François Marion is the Chief Communications Officer and Member of the Executive Committee at Valeo since July 2022. Joining Valeo in 2012, he has held key roles including Group Strategy Vice President, Product Line Director for Lighting Special Products, and President of Valeo in China from 2018 to 2022. Prior to Valeo, he served as an advisor in the French government and held various positions in the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Industry.
Electrification appears to be a significant opportunity for Valeo. How do you view this transformation?
Indeed, electrification presents a monumental opportunity for Valeo. By 2030, we anticipate that more than 50% of vehicles globally will be hybrid or fully electric. This shift creates immense potential for our technologies. Currently, we are among the top five providers of electrification technology, and we stand to benefit greatly from the expanding market. Our expertise spans powertrain components such as motors, inverters, and the software to drive these systems, as well as thermal management solutions for both batteries and cabins.
Valeo is a global leader in 48-volt systems. How do you see this technology evolving alongside high-voltage systems?
We pioneered 48-volt technology, making us the clear leader in this domain. While 48-volt systems serve as a transitional solution for combustion engine vehicles, they are also highly effective for small mobility solutions, including two- and three-wheelers, and compact four-wheelers. This technology has seen significant adoption in Europe for small urban vehicles and continues to play a key role in hybrid applications.
High-voltage systems, however, are becoming the standard for larger electric vehicles, and we have heavily invested in this area even in Inia. For instance, our operations in Pune have enabled us to support the high-voltage market in India, with a strong presence in vehicles produced by Tata Motors and Mahindra.
Do you see potential in supplying electrification solutions for commercial vehicles?
Yes, there is potential, particularly in smaller commercial vehicles and light trucks, as our systems can deliver up to 300 kilowatts of power. However, for larger vehicles like long-haul trucks, we have not ventured into that space yet. Strategic focus is essential given the high investment costs associated with R&D and production. Our immediate priority is democratising electrification for passenger cars, but we’re open to extending our technologies to other segments when feasible.
Valeo holds a 30% market share in ADAS. How do you plan to grow in this space as the market expands to € 120 billion by 2035?
Our focus is on leveraging the adoption of ADAS technologies rather than solely expanding market share. Growth will come from enhancing the content and capabilities we provide in the vehicles. Cameras, for instance, are becoming standard in many vehicles, and we are leaders in automated parking systems. With Valeo’s technology, drivers can use their smartphones to park their cars automatically—a feature already available in production vehicles. Democratising such advanced features and localising production are key to driving growth, especially in markets like India.
With connected vehicles, how does Valeo ensure robust cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is critical in today’s connected vehicle ecosystem. We adhere to stringent global standards and employ dedicated teams worldwide, including in India, to address these challenges. Our internal teams constantly test and attempt to breach our systems to identify vulnerabilities, ensuring any issues are resolved before production. This proactive approach keeps our products secure and reliable.
Latency in cloud-based systems can pose safety risks. How does Valeo tackle this issue?
We believe in a hybrid approach, where vehicles rely on both cloud-based information and sensor data from their immediate environment. Autonomous vehicles, for example, must have sensors like cameras and LIDAR to detect roadblocks that cloud systems might not provide in real-time. Combining data from the cloud and on-board sensors ensures optimal safety and functionality.
What innovations are emerging in Valeo’s lighting business?
Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) technology is a standout innovation. It uses LED matrices to provide full-beam lighting without glaring at oncoming drivers. This feature enhances both driver comfort and road safety. Currently available in high-end vehicles, we’re working to make it accessible across all vehicle segments.
Sustainability is a critical focus for Valeo. How do you ensure this extends to Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers?
Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 is a core commitment for Valeo. Sustainability begins at the design phase, where we focus on reducing material usage, incorporating recycled materials, and improving energy efficiency. When it comes to sourcing green materials like aluminium or steel, the additional costs are passed on to automakers, who may then pass them to consumers. However, we prioritise working closely with our suppliers to ensure they align with our sustainability goals, creating a collaborative path towards a greener future.
Also Read:
Valeo India To Invest INR 200 Cr In R&D To Drive Automotive Innovation