{{Short description|French global automotive supplier}} {{Other uses}} {{Infobox company | name = Valeo S.A. | logo = Valeo Logo.svg | type = ''Société Anonyme'' | traded_as = {{EuronextParis|FR|FR0013176526|XPAR}}<br />CAC Next 20 Component | ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|FR0013176526}} | foundation = {{start date and age|1923}} | location = Paris | key_people = Christophe Périllat <small>(CEO)</small> | industry = Automotive industry | products = Auto parts | revenue = {{increase}}€22.04 billion (2023) | net_income = {{decrease}}€221 million (2023) | num_employees = 114,700 (2019) | homepage = {{URL|valeo.com/en/}} }}
thumb|Christophe Périllat (2025) '''Valeo''' is a French global automotive supplier headquartered in France, listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (CAC Next 20 Index). It supplies a wide range of products to automakers and the aftermarket. The Group employs 113,600 people in 29 countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web | title=Valeo around the world | website=Valeo | date=2024-02-29 | url=https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-around-the-world/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327172153/https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-around-the-world/ | archive-date=2024-03-27 | url-status=live | access-date=2024-03-27}}</ref> It has 186 production plants, 66 R&D centers and 15 distribution platforms. In 2018, Valeo's sales rose 4% to €19.1 billion. It frequently ranks as France's leading patent filer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inpi.fr/fr/nationales/le-palmares-des-deposants-brevets-2018-en-france |title=Le palmarès des déposants de brevets 2018 en France |website=www.inpi.fr |date=4 April 2019 |access-date=6 April 2019 |archive-date=17 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717091935/https://www.inpi.fr/fr/nationales/le-palmares-des-deposants-brevets-2018-en-france |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Valeo remains the French company filing the most patents worldwide | website=Valeo | date=2024-01-23 | url=https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-remains-the-french-company-filing-the-most-patents-worldwide/ | access-date=2024-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Winer | first=Madeleine | title=Rankings: Valeo Tops List of Patent Applicants Globally | website=aftermarketNews | date=2024-02-01 | url=https://www.aftermarketnews.com/rankings-valeo-tops-list-of-patent-applicants-globally/ | access-date=2024-03-27}}</ref>
==History== The ''Société Anonyme Française de Ferodo'' was founded in 1923 in Saint-Ouen, near Paris. It first distributed brake linings and clutch facings under license from Ferodo.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mikaelscorpion.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/valeo-quelle-histoire-de-1830-1988/ |title=VALEO : QUELLE HISTOIRE ! De 1830 -a- 1988 |website=mikaelscorpion.wordpress.com |last=micdec |date=13 May 2012}}</ref>
In 1932, the company began producing clutches. In the same year, it was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.valeo.com/en/our-story/ |title=Our story - Valeo Group history |website=Valeo}}</ref>
In the 1950s, the company expanded outside the Paris area, opening new factories in France.
The firm produced braking systems (1961), thermal systems (1962), lighting systems and electrical systems (1971-1978 and 1984).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.company-histories.com/Valeo-Company-History.html|title=Valeo -- Company History|website=www.company-histories.com}}</ref>
The 1960s saw the start of the company's international development, first in Europe, especially in Spain and Italy, and then all over the world: Brazil (1974), the United States (1980), Tunisia (1984), South Korea and Turkey (1988), Mexico (1989), China (1994), India (1997), Central and Eastern Europe (Poland and the Czech Republic in 1995, Romania in 2002, Slovakia in 2004) and Egypt in 2005, to total 33 countries at the end 2018.
In May 1980, the company was renamed Valeo, which means "I am well" in Latin.{{citation needed|date=October 2021}}
Acquisitions include German automotive suppliers Peiker and Spheros in 2015, followed by FTE automotive in 2017.
In the early 2000s, Valeo produced parking assistance systems using ultrasonic sensors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://videos.leparisien.fr/video/ces-2018-la-voiture-electrique-low-cost-selon-valeo-08-01-2018-x6ctgab|title=CES 2018 : la voiture électrique low cost selon Valeo (VIDEO)|via=videos.leparisien.fr|access-date=2018-10-29|archive-date=2018-12-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219230541/http://videos.leparisien.fr/video/ces-2018-la-voiture-electrique-low-cost-selon-valeo-08-01-2018-x6ctgab|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2017, Valeo presented its low-voltage prototype electric vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/valeo-reveals-electric-city-car-concept-ces-27734|title=Valeo reveals electric city car concept at CES|website=www.autocarpro.in}}</ref>
In February 2021, Valeo announced that it will invest $5 million to open a new assembly plant in Bessemer, Alabama, which is expected to create 70 jobs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://alabamanewscenter.com/2021/01/26/auto-supplier-valeo-plans-manufacturing-site-in-alabama-with-70-jobs/ | title=Auto supplier Valeo plans manufacturing site in Alabama with 70 jobs | work=Alabama NewsCenter | date=26 January 2021|access-date=24 February 2021}}</ref>
== Strategy == Since 2009, CEO Jacques Aschenbroich's strategy has been based on: innovation linked to the reduction of CO<sub>2</sub> emissions and intuitive driving, and geographical expansion in high-growth potential countries, notably in Asia and in emerging countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://innovator.news/interview-of-the-week-jacques-aschenbroich-4e551471ddd8|title=Interview Of The Week: Jacques Aschenbroich|first=Jennifer L.|last=Schenker|date=1 June 2018|website=The Innovator news}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |date=17 March 2015 |title=Valeo axe son ambitieux plan stratégique sur la Chine et l'innovation |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/automobile/valeo-axe-son-ambitieux-plan-strategique-sur-la-chine-et-l-innovation-461655.html |website=La Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.challenges.fr/automobile/actu-auto/valeo-plan-strategique-pour-augmenter-d-un-tiers-le-chiffre-d-affaire_398949 |title=Valeo - plan stratégique pour augmenter d'un tiers le chiffre d'affaire |website=www.challenges.fr |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=29 October 2018 |archive-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225221015/https://www.challenges.fr/automobile/actu-auto/valeo-plan-strategique-pour-augmenter-d-un-tiers-le-chiffre-d-affaire_398949 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
From 2009 to 2018, the number of employees increased from 45,000 to 113,600. The Group's sales rose from €7.5 billion to €19.1 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VLEEF/financials/ |title=VALEO (VLEEF) Income Statement |website=finance.yahoo.com |language=en-US |access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref> with a strong development in China.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://lexpansion.lexpress.fr/entreprises/valeo-lance-un-plan-pour-ameliorer-sa-rentabilite_1417682.html |title=Valeo lance un plan pour améliorer sa rentabilité |date=10 March 2010 |website=LExpansion.com}}</ref>
Valeo invests 11,8% of its sales in R&D and innovation. It has 17,900 research and development employees. In 2016 and 2017, the Group ranked as France's leading patent filer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://videos.lesechos.fr/lesechos/invite-des-echos/jacques-aschenbroich-valeo-investit-un-tiers-de-sa-rd-dans-le-vehicule-autonome/vz03v0 |title=Jacques Aschenbroich: "Valeo investit un tiers de sa R&D dans le véhicule autonome " |website=videos.lesechos.fr}}</ref>
In November 2025, Valeo announced its 'Elevate 2028' strategy which sets out its trajectory to 2028: steadily increasing profit from 2022 onwards, generating higher cash from 2025 onwards and returning to sales growth from 2027 onwards. This is in efforts to consolidate its position as a global leader in key car technologies, as the group enters into regions like China, India and North America, and fully aligns for a future of electrified, safer and software-defined cars.<ref>{{Cite web |last=fbilly@wordappeal.com |date=2025-11-20 |title=Valeo Unveils Elevate 2028, Steadily Improving Profit, Generating Higher Cash and Returning to Sales Growth |url=https://www.valeo.com/en/valeo-unveils-elevate-2028-steadily-improving-profit-generating-higher-cash-and-returning-to-sales-growth/ |access-date=2025-12-10 |website=Valeo |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Organization== The Group employs 113,601 people in 33 countries throughout the world. It has 184 production plants, 55 R&D centers and 15 distribution platforms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nos employés – Stratégie de ressources humaines|url=https://www.valeo.com/fr/nos-employes/|access-date=2021-10-14|website=Valeo|language=fr-FR}}</ref>
=== Four Business Groups === Valeo is structured around four business units:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valeo.com/en/our-activities/|title=Our activities|website=Valeo}}</ref> # Comfort & Driving Assistance Systems (advanced driver-assistance technologies) # Powertrain Systems (automotive powertrain components and vehicle electrification) # Thermal Systems (automotive engine cooling systems) # Visibility Systems (windshield wipers and automotive lighting)
Its Valeo Service activity supplies original equipment spares to automakers and replacement parts to the independent aftermarket.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.decisionatelier.com/Valeo-de-la-technologie-en-aftermarket,11608|title=Valeo : de la technologie en aftermarket|date=17 September 2018|website=www.decisionatelier.com|last1=Infos|first1=Auto|archive-date=12 August 2020|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812231907/https://www.decisionatelier.com/Valeo-de-la-technologie-en-aftermarket,11608|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== International Business === ''Original equipment sales growth by destination region:''
* Europe and Africa: 46% of sales * Asia: 32% of sales * North America: 20% of sales * South America: 2% of sales
==Financial statistics== ;Sales (millions)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/medias/upload/2014/02/31110/2013-results-press-release.pdf|title=Press releases - Valeo|website=valeo.com|access-date=23 April 2018|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034939/http://www.valeo.com/medias/upload/2014/02/31110/2013-results-press-release.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{Columns-list|colwidth=28em| * 2001: €10,234<ref name=sales2003>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2003-consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=Financial Statements |date=2003 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2002: €9,803<ref name=sales2003 /> * 2003: €9,234<ref name=sales2003 /> * 2004: €9,018<ref name=sales2006>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2006-consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=Financial Statements |date=2006 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2005: €9,736<ref name=sales2006 /> * 2006: €9,970<ref name=sales2006 /> * 2007: €9,555<ref name=sales2008>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/financial-statements-2008-results.pdf |title=DDR_Statements Financial consolidated 2008_V1-EN |website=www.valeo.com |language=fr |access-date=2018-07-16}}</ref> * 2008: €8,664<ref name="sales2008"/> * 2009: €7,499<ref name=sales2009>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/financial-statements-2009-results.pdf |title=2009 Consolidated financial statements |date=2009 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2010: €9,632<ref name=sales2010>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/financial-statements-2010.pdf |title=2010 Consolidated financial statements |date=2010 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2011: €10,868<ref name=sales2011>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2011-consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=2011 Consolidated financial statements |date=2011 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2012: €11,759<ref name=sales2012>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2012-results-consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=2012 Consolidated financial statements |date=2012 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2013: €12,110<ref name=sales2013>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2013-results-consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=2013 Consolidated financial statements |date=2013 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2014: €12,725<ref name=sales2014>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/consolidated-financial-statement-december-31.pdf |title=2014 Consolidated financial statements |date=2014 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2015: €14,544<ref name=sales2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/consolidated-financial-statement-december-31-02-18-2016-05-50-pm.pdf |title=2015 Consolidated financial statements |date=2016 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> * 2016: €16,519<ref name=sales2016>{{cite web|url=http://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2016-Consolidated-financial-statements.pdf |title=2016 Consolidated financial statements |date=2017 |website=www.valeo.com }}</ref> *2017: €18,600<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.valeo.com/en/key-financial-figures/|title=Key figures|website=Valeo}}</ref> *2018: €19,124<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.valeo.com/en/key-financial-figures/|title=Financial key figures |website=www.valeo.com |access-date=2019-07-15}}</ref> }}
;Breakdown of sales by Business Group 2018 * Driving Assistance Systems: 19% * Powertrain Systems: 26% * Thermal Systems: 26% * Visibility Systems: 29%
;Operating margin (in % of sales): {{Columns-list|colwidth=28em| * 2001: 3.8%<ref name=sales2003 /> * 2002: 5.0%<ref name=sales2003 /> * 2003: 5.0%<ref name=sales2003 /> * 2004: 4.9% * 2007: 3.6% * 2008: 2.6%<ref name=sales2008 /> * 2009: 1.8%<ref name=sales2009 /> * 2010: 6.4%<ref name=sales2010 /> * 2011: 6.5%<ref name=sales2011 /> * 2012: 6.2%<ref name=sales2012 /> * 2013: 6.8%<ref name=sales2013 /> * 2014: 7.2%<ref name=sales2014 /> * 2015: 7.7%<ref name=sales2015 /> * 2016: 8.1%<ref name=sales2016 /> * 2017: 8.0%<ref name="valeo.com">{{Cite web |url=https://www.valeo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/valeo-2017-integrated-report.pdf |title=Valeo Integrated Report 2017 |website=www.valeo.com}}</ref> *2018: 6.3%<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.capital.fr/entreprises-marches/valeo-va-bientot-quitter-le-cac-40-1341918 |title=VALEO va bientôt quitter le CAC 40 |date=2019-06-14 |website=Capital.fr |language=fr |access-date=2019-06-25}}</ref> }}
==Asbestos== Valeo, its directors and its corporate medical function have been indicted after a decade-long penal procedure in 2006 for homicide, unintentional injury, and failure to assist a person in danger regarding its former use of asbestos which caused the death of hundreds of employees over many years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.liberation.fr/societe/2006/09/20/conde-sur-noireau-ravage-par-un-siecle-d-amiante_51873/ |title=Condé-sur-Noireau ravagé par un siècle d'amiante |publisher=Liberation.fr |date=2006-09-20 |access-date=2014-01-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lexpress.fr/actualite/politique/amiante-le-medecin-du-travail-mis-en-examen_468056.html |title=Justice: Amiante: le médecin du travail mis en examen - L'EXPRESS |date=23 October 2007 |publisher=Lexpress.fr |access-date=2014-01-31}}</ref>
Since, the Valeo Group has set up high health-security standards and has been thoroughly monitoring employees and retired personnel. This policy was ratified in a national agreement with the French government in April 2009. The group secured four former industrial sites with asbestos related issues.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://basol.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/fiche.php?page=1&index_sp=61.0031 |title=BASOL - Ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire |website=basol.developpement-durable.gouv.fr}}</ref>
==See also== *Jacques Aschenbroich
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.valeo.com/en/}}
{{CAC Next 20 companies}} {{Automotive industry in France}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Auto parts suppliers of France Category:Manufacturing companies based in Paris Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1923 Category:Multinational companies headquartered in France Category:French brands Category:French companies established in 1923 Category:Companies listed on Euronext Paris