Valeo, Ultrasonic Park Assist World Leader, to Launch Master-Park to the Aftermarket.

Business Editors

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2003

Valeo (Paris: FR; OTC: VLEEY) today announced the launch of its award-winning Ultrasonic Park Assist (UPA) system, Master-Park(TM), for the aftermarket which will initially be supplied through selected distributors in its European Independent Aftermarket network.

"Valeo supplies over one million UPA systems annually to vehicle manufacturers worldwide and recognition of the quality and performance of its system has enabled Valeo to achieve a dominant share of the world market. This success has been driven by consumer appreciation of the benefits of Valeo's UPA system in action - improved comfort and confidence when performing reversing and parking maneuvers - due to the reliable audible warning of any obstacles to the rear of the vehicle," said Thierry Morin, Chairman of Valeo's Management Board.

When developing Master-Park(TM) for the European Independent Aftermarket, engineers at Valeo Service, the Aftermarket activity of the Valeo Group, have succeeded in retaining the premium performance and reliability of the proven OE system, while software expertise has ensured that fewer than five versions of Master-Park(TM) will cover up to 80 percent of the European car park.

Valeo Master-Park(TM) Features

-- Proven high performance - all components are manufactured to meet demanding OE specifications including the four miniature environmentally sealed sensors and control ECU. The four-sensor system has a measuring range of 0.25 to 1.8 meters and an operating frequency of 38.4 kHz.

-- Superior reliability - unlike two-sensor systems currently available to the Aftermarket, Valeo Master-Park(TM) adopts four sensors and sophisticated signal processing techniques to provide a comprehensive obstacle detection field to the rear of the vehicle. This significantly enhances driver confidence in the system, an important factor given the consequences of any errors in obstacle warning. Master-Park(TM) operates in all weather conditions and has an ambient temperature range of (40 degrees) to 85 degrees C.

-- Low current drain - with an operating voltage of 9 to 16V, the Master-Park(TM) system has a current draw of less than 125 mA and so does not impact on the integrity or robustness of the vehicle electrical system.

-- Wide application/ low variety - less than five versions of Master-Park(TM), supplied in kit form, cover up to 80 per cent of the European car park. Independent Aftermarket Distributors will appreciate the low variety of part numbers that achieve such wide market coverage.

-- Comprehensive fitting kit - contains four sensors, ECU, cables and speaker with step-by-step installation instructions. Valeo estimates the average fitting time to be approximately two hours and installation can easily be undertaken by a competent DIY enthusiast or service technician, as required.

Valeo intends to add the Master-Park(TM) park assist system to the existing successful Cibie Tuning range of products that have been designed specifically to meet the needs of Custom Car and Tuning enthusiasts in the premium Aftermarket sector.

The Master-Park(TM) launch will also focus on distribution through Original Equipment Spares (OES) channels. Valeo Service anticipates that both vehicle manufacturers and their dealer networks will appreciate the potential value added benefits that can be achieved by the retrospective installation of its OE quality park assist system.

Valeo is currently discussing OES supply arrangements for Master-Park(TM) with selected vehicle manufacturers and major dealer groups and further details will be announced later this year.

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 139 plants, 53 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs nearly 71,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.

Note to Editors:

A color photograph of the Valeo Master-Park(TM) kit, packaged for the Independent Aftermarket is available from Valeo.com.

For more information on the Group and its businesses, please consult our Web site: www.valeo.com