Valeo

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Valeo
Type Public (Euronext Paris)
Founded 1923
Headquarters Paris, France
Industry Automotive
Products automotive components
Employees 74,800
Website www.valeo.com

Valeo is a French automotive components manufacturer.

Contents

[edit] History

The Société Anonyme Française du Ferodo was founded in 1923 in Saint-Ouen, a suburb of Paris. It first distributed brake linings and clutch facings under license of Ferodo UK. The society engaged in a diversification in the 1960’s by producing braking systems (1961), thermal systems (1962), electronical components (1963), and lightning systems (1970). In May 1980, the society was renamed Valeo, which means “I am well” in Latin.

Valeo then engaged in an aggressive strategy of expansion, through many international acquisitions. Today, Valeo is split in 11 branches, most of which were bought from foreign competitors. Recent acquisitions include the engine systems division of Johnson Controls in France, and a former Visteon plant in the USA.

[edit] Organisation

Valeo manages 130 plants and 65 R&D centers in 26 countries. In 2005, its sales were distributed as follows: 69% in Europe, 15% in North America, 12% in Asia, and 4% in South America.

The Valeo Group is split in 3 main domains and 11 product families:

  1. Driving Assistance:
    • Interior Controles (VIC);
    • Lighting Systems (VLS);
    • Wiper Systems (VWS);
  2. Powertrain Efficiency:
    • Engine Management Systems (VEMS);
    • Electrical Systems (VES);
    • Engine Cooling (VEC);
    • Compressors (VC);
    • Transmissions (VT);
  3. Comfort Enhancement:
    • Security Systems (VSS);
    • Climate Control (VCC);
    • Electronics & Connective Systems (VECS)


[edit] Going Abroad

  • In 2005, Valeo launched a software services center in Egypt(out-sourcing), under the name of VIAS (Valeo Interbranch Automotive Software). This center provides all software services for all Valeo branches,as will as it applies state of the art software development technology along with the needed validation and testing tools for other VALEO branches

In addition, Valeo Service supplies aftermarket products to professionals.

Turnover repartition by product line
  • Electronics: 63 %
  • Thermal: 30 %
  • Transmissions: 7 %

[edit] CEOs

  • Noël Goutard: 1987 - May 2000
  • André Navarri: May 2000 - February 2001
  • Thierry Morin: since February 2001

[edit] The 5 Axes

Valeo has designed the 5 Axes methodology, which is the backbone of the firm’s identity. Its aim is to satisfy the client by achieving zero quality incidents, whichever the product and wherever it is manufactured. The 5 Axes are:

  • Involvement of personnel;
  • Production system;
  • Supplier integration;
  • Constant innovation;
  • Total quality.

[edit] Competition

Main competition comes from Bosch, Delphi, Denso, TRW Automotive and Visteon.

[edit] Alternative propulsion

Valeo is a leader in the segment with its StARS micro-hyrbid system [1]


[edit] Key economic figures

Turnover (millions)
  • 2004: €9,229
  • 2005: €9,933
  • 2006: >€10,000
Operating margin
  • 2004: 3.6 %
  • 2005: 3.1 %

Present in 30 countries, the Group employs 74,800 people at 136 production sites, 68 Research & Development centers and 9 distribution platforms

[edit] Links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Micro-Hybrid Segment in Start Mode


v • d • e
CAC Next 20 companies of France