Valeo is dedicated to the design, the manufacture and the sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and heavy lorries. 3 Fields of Innovation for surer, cleaner and more comfortable vehicles.

1923-1950: Starting out

Ferodo production workshop in St-Ouen, France, in the 1930s

Eugène Buisson, the French representative for Ferodo brake linings, opened workshops in Saint-Ouen to manufacture, under license, his own brake linings and clutch facings.
A few years later, he began manufacturing complete clutches.

In 1932, the company was listed on the Paris Bourse.
On the eve of World War II, the company owns almost all patents on clutches.

1950-1980: Integration of new activities

Ads for Cibié and SEV-Marchal from the 1950s.

The company made a series of acquisitions, created new subsidiaries in Spain and Italy, built plants and became a key player in the modernization of automotive components.
By acquiring Sofica and becoming a shareholder in Usines Chausson, the company was able to integrate a third core business: thermal systems.

The subsequent acquisition of SEV-Marchal enabled the company to incorporate electrical and then electronic activities. The electrical activity was later strengthened by the acquisition of Cibié-Paris-Rhône and Ducellier.

1980-2000: Focus on globalization

In 1980, the shareholders chose the name "Valeo" – "I'm fine" in Latin – to unite the different brands and teams under the same name.
In 1987, the Group adopted a major international expansion strategy. With the acquisition of Neiman and its subsidiary, Paul Journée, Valeo entered the security systems business and was able to strengthen its wiper and lighting activities. By acquiring ITT Industries' electrical systems business, the company was able to assert its leadership position as leader in wipers and park-assist systems.

At the same time, the Group sold off its non-strategic activities (brake linings, ignition and horns) and adopted the "5 Axes methodology", with the aim of achieving customer satisfaction through Total Quality.

21st century: The era of technological innovation and emerging markets

Lighting systems R&D center at Wuhan, China.

Valeo focuses on the development of innovative technologies that satisfy market needs.

The Group’s strategy is based on two main vectors of growth: CO₂emissions reduction, and Asia and emerging countries.

Valeo offers solutions for reducing the consumption of internal combustion engines, as well as for hybrid and electric vehicles, and for lowering the energy consumption and weight of components.

Valeo has a streamlined organization comprising four Business Groups (Powertrain Systems, Thermal Systems, Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems, and Visibility Systems) and the Valeo Service aftermarket activity.