The global automotive industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, with foreign Tier 1 giants intensifying their efforts in China’s smart electric vehicle market. During the Shanghai International Auto Show, held from April 23 to May 2, major global component manufacturers such as Bosch, ZF, Continental, and Valeo unveiled strategic new products and transformation plans. Valeo, a century-old automotive technology leader, showcased its latest innovations across four strategic areas: electrification, intelligence, smart lighting, and aftermarket services.
In terms of electrification, Valeo offers a comprehensive range of optimized solutions to meet the demands of electric vehicles, including an integrated smart heat pump module, dual-flow air conditioning systems, battery cooling plates, electric compressors, onboard chargers, high-power DC fast charging station cooling systems, and efficient dual inverter systems. For example, Valeo’s smart thermal management system, Predict4Range software, predicts energy requirements and controls the most efficient thermal management strategies in real-time. This significantly enhances the thermal management strategies of pure electric vehicles, improving the range and battery life of smart electric vehicles. Even in cold climates, the range can be increased by up to 24%, while also speeding up charging times, saving an average of 300 kWh of electricity annually.
Additionally, Valeo has introduced a high-power DC fast charging station cooling system with over 350 kW of power and the Ineez™ wireless charging system, further promoting large-scale growth in China’s electric vehicle market.
On the intelligence front, Valeo launched the third-generation SCALA™ 3 lidar, which can detect objects up to 300 meters away and can identify objects with a reflectivity of just 10% at 200 meters. By utilizing high-performance distance resolution point cloud data, it recreates a three-dimensional view of the vehicle’s surroundings. Valeo also showcased the first lidar cleaning system integrated into L3-level vehicles, featuring a nozzle cover or retractable flap, which maintains stable performance even at speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. This system ensures optimal visibility for sensors even in harsh conditions such as heavy snow, rain, or mud. Notably, the lidar cleaning system can defrost in just 3 minutes and 40 seconds when activated at temperatures as low as -20°C.
In the smart cockpit domain, Valeo’s Panovision panoramic display technology projects virtual information directly into the driver’s line of sight, avoiding the distraction of traditional screens. When combined with Valeo’s augmented reality heads-up display system, this solution intuitively presents key information such as navigation, alerts, and driving assistance. Valeo’s Panovision technology is fully compatible with polarized sunglasses and meets all regulations related to windshields and visibility, ensuring seamless integration and reliable operation across various vehicle models.
In the realm of smart lighting, Valeo has launched innovative lighting solutions that elevate lighting technology from mere functional configurations to intelligent carriers that blend safety, personalization, and emotional resonance. Valeo believes that lighting has evolved beyond a functional feature to a key differentiator for automakers in enhancing safety and shaping brand image. For instance, the front lighting system of the Lynk & Co Z10 is equipped with 224 RGB LED beads and Valeo’s ThinBilite series ultra-thin (15mm) headlights, presenting a distinctive visual identity. Meanwhile, the Audi A6 e-tron features the latest generation OLED 2.0 tail lights developed by Valeo, which not only serve lighting purposes but also interact with the surrounding environment. When combined with detection systems and Valeo software, these lights can display specific warning symbols for other road users.
In the aftermarket service sector, Valeo has launched the Canopy™ Ulay series, the first green wiper blade specifically designed for new energy vehicles in China. This product is made from over 80% natural, renewable, or recyclable materials and features 100% recyclable paper packaging to reduce carbon emissions, making it suitable for most new energy vehicles in China.
Clearly, as automobiles evolve from being mere transportation tools into mobile intelligent spaces, this century-old component giant is writing a new chapter in its transformation towards the “new four modernizations.” Valeo’s Chief Technology Officer in China, Gu Jianmin, noted that the Chinese automotive industry is experiencing five key trends: First, electrification has become the new normal. Data shows that in 2024, the delivery volume of new energy passenger vehicles in the Chinese market (excluding imports and exports) will surpass 10 million units for the first time, accounting for over 50% of total sales. Second, in-car technology and connectivity have become core demands, with increasing consumer needs for advanced connectivity, driver assistance, and voice assistant features. Third, there is a heightened awareness of environmental protection, leading consumers to prefer low-emission vehicles. Fourth, user comfort and experience have become decisive standards, with features such as immersive screens, dynamic multicolor lighting, and gamification becoming essential trends in high-end driving experiences. Lastly, cost-performance ratio is critical.
Since entering the Chinese market in 1994, Valeo has adhered to the philosophy of “rooted in China, serving China,” actively participating in and leading the development of the Chinese automotive industry. Data indicates that China has become Valeo’s largest single-country market, accounting for 17% of the group’s global sales. In 2024, 60% of Valeo’s orders in China will come from local automotive manufacturers. Furthermore, as a century-old global Tier 1 automotive giant, Valeo has established 27 production bases and 13 R&D centers in China, successfully transitioning from “Made in China” to “Created in China.”
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