flows.

The system is made up of two thermal loops, one cold and one hot, each feeding different heat exchangers located as close as possible to the unit requiring cooling or heating. This global approach also reduces the total volume of the cooling system.


UltimateCooling™ feeds all units requiring a cold loop in addition to those requiring a conventional hot loop, regardless of their loca-tion. An electric water pump, coupled with a valve (if required), provides the coolant flow according to the required uses and priorities. The cold loop feeds the charge air heat exchanger located at the cylinder head intake, the fuel cooler and the air conditioning water condenser. The hot loop is responsible for cooling the engine and the engine or transmission oil, and heating the cabin. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system cooler and other additional systems may be connected to one or the other of the loops.

The circuits are therefore more efficient and less bulky, requiring less space in the front-end of the vehicle. This will help meet future pedestrian impact standards, and reduce the number of leaks and repair costs in the event of front-end impacts. The hot and cold loops are cooled either by a single dual-circuit radiator or by two separate radiators.

>> UltimateCooling™ in detail

The sizing of conventional cooling circuits is based on extreme use scenarios. The air conditioning system’s condenser is sized for operation when idling and/or at low speeds, whereas the engine’s radiator and the charge air heat exchanger are sized for driving at maximum speed or towing a trailer in mountainous conditions. A single coolant is used to ‘share’ the capacities of all front-end heat exchangers, and thereby improve their efficiency. UltimateCooling™ therefore reduces the volume of the thermal management system while providing equal or better performance.

UltimateCooling™ will give priority to cooling the air conditioning system’s condenser during startup conditions, or the engine in hot weather (to cool down the vehicle) and as such both cold loop and hot loop radiators will be used. When considerable torque is re-quired, the charge air heat exchanger, or the EGR cooler in other cases, will utilize the cold loop radiator (which is also sized to supply the condenser, as the air conditioning system requires less power when the vehicle’s speed increases and the thermal comfort level is reached inside the vehicle).

The cold loop’s distribution within the vehicle allows optimal positioning of the various modules, and avoids transferring liquids under high pressure to the front of the vehicle.

The cold loop can also provide efficient cooling for the electronics and electric motors of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

�0

It is also possible to adjust the UltimateCooling™ system’s efficiency by means of a control valve between the hot and cold loops. In certain cases, only part of the high-temperature radiator will be required to cool the engine (during urban and highway driving or when ambient temperature is below 35°C, conditions frequently experienced when driving a vehicle), enabling the rest of the radiator’s po-tential to enhance the cooling of other functions.

Lastly, a reduction in the number of heat exchangers in the front-end of the vehicle reduces the vehicle’s required vertical dimensions, which could facilitate meeting «pedestrian impact» standards, as well as reducing the required depth. In a mid-range vehicle prototype produced by Valeo, the maximum depth was reduced from ��8 mm to merely 50 mm with a multi-temperature radiator or 60 mm with two radiators, and the total volume of the cooling system was reduced by 22%.

>> UltimateCooling™ Advantages

AdvantagesfortheautomakerThe UltimateCooling™ system offers significant vehicle development potential:• The intake air cooling system is more efficient. Its circuit is shorter, reducing lag time under acceleration, and the pressure loss between

the charge air compressor and the intake manifold is also reduced. • Engine performance is increased and pollutant emissions are reduced.• The improved efficiency of the charger air’s cooler and the air conditioning condenser increases the vehicle’s overall energy efficiency.

Fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 6% in a MVEG mixed cycle with the air conditioning operating.• The multi-temperature radiator reduces the front-end module’s dimensional requirements by 40% and maximum depth requirements

by approximately 50%.• The vehicle’s Cx can also be improved due to use of a smaller front-end opening.• Reduced potential refrigerant leaks in the event of front-end impacts, representing a potential volume of 750g of R�34a liquid corres-

ponding to approximately � ton of CO2 in terms of greenhouse effect.

• The EGR and fuel circuits can be cooled by the cold loop.• The cold loop can also provide efficient cooling for the power electronics and the electric motors of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.

AdvantagesfortheuserThe customer benefits from improved fuel economy and increased cabin comfort both in winter and summer.• The UltimateCooling™ system reduces fuel consumption by up to 6% when the air conditioning is operating.• The engine produces more power.• Vehicle air conditioning and heating are more efficient.• In the event of a front-end impact: - Repair costs are reduced. - The risk of leaks is minimized. - Likelihood of an air conditioning refrigerant leak is reduced.

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Water Cooled Charge Air Cooler

The air-to-water heat exchanger provides enhanced charge air cooling.

>> More efficient air-charging

The intake air entering turbo- or supercharged gasoline or diesel engines is traditionally cooled by an air-to-air heat exchanger located in the front-end of the vehicle. The system offered by Valeo is instead an air-to-water heat exchanger, in which the intake air is cooled by coolant flow. The turbo- or supercharger system therefore benefits from more efficient cooling coupled with a shorter airflow path, which improves engine response times under acceleration.

The Valeo water cooled charge air cooler’s first mass-production application was introduced in the Volkswagen Golf TSI engine exhibited at the 2007 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The unit represents the first step towards Valeo’s new global cooling concept, UltimateCooling™.


The water cooled charge air cooler is produced in brazed aluminum and provides considerably reduced pressure losses compared with air-to-air cooling. This heat exchanger can be located in the engine’s intake manifold, eliminating the need for hoses between the engine and the front-end of the vehicle. The reduced volume between the compressor outlet and inlet valves improves acceleration response time, reducing the time taken to attain maximum boost pressure at the engine’s intake by approximately �50 milliseconds at �500 rpm (a �4% improvement).

The charge air cooler’s coolant circuit is totally independent of the engine’s cooling circuit. As its temperature is a maximum of �5-20°C higher than ambient temperature, the charge air cooler’s coolant circuit is called a cold loop and can lower the temperature of the intake air easily since the heat absorption capacity of the coolant is higher than that of air. The intake air temperature rises by less than 5°C under acceleration at full load, compared with 20-30°C for an air-to-air system, due to its greater efficiency and inertia. The coolant is then cooled by a small radiator, which is located at the front or side of the vehicle and fed by small diameter (approximately 20mm) coolant hoses. The flow is driven by a low-powered electric pump.

>> Water Cooled Charge Air Cooler Advantages

AdvantagesfortheautomakerThe Valeo air-to-water heat exchanger offers many advantages over a conventional air-to-air cooler:• It improves vehicle response times under acceleration. It ensures enhanced control of combustion parameters (the air temperature

is virtually constant at the engine’s intake manifold) and provides denser intake air due to its improved efficiency and low internal pressure losses.

• Less pressure is lost between the turbo- or supercharger and the cylinder head intake, and the compressor’s workload and consumption are reduced while achieving the same engine intake air pressure. Alternatively, a higher intake charge air pressure can be provided, providing enhanced engine performance from the same compressor load.

• The unit is more compact: the cooling module in the front-end of the vehicle is up to 20% smaller, and the long charge air ducts leading to a heat exchanger at the front of the vehicle have been eliminated. Installation of a turbo- or supercharged engine in the engine compartment is simplified.

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• This concept simplifies implementation of the future pedestrian impact standards.• Repairs resulting from a front impact are reduced (no air-to-air cooler out front).• The water cooled charge air cooler will enable the introduction of future low-pressure EGR systems that can contribute to the reduction

of nitrogen oxide production more efficiently in diesel engines.

AdvantagesfortheuserThe benefits of the air-to-water charge air heat exchanger are noticeable to customers:• An improved engine response time under acceleration.• When coupled with the longer gear ratios accepted by turbo- or supercharged engines, the charge air cooler’s improved efficiency

reduces fuel consumption by up to 2%.

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THEMIS™ electronic valve

The THEMIS™ valve provides complete, intelligent control of cooling system flows.

>> The first intelligent temperature control system

THEMIS™ (THErmal Management Intelligent System) is an electronic valve (with associated control strategies) that constantly optimi-zes, under all conditions, the flow and temperature of the engine coolant. With a wide range of settings, the proper management of the coolant flow improves the operation of many other functions.

This adaptability increases engine efficiency, saves fuel and reduces pollutant emissions, as well as enhancing comfort in the cabin.


The THEMIS™ valve, which is located at the outlet of the engine’s cooling circuit, replaces the conventional thermostat. It consists of a four-way rotary slide valve that progressively opens the engine cooling radiator, bypass and cabin heating circuits. The rotary valve, whose position is detected by a position sensor, is actuated by a brushless electric motor.

The opening and closing of each circuit is managed by predictive software developed by Valeo, which integrates the current tempe-rature, engine data and driving style parameters and incorporates a closed loop control algorithm to handle minor fluctuations. The system readjusts the flows before each measurement.

THEMIS™ can also enable the faster heating of the cabin, and maintain cabin thermal comfort even after the engine has been swit-ched off. The system provides optimized thermal distribution where and when it is needed.

>> The THEMIS™ valve in detail

A conventional wax thermostat’s operation is controlled by the temperature of the coolant flowing through it and does not react to the powertrain’s immediate needs, sometimes resulting in an operating lag.

Under strong acceleration, the engine immediately provides full power but the additional thermal energy also generated is detected only when the hot coolant has already passed through the cylinder head and reaches the thermostat. Engine designers must there-fore take into account the lag between the immediate production of heat and the cooling system’s activation. The resulting safety margin means that the coolant in the engine block and cylinder head does not remain at the optimum temperature but instead varies between 90 and ��0°C.

These variations can be anticipated by using a rapid-response valve and an intelligent control unit algorithm. The valve’s electronic control ensures that the coolant maintains its optimum temperature, ��0°C for example, while limiting deviations to +/- 2°C (compa-red with +/- 7°c for a conventional thermostat). The valve also opens in less than � second, (compared to 20 seconds for a conventio-nal thermostat), thus, improving engine performance. Combustion knocking effect can be reduced and combustion efficiency can be improved. The oil temperature can also be controlled more accurately, resulting in reduced viscosity and lower friction-related energy losses. The result: improved fuel consumption, CO

2 emissions, pollutant gas emissions and performance.

Other engine functions are also improved. “Zero flow” mode is provided when the THEMIS™ valve completely closes all of the circuits. This mode is used when starting up a “cold” engine, enabling the temperature of the combustion chamber walls to rise rapidly and

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improving heat transfer to the engine oil. Test results on a gasoline engine have shown a 30°C rise in temperature of the cylinder head metal touching the combustion chamber in the first few seconds after the engine is first started. Unburned hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, along with engine oil dilution with fuel resulting in a shorter engine life, are therefore reduced.

The THEMIS™ valve also considerably improves cabin comfort. Hot coolant normally passes continuously through the heater core in the air conditioning system, and parasitic thermal waste reduces the air conditioning’s performance in summer. In this case, the THEMIS™ valve closes the hot coolant circuit to the heater entirely. A reduction of up to 5°C in the vent discharge air temperature has been measured in our tests, improving passenger comfort. Additionnaly, when cabin thermal comfort conditions are met, reduced work is demanded of the air conditioning compressor and consequently the vehicle’s fuel consumption can be improved.

The THEMIS™ valve used in conjunction with a low-powered auxiliary water pump in the cabin comfort circuit can assist in maintai-ning a comfortable temperature when the engine is running slowly or during temporary stops. This pump also prevents the engine from overheating if it is switched off immediately after running for a long period at maximum output. In this case, the engine is cooled by a coolant flow that passes through the radiator and coupled with the action of the engine cooling fan, this can prevent a dangerous rise in engine temperature (afterboil).

>> THEMIS™ Valve Advantages

AdvantagesfortheautomakerThe THEMIS™ valve provides the possibility to accurately control the cooling system under all circumstances taking into account many parameters, including coolant temperature:• Engine efficiency is improved by maintaining the coolant temperature much more accurately at ��0°C. A related 3% reduction in

fuel consumption has been measured in testing.• The water temperature is adjusted according to the engine’s load.• “Zero flow” mode accelerates the engine’s temperature rise when cold, reducing the production of pollutants, etc. Hydrocarbon

emission reductions of �0% and carbon monoxide emission reductions of 20% have been measured under mixed cycle conditions (MVEG cycle).

• The THEMIS™ valve improves engine and cooling system reliability: - The engine does not overheat if switched off after a long period at full load (at the top of a hill, for example). - The risk of combustion knocking effect is reduced due to the fast response time of the THEMIS™ valve. - Engine thermal shocks are eliminated. - Radiator thermal shocks are eliminated. - A safety device opens the circuits in the unlikely event of an electrical failure.• By closing the cabin heating circuit, the air conditioning compressor’s and water pump’s workload is reduced. The air conditioning

compressor and the water pump can both be downsized.• The THEMIS™ valve improves heating and maintains cabin comfort during colder months in hybrid vehicles and stop-start vehicles.• The THEMIS™ valve is easy to install at engine’s water outlet.

AdvantagesfortheuserThe customer enjoys better fuel economy but also increased comfort both in winter and summer.• Fuel consumption is reduced due to improved engine temperature management.• CO

2 emissions are reduced as a result.

• Engine and radiator reliability is improved.• The cabin is heated more rapidly after the engine is started up in winter during urban driving conditions.• Air conditioning is more efficient.

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STOPStayCOOL

STOPStayCOOL is an evaporator that continues to provide cool air when the engine is temporarily stopped, a situation that is likely to become more frequent with the uptake of the Stop-Start function.

>> Comfort and savings

The Stop-Start function is expected to be introduced in high volumes in the near future. This system significantly reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by automatically and temporarily stopping the engine when the vehicle is at a standstill. When the engine stops, conventional air conditioning systems cannot continue to operate. Valeo’s «STOPStayCOOL» system stores cold energy, which is then released when the vehicle’s engine is temporarily stopped, saving energy without compromising the comfort of the vehicle’s occupants.


STOPStayCOOL is an air conditioning evaporator that performs the normal function of cooling the air in the cabin, while storing cold energy at the same time. The cold energy is stored by a phase change material in contact with the evaporator. The cold energy is stored using the energy required for the material to change phase: the material becomes solid when it is cooled, this cold is then released when the material returns to the liquid phase. The air conditioning can then generate cold air even when the compressor is not driven.

The system operates for about 45 seconds (operating time depends on ambient temperature), a duration that represents 90% of temporary stops in Europe. The duration is limited by a threshold applied to the temperature of the air in the evaporator (�2°C). The STOPStayCOOL evaporator is recharged with cold energy when the compressor (and engine) restarts. Just 30 seconds are required to reach maximum capacity under normal operating conditions.

This additional feature requires the width and weight of conventional evaporators to be increased by �0% and 500 grams respectively.

>> The benefits of STOPStayCOOL

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The STOPStayCOOL evaporator continues to supply cold air when the engine is switched off.• When associated with a Stop-Start system, this evaporator maintains the required temperature inside the vehicle while the engine

is shut off. • The system is easy to integrate into the air conditioning system.

Advantagesfortheuser• The fuel savings made with the Stop-Start function are now compatible with air conditioning by avoiding the need to restart the

engine to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle.

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VALpower: the solution for rear battery connection

An alternative to copper - aluminum bus bar is less expensive and lighter.

>> Perfect solution for vehicles equipped with rear battery

Due to the continuous integration of new electronic functions in on-board vehicles, electrical power needs are increasing. Space in the engine compartment, therefore, is becoming crucial. Thus, many cars have their batteries relocated into the trunk of the car. VALpower is a product optimized especially for rear battery applications.

In order to adapt innovation to a technological environment, Valeo developed a new product: VALpower. It is an aluminum bus bar connection for vehicles equipped with a rear battery.

>> The technology

The connection between the battery and the engine is currently made with copper, even for rear batteries, which implies heavy and expensive harnesses. Valeo proposes a new solution, the bus bar in aluminum. This innovation consists of a 3D bending aluminum rigid bar, and can be adapted to any routing under the car body. It is welded with an ultra-sonic technology at each extremity of the bar, if necessary, to a standard flexible wire in order to ensure the flexibility needs in the front engine or in the rear trunk.

>> Advantages of the VALpower

The use of aluminum allows for significant weight and cost reductions. First, for the same conductivity, weight reduction can be redu-ced to 3kg. The second advantage is price, aluminum is �0% cheaper than copper flexible wire. The third advantage is dimension for large sections; the external diameter of an aluminium bar can be smaller than that of flexible copper wire and even smaller than an aluminum flexible wire. The last advantage is rigidness which allows an automatic assembly on the manufacturer’s production line.

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“Smart Closure”: automatic Power Closure System with movement detection

Valeo, a leading expert in powered closure systems, announces its tailgate and trunk closure system combined with a presence detector.

>> Safety and ease of use

Valeo’s smart tailgate closure system makes this automatic function even easier to use. The powered tailgate closure is activated operated by a button located in the trunk. This smart system checks that no adults or children are in the tailgate’s way before auto-matically closing. Users can command the tailgate to close before taking away their luggage with both hands. The tailgate will not close until everyone has left the defined rear detection area.

The system uses the existing four or six ultrasonic sensors at the rear that are part of the Park Assist function.

>> Functioning description

The Smart Power Closure System (Smart PCS) uses ultrasonic sensors used for objects or persons detection within a distance of 0 to �20 cm and capable of detecting people walking away from the vehicle by checking their movements every �00 milliseconds. The tailgate only starts to close automatically if there are no obstacles and when everyone is at a safe distance. If anyone starts moving towards the vehicle, the system automatically stops the tailgate.

Once the tailgate is closed, the sensors resume their park assist functions.

Valeo supplies all the system’s component parts, which include the powered actuators, four to six ultrasonic park assist sensors and the closure system software wich controls the position and speed of the actuators, performs the anti-pinch function and contains the sensor detection programs.

>> The benefits of the Smart PCS

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The car manufacturer can offer a new comfort option to its customers.• The Smart PCS does not require any additional parts for vehicles that are already fitted with powered tailgates and park assist sensors.

Advantagesfortheuser• Users can command the tailgate to close and then pick up their luggage with both hands.• Safety is improved by presence and movement detection, which is added to the anti-pinch function. The safety is increased by

movement detection by completing the obstacles detection functions.• The system is simple and intuitive to use.

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Electric Compact Spindle Drive for trunks and tailgates

Valeo extends its range of powered closure systems for trunks and tailgates with a new technical solution: the Compact Spindle Drive.

Valeo, a leading supplier of powered closure systems, announces its new 35 mm diameter electric actuator, with a maximum pull force of around �000 N and travel of up to 250 mm.

>> Easy to integrate technology

Fitting motors that are linked to the hinges of a closure system can reduce rear visibility and often require certain parts of the vehicle, such as the hinges, the opening panel and the roof, to be reinforced.

With the Compact Spindle Drive (CSD) which avoids high mechanical loads on the hinges, Valeo meets the car manufacturer’s requests.

The CSD is mounted in place of the conventional gas springs, preventing any interference with the driver’s field of vision.


The Compact Spindle Drive is composed by an electrical motor a gear box and a spindle which converts the rotary movement into linear motion. The power requirement is reduced by an internal compensation spring. The combination of this specific adjustes spring and the reversible spindle enables the tailgate to be opened and closed manually and supports the tailgate in any position, even on gradients, without electric power.

>> Details of the Compact Spindle Drive

The system is designed for tandem installation on each side of the vehicle. The movement of the actuators is commanded by an ECU which controls speed, position and direction of movement. A Software controls the speed of the actuators for smooth tailgate mo-vement. This prevents torsional stress in the structure of the tailgate. The ECU analyses the data from the position sensors integrates into the actuator.

The system includes a pinch force limitation which detects obstacles reliably. A contact detection sensor strip can also be added on the tailgate or the car body.

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>> The benefits of the Compact Spindle Drive

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The Compact Spindle Drive can easily replace gas spring, which can be provided as alternative design for a single model.• Installation on the vehicle assembly line is similar to that of traditional gas springs.• With its reasonably sized diameter, the CSD can be easily integrated.• Noise and mechanical stress caused by unsynchronized movements are limited by the control software.• Valeo has taken special care with the style and finish of the actuator.

Advantagesfortheuser• The comfort of a powered tailgate: simpler loading and no slamming (smooth and automatic closing).• No loss of volume in the luggage compartment.• Tailgates fitted with Valeo Compact Spindle Drive can beyond be opened manually.

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Smart car key

The smart car key from Valeo brings new functionality to access remote controls.

>> A connected device

Valeo’s prototype smart car key is capable of sending data from the vehicle to the driver and remotely activating vehicle controls.

After Valeo’s well-known passive entry function, the smart key can exchange data with the vehicle. The key can transfer navigation addresses pre-loaded from a PC or pre-ventilate the vehicle’s interior. Confirmation of each command is returned to the key’s screen or buzzer. On the key’s screen, drivers can view information on the current status of the vehicle: are the doors locked or unlocked, is the alarm switched on, how much fuel is left and what about safety factors, such as the tire pressure? The key sends an alert if a command cannot be executed. A future version of the key will also be capable of locating parked vehicles.

With a modular design, the key can be adapted to offer varying levels of functionality.

>> How it works

The innovation consists in controlling the vehicle’s functions with a key that communicates over a long-distance radio link.

In Europe, Valeo has selected the frequency of 868 MHz in both directions for the prototype and the key is powerful enough to com-municate with the vehicle over distances of at least 200 meters. Different types of screen can be used. The prototype’s design allows the use of OLED technology color screens (organic LEDs) or black and white LCD screens. Both screen types are large (27x20 mm, i.e., �28x�00 pixels) but can be resized according to car manufacturer requirements. The user interface is fitted with a beeper to inform users of alert messages when the key is in a bag or a pocket. Communications are not restricted to the vehicle, since the key is also capable of exchanging data with other keys so that they can be synchronized.

>> The advantages of the smart car key

Forthecarmanufacturer• A high-technology image projected by an offer that is rich in functionality.• Design in harmony with the spirit of the manufacturer’s brand, a distinctive identifying factor.• Modular design and range of functions.

Fortheuser• Increased comfort: - Permanent access to up-to-date information - Communication with the vehicle over long distances• User-friendly design for easy and intuitive navigation.

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The E-Media™ control system

E-Media™ system offers the ideal compromise between managing a large number of functions and ease of use.

>> An intuitive control system

How to realize a simple, intuitive control system for comfort and communication functions, without limiting at the same time the range of electronic control options? Valeo answered this question with its amazingly simple E-Media™ interface. The system compri-ses three joysticks, each one controlling its own function group: audio, air-conditioning and communication (navigation, telephone, etc.).

The major advantage of the E-Media™ system is its ergonomic design, which reduces its menu depth to a maximum of two levels. One menu level could have been reduced due to the integration of touch-detection. As soon as the user places his hand on one of the joysticks, the screen displays the menu for the corresponding function group: audio, air-conditioning or communication. The graphic interface developed by Valeo’s design and ergonomics specialists facilitates users form a mental picture of how the system works: the vehicle’s central screen displaying schematically the position of each control and the manipulation movement. For example, the air-conditioning joystick is integrated in the rear right of the middle console, and the corresponding information is displayed in the bottom right-hand section of the screen. Circle, bar and arrow displays give the user an instant visual representation of controls being rotated or moved backwards and forwards, or from side to side.

To make the controls even easier, the driver can activate basic, frequently-used functions such as audio volume, temperature and phone contact list, by simply rotating the corresponding joystick. Furthermore, additional buttons give direct access to safety and shortcut functions, such as answering the phone or demisting the windscreen.


In addition to its highly ergonomic design, the E-Media™ system is characterized by its joystick technology. The joysticks offer three types of movement in seven different directions: rotation in both directions, tilting in four directions, and push function to confirm an operation. Rotation disposes of 8 to 32 dents per rotation, also available with magnetic indexing. This contact less technology has no deterioration over lifetime and offers the driver a more comfortable haptic perception. The joysticks also stand out by possible integration of touch-detection. This function allows the user to select one of the three function groups - audio, air-conditioning or communication – when touching the corresponding joystick and therefore skip one menu level. The technology uses capacitive sen-sors that measure the change in electrical resistance between the vehicle and the user’s body.

An additional advantage of the E-Media™ system is the easy integration with vehicle electronics. The system can easily communicate with all vehicle systems independent of the protocol: CAN, MOST, etc. Thus the system has been fitted in Valeo’s demonstration vehi-cle and now controls all original functions.

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>> E-Media™ advantages

Advantagesfortheautomotivemanufacturer• The E-Media™ system reduces the number of buttons without limiting the number of functions.• The system allows the integration of a wide range of functions independent of the protocol (CAN, MOST, etc.).• The joysticks can easily be customized concerning: number of movements, touch detection, magnetic indexing, illuminated fixed

central symbol and finishing.

Advantagesfortheuser• The E-Media™ system is easy to use and offers a maximum number of comfort and safety functions.• Utilization is intuitive, thanks to a graphic interface that displays control movements and positions. • Enhanced utilization safety is achieved through the driver’s look at the optimally placed vehicle screen rather than at the joysticks.

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Senseative® Seat Controls

Senseative® replaces conventional buttons with touch-sensitive controls.

>> An even more intuitive control

A successful control system is a combination of good ergonomics analysis and optimal technical fine-tuning. This applies also to electric seat controls, which are represented as embossed seat cushion and backrest: moving the controls horizontally or vertically causes the corresponding parts of the seat to move. Senseative heralds a new step forward in the realm of ergonomics. Commands are executed by simply moving the finger on a more realistic representation of the seat.

With Senseative®, simply moving the finger across the control is enough to understand how this highly intuitive system works. The four possible movements of the seat are represented by four segments. After pressing the ON button, the user slides the finger over one of the segments to move the corresponding part of the seat. The demonstration vehicle developed by Valeo is fitted with the Senseative® system.


In each segment a resistive sensor, measuring about 250 µm in thickness, is implemented. Resistance varies according to the activa-tion force applied to the sensor. When the resistance drops, during this proportional activation, below a pre-defined threshold a signal is send to the electronics. At the same time, the exact point where the user presses the sensor can be measured by fixed resistors integrated into the sensor.

This type of integrated sensor allows the controls to be used with bare hands and when wearing gloves. Accidental seat movements are prevented by the electronics, which require the finger to move in a pre-defined direction and to remain pressed until the required position is reached.

The controls are available with a broad range of surface finishes, and can be covered with plastics, silicon or metal. The surface can be backlit by LEDs or an electroluminescent foil, in order to display characters or pictograms directly on the controls. Actuators built into the component can also provide tactile feedback.

The application of this technology to seat controls is just one example of its potential. It can be used to improve the ease of use of a multitude of functions, such as interior lighting, sun roofs, and functions mounted on the steering wheel or the central console, like dialing a phone number or inputting the destination by means of handwriting recognition.

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>> Advantages of Senseative® controls

Advantagesfortheautomotivemanufacturer• It provides designers with great stylistic freedom thanks to: - modern shapes that can be incorporated in the vehicle’s surfaces with no gaps - various high-quality surface finishes, including metal and black panel surfaces• The controls can provide visual or tactile feedback. Handwriting recognition is also possible.• Low packaging space allows increasing the number of functions, even in non-visible places.• Smooth, flat integration prevents accidental damage.• This type of control reduces the number of components concerning tooling, process, etc.• Integration is watertight and IP54-compliant.

Advantagesfortheuser• Senseative® represents a new step forward in the ease of use of highly intuitive controls.• It provides modern and attractive product design.

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Thermeo

Thermeo is an easy-to-install add-on thermal comfort module for rear passengers.

>> Simple, ingenious air conditioning

Because air conditioning vents are located at the front of the vehicle, little cool air reaches rear passengers. The most frequent so-lution has been to install a second air conditioning unit in the central tunnel, a bulky and expensive answer employed only in a few top-end vehicles. Now, however, Valeo offers Thermeo, a compact add-on air conditioning unit requiring only an electrical connection for installation.

The Thermeo module uses entirely thermo-electric technology to produce cold air, meaning that the installation of refrigerant pipes leading to an evaporator is no longer necessary. The cooling modules and their fans are extremely small, allowing installation of the unit in the vehicle’s roof, for example. The module then sends cool air towards the rear of the cabin. Thermeo is reversible, enabling the system also to provide warm air very quickly, even before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature. Another benefit of the system is that it can provide the left and right sides of the cabin with air at different temperatures, meaning that the temperature in each of the cabin’s thermal zones can be adjusted to the occupants’ personal preferences. A remote control unit can be used to adjust Thermeo from the front seats of the vehicle if necessary.

Thermeo is currently available to automakers only. It will later be offered as an aftermarket system. Installation is simple: it connects the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.


The secret of the Thermeo system’s operation lies in its cooling module. The unit is composed of plates enclosing a bismuth telluride semiconductor. It works by transferring heat between two surfaces. When an electric current is applied, one plate cools down while the other heats up (the Peltier effect). A silent pulser pushes air over the cold plate and into the cabin. The hot plate is cooled by a second module and the warm air is then expelled.

Thermeo utilizes a �2V power supply and only consumes �00W to lower the temperature by 5°C and 250W to raise it by 25°C.

>> Advantages

Fortheautomaker• a cost-effective solution for supplying passengers in rows 2 and 3 with immediate cold or hot air.• small and entirely electric, therefore easy to install. • Low power consumption.• Standardizes the conventional HVAC unit in a system for use in several bodies, permits the use of a standardized HVAC unit on all

automotive platforms.

Fortheuser• Generates cold or hot air for passengers in the second and third rows of seats.• Provides immediate comfort in winter, even before the engine has reached its normal operating temperature.• In-roof installation, freeing up space for storage.

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Park4U™ Semi-Automatic Parking

The Park4U™ system takes care of the most complicated maneuver in urban driving: parking.

>> Parking made easy at last

The Park4U™ system parks the vehicle parallel to the curb automatically in a few seconds. After it detects a sufficiently large parking slot, it controls the vehicle’s steering while the driver controls the vehicle’s speed and braking.

The simple process of finding a parking slot is begun by pressing the Park4U™ button. Lateral sensors scan both sides of the street and measure the length of empty parking slots. When sufficient space is detected, that is say, the vehicle length plus 70 centimeters at the front and rear, the driver is informed by an indicator. The driver then continues to drive forward until a “Start Position” message is displayed. The driver then simply puts the vehicle in reverse and releases the steering wheel. The accelerator and brake remain under the control of the driver, who can stop and continue the vehicle’s maneuver at any time. The parking sensors also inform the driver if there are any objects in the vehicle’s trajectory, and the driver is then responsible for deciding whether he or she must stop the vehicle. The end of the parking operation is defined by shifting out of reverse, and if the vehicle is not aligned correctly, the steering wheels are turned towards the curb automatically and the rest of the maneuver is carried out by the driver.

A representative study executed by an independent market research institute has proven that Park4U™ makes parking comfortable for all drivers and is easy to use. At the end more than 2/3 of the participants stated strong or very strong interest in buying the system.

Park4U™ is compatible with either manual or automatic gearboxes, and is currently marketed as “Park Assist” in the Volkswagen Touran and Cross-Touran and shortly in the Tiguan.

Valeo will launch the second generation of Park4U™ in 2009. This updated version will be able to park the vehicle in a parking slot only one meter longer than the vehicle’s length. Additionally, the updated system will not only guide the vehicle in a single rever-sing movement but will also allow the use of several forward and reverse movements by means of a more sophisticated trajectory calculation. In a future version, the system will also be able to steer the vehicle out of its parking place. To do so, it will measure the position of the different obstacles when starting off and turn the steering wheels.


If the vehicle is already fitted with front and rear parking sensors, only two additional sensors need to be added, in the front wings of the vehicle. These are used to detect how much parking space is available. Although identical ultrasonic technology is utilized, their characteristics differ in being optimized for the new task. However they also supplement the four existing front sensors improving the standard park assist function.

While the actual measurement is executed simultaneous on both vehicle sides, the side displayed to the driver is defined by which indicator is activated. The lateral sensor determines the start and end of a parking space by detecting the edges of the surrounding vehicles’ bumpers. If the sidewalk is high enough, it too is detected, and the measurement will determine the maneuver’s required depth. If there is no sidewalk, the control unit calculates a trajectory in which the roadside depth aligns the vehicle with the vehicle parked in front of it.

The trajectory is calculated by the electronic control unit already used by the Park Assist system, which means that no additional control unit is required. Park4U™ only requires steering that can be controlled during the maneuver, effectively demanding electric power assisted steering. The system communicates with the vehicle’s other electronic systems via a high-speed CAN bus.

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Several actions can stop the automatic parking process for safety reasons. When searching for a parking slot, the speed must not ex-ceed 30 kph and the distance between the vehicle and parked vehicles must be between 50 and �50 centimeters. When parking, the automatic parking maneuver is interrupted if the speed exceeds 7 kph or the driver overrides the steering. There is also a 3-minute time limit for the parking operation, starting from the beginning of the maneuver. In addition, the system cannot be activated if the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is deactivated or a trailer is hitched to the vehicle.

>> Park4U™ Advantages

Advantagesfortheautomaker• Park4U™ deploys mature and reliable standard ultrasonic technology.• Park4U™ relies on affordable components. It requires just two additional sensors, a push-button and an upgrade of the Control Unit

if the vehicle is already fitted with a Valeo Park Assist System.• Park4U™ provides a considerable added-value to the vehicle.• Park4U™ meets significant customer demand for such a system.

Advantagesfortheuser• Park4U™ provides a new standard of simplicity: Easy parallel parking by automatic steering.• Park4U™ leaves the driver in full control of his car at any time.• Park4U™ provides good value for money.

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Xenon Mercury-Free Bulb

Valeo is the first supplier to market a Mercury-Free Bi-function Xenon System.


Xenon bulbs use an electroluminescent process to generate light in an electrical arc. This arc is ignited in a glass cavity that contains different elements that facilitate the start-up phase and guarantee the light composition. Today’s xenon bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, required during the ignition phase. After intensive research we are now able to produce bulbs containing no hazardous materials.

Owing to the new composition of the filling elements, the driving conditions and the optical properties of the bulb have changed. The driving voltage has fallen from 85 Volts to 42 Volts, almost doubling the driving current, and the nominal luminous flux has dropped slightly.

>> Advantages

Both new Valeo headlamps in the new Audi A5 coupé and the Toyota Auris are using this new environmentally friendly technology without compromising the performance of the overall system. Valeo’s optical design was able to compensate for the lower perfor-mance of the bulb and thus maintain the high level of performance offered by Xenon technology.

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LED Daytime Running Lights

LED daytime running lights offer stylistic and cost advantages.

>> The most appropriate technology

Daytime running lights have already been introduced in certain countries to improve road safety. Their use will probably become mandatory in all light vehicles throughout Europe from 20�0 onwards. If special daytime running lights are not fitted, headlamp low beams must be used during the daytime. These however have the disadvantage of producing unnecessarily bright lighting for a daytime driving function. Valeo offers LED daytime running lights that reduce fuel consumption by approx 0.2 liter/�00 km compared with headlamp low beam use.

LED technology is also ideal for providing the extended use demanded of daytime running lights because LED lamps, unlike halogen lamps, offer a working life equal to that of the vehicle itself.

LED daytime running lamps also offer vehicles a touch of individual style. Valeo supplies daytime running lights consisting of 9 LEDs for the new Audi A5, for example. These take the form of a broken white band across the lighting unit’s lower section and give the model an individual style signature.


When halogen low beams are used to perform the daytime running light function, approximately 200 Watts of electricity are consu-med. Use of Xenon headlamps in the low beam position reduces this electricity consumption to approximately �70 W. By using dedi-cated daytime running lights that utilize LED technology, however, the electrical power required is reduced drastically: only �0-20 W are required. This reduced electrical consumption has a direct effect on the vehicle’s fuel consumption, resulting in a saving of nearly 0.2 liter/�00 km.

>> LED Daytime Running Light Advantages

Advantagesfortheautomaker• LED daytime running lights reduce the vehicle’s electricity consumption, potentially avoiding the need to fit a more powerful elec-

trical system in the vehicle (alternator, battery, etc.). This results in lower fuel consumption.• LED daytime running lights also offer vehicle designers considerable freedom in choosing unit shapes.• They give the vehicle a high-tech look.

Advantagesfortheuser• LED daytime running lights improve visibility and active safety during daytime.• Use of LED daytime running lights reduces fuel consumption by nearly 0.2 liter/�00 km compared with halogen headlamp low beam

use.• The LEDs have the same lifetime as the vehicle itself and are maintenance-free. • LED daytime running lights give the vehicle an individualistic style.

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Intelligent Lighting Systems

Lighting no longer offers simply the low and main beam positions; it now adapts dynamically to the vehicle speed, road type, environment and the position of other vehicles.

>> Virtually infinite adaptations

Statistics show that an accident is three times more likely to occur at night than during the day, but this figure could be greatly re-duced by the arrival of innovative technologies that greatly improve night-time visibility. Valeo offers numerous lighting innovations other than the usual low and main beam functions, offering advanced technological enhancements to the already mature Dynamic Bending Light function (DBL). The first development offers a special low beam function for motorway use. This special adaptation to motorway driving increases visibility by 60 meters, giving the driver an additional �.7 seconds to react at �30 km/hour. The “mo-torway” function will be activated automatically at speeds above ��0 km/hour, or even combined with information from a navigation system. “Motorway” mode is also compatible with DBL function. This technology, which is already allowed in Europe, is available with Halogen, Xenon and LED headlamps.

A more comprehensive solution, “Full AFS,” supplements the DBL function (Adaptive Frontlighting System) with a lighting system that takes a larger number of parameters into account. “Urban” mode, for example, reduces glare for other road users and pedestrians. “Adverse weather” modes for normal roads and motorways concentrate lighting on certain areas of vision, to reduce glare due to reflections from wet road surfaces or fog, for example. The “Full AFS” system will lastly offer a “Tourism” mode that laterally reverses the lighting of right-hand-drive vehicles for driving in countries where one drives on the right side of the road, and vice versa. This change will be activated by the driver or, preferably, automatically by a navigation system.

Valeo is also developing a “Progressive Beam” lighting system that uses a camera to detect the presence of other vehicles. The vehicle’s headlamps can therefore remain in the main beam position and progressively lower the beam as an oncoming vehicle approaches, to avoid glare. The function also takes into account the rear lamps of vehicles driving in the same lane. In an even more innovative development, the camera will detect the road’s gradient and adapt the beam height accordingly, a function particularly useful in bumps and dips. This system is being developed with Xenon or LED headlamps and is due for release by 20�0. All of these functions are grouped together under the name BEAMATIC+™.

Lastly, selective lighting will be used to maintain the main beam position of headlamps without dazzling oncoming vehicles, by using a dynamic shield that follows the movements of each vehicle detected by the system.


The different light distributions for the AFS System are generated by a Xenon projector system that allows three light distributions: Low Beam, Motorway Beam and High Beam. Applying the DBL and the leveling function of the headlamp to those basic light distri-butions enables all AFS features to be realized. The resulting light flows have been perfected with a digital tool specially developed by Valeo.

The “Progressive High Beam” function utilizes information provided by a CMOS color camera that detects the headlamp and rear lamps of other vehicles, together with the white lines. Image processing software then analyzes each pixel of the image and determi-nes the presence and position of light sources. The software can distinguish between categories of light types, in order to distinguish oncoming vehicles from public lighting or from any other light source. This function has been developed for use with LED and Xenon lighting. The system will be introduced from 20�0-20�2.

3�

>> Intelligent Lighting Advantages

Advantagesfortheautomaker• Valeo offers a wide range of functions that can be adapted to each automaker’s specific requirements.• These new functions meet both governmental and user demands for improved active safety during night-time driving.• All of these active safety functions are visible to the customer.• The different functions are not linked specifically to LED, Halogen or Xenon lamp use. • The different beam shapes are obtained by an internal rotating mirror that does not increase the headlamp’s external dimensions.• In the unlikely event of a fault, the lighting returns automatically to the conventional low beam mode.

Advantagesfortheuser• “Motorway” mode lighting gives the driver an additional �.7 seconds to react at �30 km/hour.• “Full AFS” improves visibility in adverse weather conditions by reducing glare.• The “Progressive High Beam” function maximizes use of the main beam position without the driver needing to dip the headlamp

beam when there is an oncoming vehicle. The beam also takes road gradients into account, constantly providing the most suitable and efficient lighting.

• Use of the main beam position will be further optimized through use of the selective lighting function.• The “Tourism” function simplifies the use of the vehicle on the opposite side of the road when driving in foreign countries.

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Full LED Lighting

Full LED lighting offers advanced functions by combining Valeo’s LED technological expertise with its dynamic beam distribution know-how.

>> Mastery of LED technology

The LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp is a solid state device that generates light with an electroluminescent electron-hole recombina-tion process. Progress made in recent years enables LEDs to perform all functions required in automobile use. Valeo is developing a Full LED module that provides all lighting functions such as turn indicators, parking and daytime running lights, and high beam, low beam, and motorway mode lighting.

The utilization of LED technology offers major advantages: low electricity consumption, a lifetime equaling that of the vehicle itself, a white light appreciated by designers and drivers, and small module dimensions. The Full LED module’s launch is scheduled for 20�0-20�2.


Valeo has developed a concept that provides designers with great stylistic freedom, while also maintaining a standard design that offers consistent performance. The headlamp low beam and high beam assembly comprises a line of LED units and a cooling device used jointly by all products that Valeo offers automakers. The visible elements, consisting of the LED units, reflector or lens and op-tional functions such as the daytime running lights, are fully customizable to meet automaker requirements.

The headlamp low beam is produced by using a reflector to reflect part of the beam towards the upper elliptical reflectors. The upper reflectors then direct the light towards the road surface farthest from the vehicle, while the lower reflectors provide a shorter but wider beam with a flat cutoff. By using a reflector rather than a shield (as in a projector system) that would absorb the light, less of the light produced by the LEDs is lost. The high beam distribution is generated by a lens, offering a compact solution with an individual style. A “tourist” function can easily be added by activating the lower, flat-cut-off modules only. This enables a left-hand-drive vehicle to adapt its lighting accordingly when driving in countries where traffic drives on the left, and vice versa. The module already offers similar performance to that of a Xenon lighting system in the headlamp high beam position, and even offers superior performance in the low beam position.

>> Full LED in detail

The assembly consists of two rows of LED units providing the headlamp low beam function, with a similar assembly providing the high beam function. An LED unit is made up of 4 or 5 LEDs positioned in line in order to improve their performance. Each row of two to three LED units that provides the low beam function is powered by a 50 Volt supply. A current of only 0.7 Amperes is required, reducing the cost of the electronic components and for protection from electromagnetic interference. The dynamic bending light is provided by rotating the upper row of LED units. This solution was chosen rather than selectively lighting additional LED units that are fixed and pointed several degrees towards the inside of the bend, due to the still high cost of the LEDs.

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Internal cooling is required to keep the temperature of the LEDs below �50°C and ensure an LED lifetime equaling that of the vehicle itself. The module is therefore fitted with a fan that generates an air flow between the hot section – the LED units – and the hea-dlamp’s cold lens surface. This surface is then cooled by contact with the outside air. The system is therefore totally insulated from the different heat sources coming from the engine compartment. The fan is driven by a brushless motor requiring only 5 Watts of power. The module also incorporates constant temperature control, consisting of a sensor and an integrated microcontroller. If, under very extreme conditions, the module exceeds the maximum LED temperature, the power supply is reduced by 20%, which has little effect upon the lighting level but considerably reduces the amount of heat generated and ensures the system’s reliability.

>> Full LED Lighting Advantages

Advantagesfortheautomaker• LED headlamps give the model a high-tech look. • Great stylistic freedom for designers.• Instant ignition.• A Full LED module is smaller than a Xenon bi-function headlamp.• The amber-colored light produced by LED indicators avoids the need for a colored lamp cover and offers designers greater creative

possibilities.• LED lamp technology will offer the lowest electricity consumption available for a given performance level. Studies and roadmaps

show that this consumption will fall drastically in the future.

Advantagesfortheuser• Full LED headlamps give vehicles a dynamic, modern look.• LEDs have the same lifetime as the vehicle itself and are maintenance-free. • Drivers appreciate the whiteness of LED lighting.• A Full LED module will reduce fuel consumption by 0.� liters/�00 km with low beam or high beam use (compared to Halogen), and

0.2 liters/�00 km during daytime running light use.

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Innovative Styling Technologies for Rear Lamps

Light guides provide even surface lighting for complex shapes.

>> Stylish yet functional features

LEDs can be utilized in two stylistic ways: either they are highly visible, emphasizing their advanced technology – as is the case with low-beam applications – or they are totally hidden and produce other visual effects, such as the light guides developed by Valeo. The purpose of these light guides is to channel the light from the single LED light source to the surface requiring lighting, and spread the light evenly over that entire surface. Large areas can be lit homogenously using only a small number of LEDs. Complex illuminated surfaces such as a long band or an L or V shape can now be realized. The rear lamps of BMW Series � and 6 models provide examples of the use of this Valeo technology.

Valeo has also developed the MicroOptics™ technology, which offers three-dimensional lighting. This technology offers very great design freedom, and can provide variable luminances, obtaining a specific appearance during daytime and nighttime. The MicroOp-tics™ homogenous light guide technology has now become reality, using a CAD tool developed in-house by Valeo. Automakers are currently incorporating MicroOpticsTM technology in several rear lamp projects.

Light Guides may also be used to create cost-effective but stylish rear lamps. The latest LED rear lamps require three-dimensional positioning of the LEDs in order to adapt to the structure of the vehicle. Valeo has developed two technologies to meet this need:

• Flex Board technology enables the creation of solutions for compact, shallow LED lamps.

• The combination of Light Guide and a standard two-dimensional electronic card with mounted LEDs creates the same appearance as the Flex Board solution at lower cost.

These two concepts allow Valeo to meet a wide range of demands in terms of cost and volume.

>> Advantages of LED Light Guides for Rear Lamps

Advantagesfortheautomaker• Complex surface shapes can be created.• MicroOptics™ technology offers designers more creative freedom.• MicroOptics™ eliminates the need for a larger number of light sources.• The lifetime of LEDs is the same as that of the vehicle itself.

Advantagesfortheuser• Light guides emphasize the vehicle’s individual design.• MicroOptics™ add a new dimension to the style of the vehicle’s components.• No need to change rear lamp bulbs since LEDs have a lifetime equal to that of the vehicle.

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Flat Blade 2 wiper blades

Valeo announces the second generation of its innovative Flat Blade wiper blades.

>> Innovative single, integrated spline

Current trends in automotive design are not making the windscreen wiper’s job any easier, as windscreens become ever larger and increasingly curved. Despite their increased length, blades must remain in contact with a surface that is curved in three dimensions to maintain sufficient pressure along the entire length of the blade. The first generation of Flat Blade wiper blades took a significant step forward by replacing the multiple articulated levers used in previous generations of blades to distribute the contact pressure along the entire length of the blade, with continuous built-in splines inside the blade.

The second generation of Flat Blade wiper blades is more aerodynamic, more compact, lighter and helps to prevent snow accumu-lation under the blade.


The second generation of Flat Blade wiper blades feature two major developments. Previously, the rubber wiping lip and the spoiler were made of the same rubber part, while the Flat Blade 2 separates these two features. Wiping performance at high speeds up to 220 kph is improved by a more rigid spoiler with an optimized shape. The airflow around the spoiler is determined by the combined speeds of the vehicle and the wind, it is therefore crucial to further push the blade aerodynamic limits. In addition, the lower section of the blade is shaped to prevent the generation of lifting force.

The second development is the replacement of two splines with one, while retaining the same functions. As a result, the blade is more compact, with a width reduced from �6 mm to �0.5 mm, offering improved visibility for the driver. Another advantage is the reduction of snow buildup, because of the smaller volume beneath the splines, which improves performance under extreme condi-tions. The first generation of Flat Blades were 50% lighter, and the mass of the second generation has been reduced by an additional 20%, so that a 600 mm blade now just weighs �0� grams. Finally, the second generation of Flat Blades clean the windscreen right to the ends of the blade, i.e.�0 mm more than Flat Blade �. This is an important step forward, since the increasingly larger windscreens require a maximum wiping area.

Flat Blade 2 wiper blades are entirely made from recyclable parts. The second generation will be released in September 2007 in a range of lengths from 350 mm to 700 mm, which covers most requirements.

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>> The benefits of Flat Blade

Advantagesfortheautomaker• The second generation of Flat Blade extends the limits of wiper performance to more than 220 kph of relative air speeds.• Flat Blade 2 is 20% lighter.• Flat Blade 2 is more compact. • Its new design offers a more harmonious style.

Advantagesfortheuser• Flat Blade 2 wiper blades offer outstanding wiping performance, even at high speeds and/or in head winds.• The reduced size improves the driver’s visibility.• The risk of snow accumulating is reduced.• The modern styling of the Flat Blade 2 concept adds a hi-tech appearance to the windscreen wipers.

summary - valeo - smart technology for smarter cars · three position sensors. it is capable of...

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