Valeo presents latest innovations at Auto Shanghai
Valeo has presented its latest innovations at the recent Auto Shanghai Show in China.
Valeo presented he main innovations it will be using as a springboard for its international deployment, especially in Asia and China. These major innovations enabling Valeo to step up its growth are in particular:
AquaBlade®: a revolutionary wiper system for optimum visibility. Valeo has metamorphosed windshield cleaning by doing away with the nozzles that spray the wash liquid. Fitted with a fluid distribution channel, AquaBlade® distributes the liquid through a multitude of holes along the blade itself. The volume of windshield wash liquid needed has as a result been halved, cutting 2 kg off the system’s weight. By wiping the liquid away immediately, AquaBlade® maintains a clear view for the driver thereby improving safety.
Smart key: hands-free car opening and startup. The “smart key” locks and unlocks the vehicle automatically, without having to get the key out of your bag or pocket. Similarly, when the key is detected inside the car, the engine is started simply by pushing the “Start” button. The smart key will be fitted to upcoming vehicles delivered by two Chinese manufactures in 2013.
*Park4U® Remote: a fully automatic park assist system. This solution guides the vehicle into its parking space without any driver input. It can be triggered from inside the vehicle, or from outside using a smartphone, but under the control of driver who can deactivate the maneuver at any time.
BiLED™: the 100% LED headlamp technology developed by Valeo. In low-beam, the electric power consumed by this all-LED headlamp is just 26 watts. The light yield of LEDs makes them the most efficient source of light for automobiles, for an equivalent amount of light. Valeo’s 100% LED headlamps are already used on the new Ford Mondeo in Europe and the Lincoln MKZ in the United States.
– From the “i StARS” automated Stop-Start function to the “Hybrid4all”: a choice of technology to reduce fuel consumption. The automated Stop-Start function (that automatically cuts the engine when the vehicle is stopped) provides fuel savings of around 6%. Valeo has gone one step further with the “Hybrid4all”, a hybrid that costs half as much as the existing solutions on the market, making it accessible to all vehicles whatever their size or range (segments A, B and C). This technology combines the Stop-Start function, regenerative braking and torque assist functions. This system reduces fuel consumption by up to 15%.
– Electric Supercharger: technology to boost small combustion engines. This technology increases the performance of downsized gasoline or diesel turbocharged engines without any loss of power, even at low speed, thanks to the air injected into the engine. This electric supercharger reduces vehicle fuel consumption by up to 10%.
– Air Intake Module: a new air intake architecture for smaller and less polluting engines. Air plays an essential role in the operation of an internal combustion engine. By increasing the effectiveness of the air-fuel mix delivered to the engine, the Air Intake Module paves the way for smaller and less polluting turbocharged engines. The Air Intake Module has been integrated since June 2012 in Volkswagen’s modular platform for diesel engines used on the Golf and Audi A3.