Valeo

Valeo Group is a world leading manufacturer of radiators, optics and electrical equipment for automobiles and a partner of well-known companies that produce passenger cars and commercial vehicles, busses, tractors and trailer engineering.

In 1923 Eugene Busson opened his own workshop in Saint-Ouen to manufacture brake pads and clutch discs under the license. In a few years he already manufactured clutches in whole.

By the beginning of the 40s the company obtained almost all patents, related to clutch production. Valeo opened several subsidiaries in Spain and Italy, built several factories and became the key player in auto parts upgrading.

With acquisition of Sofica and becoming a co-owner of Usiness Chausson, the company began to develop a new product line – cooling systems.

Acquisition of SEV-Marchal allowed the company to develop electrical and electronic systems. Later these product lines were strengthened by acquisition of Cibie–Paris-Rhone and Ducellier.

In 1980 the shareholders chose the name Valeo – in Latin it means “everything is O.K.” – to integrate different brands and productions. 

In 1987 the general strategy of international development was accepted. With acquisition of Neiman and Paul Journee Valeo began to work on security systems and strengthened its positions on the markets of wipers and lighting. Takeover of ITT Industries allowed Valeo to occupy a leading position on the market of wipers and parking radars. At the same time all minor assets were sold and realization began.

From 2001 the company’s priority is innovation activities. A new technological strategy was introduced, based on integration of production units according to functional principle. Our work is meant to increase security and comfort of automobiles and protect environment.

To intensify developments in these spheres and to introduce them to the auto parts market, Valeo increased the number of its partners in innovation activities. At the moment our partners are companies, leading on the markets of wireless communication, location equipment, detectors, security systems, software and so on. 

The Group has at its disposal 120 factories and research centers, located in 19 countries. Over 2/3 of Valeo products are products of first assembly (i.e. they are supplied to OEM). All products, supplied to the Aftermarket, are either of OEM quality or equivalent to OEM quality. All products for the Aftermarket are manufactured at the same production lines, as for OE products, and with application of the same standards and specifications. High quality and characteristics of Valeo products are based on long experience of our own developments and cooperation with leading car makers, which allows us to offer wide range of products in several product groups. 

VALEO is the world biggest manufacturer of clutches, radiators, wipers, auto optics and air conditioning systems. It occupies leading positions in production of generators, starters, security systems, components of electrical equipment and electronics.

Valeo today: turnover of €9,4 billions; 129 factories; 65 research centers; 67300 employees; 70 nationalities; 26 countries; 8 logistic platforms.

Main customers of Valeo: BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Man, MG Rover, Mitsubishi, Navistar, Paccar, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault – Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Trucks.