Valeo

Corporate brand

Valeo is a French multinational automotive supplier specializing in electrification, driver assistance, thermal management, visibility, and vehicle-comfort technologies.

Last updated August 26, 2026

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Overview

Valeo is a French global automotive-equipment manufacturer and technology supplier headquartered in France. Its customers include vehicle manufacturers and the independent automotive aftermarket. Rather than selling primarily to consumers, Valeo develops components, systems, software, and replacement parts that are integrated into cars during production or distributed through its Valeo Service aftermarket activity. The company began in 1923 as Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo in Saint-Ouen, near Paris. Its original business was the distribution of brake linings and clutch facings produced under licence from Ferodo. It moved into manufacturing clutches in 1932 and was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange the same year. During the 1950s it expanded its French industrial footprint, then broadened its product scope into braking systems, thermal systems, lighting, and electrical equipment. In May 1980, the company adopted the name Valeo, a Latin expression meaning “I am well.” Valeo’s international development accelerated from the 1960s onward. It expanded first across Europe, including Spain and Italy, and later established operations or production capacity in Brazil, the United States, Tunisia, South Korea, Turkey, Mexico, China, India, Central and Eastern Europe, and Egypt. The group’s international growth has been supported both by new facilities and by acquisitions. Notable transactions cited in company and reference material include the acquisitions of German suppliers Peiker and Spheros in 2015 and FTE automotive in 2017. The company is organized around four principal business groups: Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems; Powertrain Systems; Thermal Systems; and Visibility Systems. These activities cover advanced driver-assistance technologies, sensors, parking and maneuvering systems, electrical and electrified powertrain components, engine and battery thermal management, lighting, windshield wipers, and related vehicle systems. Valeo Service supplies original-equipment replacement parts and aftermarket products to automakers, distributors, repairers, and other customers. Innovation and the transition toward lower-emission vehicles have been central to Valeo’s positioning. The company has developed ultrasonic parking-assistance systems, electrification components, lighting and sensing technologies, and systems intended to support safer and increasingly automated driving. In 2017 it displayed a low-voltage electric-vehicle prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Valeo has also regularly ranked among France’s leading patent filers, reflecting its emphasis on research and development. During Jacques Aschenbroich’s tenure as chief executive, the group described its strategy around innovation related to lower carbon emissions and intuitive driving, combined with expansion in high-growth markets, particularly Asia and other emerging economies. Reference material reports substantial growth in Valeo’s workforce and sales between 2009 and 2018, alongside increased activity in China. In 2021, Valeo announced a planned investment in a new assembly plant in Bessemer, Alabama. In 2025, the group announced an “Elevate 2028” strategic program focused on profitability, cash generation, renewed sales growth, and positioning for electrified, safer, and software-defined vehicles. Valeo remains an active, publicly traded automotive supplier with a global manufacturing, engineering, and distribution network.

History

Valeo traces its origins to Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo, established in 1923 in Saint-Ouen near Paris. The company initially distributed brake linings and clutch facings under licence from Ferodo. In 1932 it began manufacturing clutches and became a publicly listed company on the Paris Stock Exchange. During the 1950s, the business expanded beyond the Paris region by opening additional French factories. Its product portfolio broadened over the following decades. Braking systems were added in 1961, thermal systems in 1962, and lighting and electrical systems during the 1970s and 1980s. This diversification transformed the company from a brake and clutch specialist into a broader automotive-equipment supplier. Internationalization began in Europe during the 1960s, particularly in Spain and Italy. Valeo subsequently established operations in Brazil in 1974, the United States in 1980, Tunisia in 1984, South Korea and Turkey in 1988, Mexico in 1989, China in 1994, India in 1997, and several Central and Eastern European markets during the 1990s and 2000s. Egypt was added in 2005. The company adopted the Valeo name in May 1980; the name derives from Latin and is commonly translated as “I am well.” In the early 2000s, Valeo developed parking-assistance systems based on ultrasonic sensors. These activities formed part of a wider move toward electronic controls, sensing, automated maneuvering, and driver assistance. The group later expanded through acquisitions, including German automotive suppliers Peiker and Spheros in 2015 and FTE automotive in 2017. These transactions strengthened its capabilities in connectivity, thermal management, and powertrain-related components. Under chief executive Jacques Aschenbroich, who led the group from 2009, Valeo emphasized innovation supporting lower carbon emissions and more intuitive driving, while also pursuing geographic growth in Asia and emerging markets. Reference material describes substantial growth in the group’s sales and workforce between 2009 and 2018, particularly as Valeo expanded its presence in China. The company also invested heavily in research and development and repeatedly ranked among France’s leading patent applicants. Valeo’s modern organization is built around Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems, Powertrain Systems, Thermal Systems, and Visibility Systems, supplemented by Valeo Service for the replacement-parts market. Its technologies address vehicle lighting and wiping, braking and transmission-related equipment, electrification, engine and battery cooling, cabin climate, parking assistance, sensing, and driver support. The company has also faced serious historical occupational-health controversy. A French criminal procedure concerning the former use of asbestos led to indictments in 2006 involving Valeo, directors, and its corporate medical function, in connection with alleged homicide, unintentional injury, and failure to assist a person in danger. Valeo subsequently introduced health and safety monitoring measures for employees and retirees, entered into a national agreement with the French government in 2009, and secured four former industrial sites associated with asbestos issues. In 2017 Valeo showcased a low-voltage electric-vehicle prototype at CES. In 2021 it announced an investment plan for an assembly plant in Bessemer, Alabama. In 2025 the group announced its Elevate 2028 strategy, presenting a plan to strengthen profitability and cash generation, resume sales growth, and focus on electrified, safer, and software-defined vehicles. Valeo therefore continues to operate as a global automotive technology and components supplier rather than as a consumer-facing vehicle manufacturer.

2025
Elevate 2028 strategy announced
[2]Valeo official websitevaleo.com
The company announced a strategy focused on profitability, cash generation, renewed sales growth, and electrified and software-defined vehicles.
2021
Bessemer, Alabama plant investment announced
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo announced plans to invest in a new assembly plant in Bessemer, Alabama.
2017
FTE automotive acquisition and electric prototype
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo acquired FTE automotive and presented a low-voltage electric-vehicle prototype at CES.
2015
Acquisitions of Peiker and Spheros
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo acquired German suppliers Peiker and Spheros, expanding its technology and systems portfolio.
2006
Asbestos-related indictments
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
The company and related parties were indicted in a French criminal procedure concerning historical asbestos exposure and alleged occupational deaths and injuries.
1994
Expansion into China
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo established a presence in China as part of its long-term Asian expansion.
1980
The company adopts the Valeo name
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
In May 1980, Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo changed its name to Valeo.
1974
Expansion into Brazil
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo’s predecessor expanded its international manufacturing and commercial presence to Brazil.
1962
Thermal systems added
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
The company entered automotive thermal systems, an activity that later became one of its principal business groups.
1961
Expansion into braking systems
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
The company added braking systems to its automotive product portfolio.
1932
Clutch manufacturing begins
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Valeo’s predecessor began producing clutches and was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
1923
Company founded as Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo
[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
The company was established in Saint-Ouen near Paris and initially distributed Ferodo brake linings and clutch facings under licence.

Products and positioning

A technology-led global automotive supplier positioned around vehicle electrification, lower-emission mobility, advanced driver assistance, thermal management, lighting, visibility, and software-enabled vehicle functions.

Driver assistance and vehicle electronics
Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems
This business area covers technologies that support vehicle comfort, maneuvering, sensing, and assisted driving. Products and systems include parking assistance, ultrasonic sensors, and other electronic functions intended to improve driver awareness and simplify low-speed vehicle operation. The group’s broader positioning connects these systems with the development of safer, increasingly automated, and software-enabled vehicles.
Powertrain and electrification
Powertrain Systems
Valeo’s Powertrain Systems activities include components and systems used in conventional and electrified vehicle powertrains. The portfolio developed from the company’s historic clutch manufacturing and later expanded through powertrain-related acquisitions and electrification work. It supports automakers seeking improved efficiency, lower emissions, and new electric or hybrid vehicle architectures.
Automotive thermal management · 1962
Thermal Systems
Thermal Systems encompasses equipment used to control temperatures in vehicle propulsion, battery, engine, cabin, and related systems. Valeo entered automotive thermal products in the 1960s. In contemporary vehicles, thermal management is important not only for engine cooling and passenger comfort but also for the efficiency, safety, and durability of electrified powertrains and batteries.
Automotive aftermarket
Valeo Service
Valeo Service supplies replacement parts and related products to the automotive aftermarket. Its activity serves independent repair and distribution channels as well as automakers seeking original-equipment replacement supplies. The business extends Valeo’s reach beyond factory-installed equipment into maintenance, repair, and parts replacement.

Controversies

2019
BMW sues Valeo and Denso over alleged price fixing
BMW sued suppliers Valeo and Denso over price fixing on air-conditioning components. The article reports that the case relates to a 2017 European Commission decision that fined several car-part makers, including Valeo and Denso, for operating cartels.
Source
2006
Historical asbestos exposure proceedings
Valeo, certain directors, and its corporate medical function were indicted after a lengthy French criminal procedure concerning the former use of asbestos at company sites. The proceedings related to alleged homicide, unintentional injury, and failure to assist a person in danger, following deaths and illnesses among employees. Valeo later reported stronger health-security controls, monitoring of current and retired personnel, a 2009 national agreement with the French government, and the securing of four affected former industrial sites.
Source

2025
Elevate 2028 strategyStrategy
Background
Valeo sought to consolidate its position in automotive technologies while adapting to electrification, advanced safety functions, and software-defined vehicles.
Action taken
The group announced Elevate 2028, a plan centered on improving profitability, increasing cash generation, returning to sales growth, and developing its presence in China, India, and North America.
Aftermath
The strategy established the group’s stated medium-term framework for operational improvement and technology-led growth.
Source
2021
Bessemer assembly-plant investmentStrategy
Background
Valeo continued to expand manufacturing capacity in North America.
Action taken
The company announced a planned investment in a new assembly plant in Bessemer, Alabama, expected to create approximately 70 jobs.
Aftermath
The announcement represented an additional manufacturing commitment in the United States.
Source
2017
Acquisition of FTE automotiveM&A
Background
Valeo continued to expand its powertrain and automotive-components capabilities.
Action taken
The group acquired FTE automotive, a German supplier of automotive hydraulic and powertrain-related components.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened Valeo’s position in powertrain-related systems and supported its broader supplier portfolio.
Source
2017
Low-voltage electric-vehicle prototypeProduct launch
Background
Valeo was seeking to demonstrate practical electrification technologies and broaden attention beyond conventional automotive components.
Action taken
The company presented a low-voltage electric-vehicle prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Aftermath
The prototype reinforced Valeo’s public positioning in accessible electric mobility and vehicle electrification.
Source
2015
Acquisition of Peiker and SpherosM&A
Background
Valeo sought to broaden its automotive technology and systems capabilities through international acquisitions.
Action taken
The group acquired German suppliers Peiker and Spheros.
Aftermath
The transactions expanded Valeo’s portfolio in automotive connectivity-related systems and thermal applications.
Source
1980
Rebrand as ValeoStrategy
Background
The company had grown beyond its original brake-lining and clutch-facings distribution role into a broader automotive-components business.
Action taken
In May 1980, it changed its corporate name from Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo to Valeo.
Aftermath
The new name became the identity for the group’s expanding portfolio of automotive systems and international operations.
Source

Recent events

2025
Valeo announced a new strategic program called Elevate 2028[2]Valeo official websitevaleo.com
Other
Valeo presented a strategy intended to improve profitability and cash generation, return the group to sales growth, and reinforce its position in electrified, safer, and software-defined vehicle technologies.
2021
Valeo announced investment in a Bessemer, Alabama assembly plant[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced an investment plan for a new assembly facility in Alabama, with the stated expectation that the project would create approximately 70 jobs.
2017
Valeo displayed a low-voltage electric-vehicle prototype at CES[1]Valeoen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Valeo presented a prototype low-voltage electric vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, highlighting its interest in accessible electrification technologies.

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