2007 Reference document (PDF) - Valeo

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In a world first, the Volkswagen Touran fitted with Park4U TM was
successfully launched on the European market in April 2007. This
system is also fitted on Volkswagen’s Cross Touran and Tiguan
models, under the name Park Assist. Valeo will equip 16 vehicle
models by 2010.
1.3. Comfort Enhancement Domain
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In 2007, Valeo Security Systems improved its position with Renault
Nissan, winning the main contracts for future vehicles, helped
by its new joint venture in India. The Product Family proved its
expertise in hands-free systems by winning a major contract in
2. Technological innovations
Throughout 2007, Valeo consolidated its position as a major
driver of automotive progress, and demonstrated its ability to
introduce numerous innovations through its three Domains.
2.1. Domains
The Domains were established to promote innovation using
technology and synergies between P roduct F amilies , leading to the
commercialization of global solutions in the fields of the environment
(Powertrain Efficiency Domain), safety (Driving Assistance Domain),
and well-being (Comfort Enhancement Domain).
2.1.1. Powertrain Efficiency
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Electromagnetic actuation technology, e-Valve, replaces
the conventional mechanical operation of engine valves with
the cam belt, camshaft and hydraulic cam followers, which means
valves can be operated in real time, with a very good potential
for reducing consumption.
The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system takes part of the
exhaust gases at the cylinder head outlet and re-injects them
into the air intake. The main benefit, in diesel engines, is that
NOx is reduced at source by limiting the quantities formed in
the combustion process, rather than by post-treating the gases.
EGR systems are currently being developed for gasoline engines,
which should lead to a significant drop in consumption and an
increase in the engine compression rate.
The StARS micro-hybrid system is the first step towards
hybridization. The system is based on a reversible fan-driven
14V starter-alternator which acts as both starter and alternator.
It comprises a reversible machine with associated electronics.
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Activity
Key events in 2007
< Contents >
Europe. Valeo Security Systems was chosen by General Motors to
supply keys and locks for a worldwide platform, and by BMW for
electric steering column locks and handles. Valeo Security Systems
was also chosen by Audi to supply power closure systems for
trunks and tailgates on several vehicles.
Valeo Interior Controls won its first contract for faceplates
integrating radio and AC controls.
Valeo Climate Control won several important contracts with its
key clients, particularly in Asia. It increased its market share with
PSA Peugeot Citroen by signing a global contract for mid-range
to high-end vehicles in Europe and China by 2010.
The system won a 2006 PACE Award in the European Products
category. Among the next steps towards hybridization currently
being developed is the recovery of kinetic energy during braking
which, by storing energy in super-capacitors, further reduces fuel
consumption by around 5%.
This technology was tested by the RATP (Paris transport authority)
on a Gruau Microbus in Paris. The experiment, the result of a
research partnership between the RATP, Valeo and Gruau, was
selected and approved by ANR (French National Agency for
Research) and PREDIT (French Program for Transport Research)
in 2006 with the financial support of ADEME as part of the national
“clean and cost-cutting vehicles” program. The Microbus, which
is fitted with a Stop-Start starter-alternator, also features an
additional function, the regenerative braking system.
The combination of the e-Valve and StARS micro-hybrid systems
and the regenerative braking system was rewarded by the
allocation of significant funding from the Agency for Industrial
Innovation (AII, project Lo CO Motion).
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The water-cooled charge air cooler is the first step towards
the UltimateCoolingTM system. With incoming air cooled by
a cold water system, the supercharger system benefits from
more efficient cooling coupled with a shorter airflow path,
which improves the supercharged engine response times during
acceleration. It also reduces charge losses on the air circuit, and
reduces the costs of repair in case of front impact.
The UltimateCoolingTM system is based on the circulation
of a single coolant to components instead of running all
fluids to exchangers at the front end of the vehicle. Valeo has
undertaken several development projects for this architecture in
partnership with vehicle manufacturers in Europe, Japan and the
United States.
2007 Reference document - VALEO
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