Valeo, Anand group tie up for auto parts aftermarket biz

CHENNAI, APRIL 3:

Auto-component company Valeo has forged a joint venture with Anand Group for aftermarket business.

Valeo Service India Auto Parts will distribute automotive products produced by the manufacturing companies of the two groups in the independent aftermarket across India, under the Valeo brand name. The joint venture company will be based in Chennai.Valeo has been as an automotive supplier in India since 1997. It has over 2,000 employees across five production sites in Chennai and Pune and an R&D facility in Chennai.

With the joint venture, Valeo is targeting the “fast-growing” automotive independent aftermarket business in India, said a press release.

Valeo manufactures clutches, friction materials, lighting systems, security systems, starters and alternators. The Anand group makes automotive systems and components.

(Source : http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3277185.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Auto parts maker Valeo plans unit at Sanand

CHENNAI, DEC. 27: 


Auto component maker Valeo is scouting for opportunities in Sanand, Gujarat to set up a manufacturing plant.

With big names such as Ford, Tata Motors and Peugeot driving into the region, Sanand is rapidly transforming into an auto hub.

Valeo expects to start construction at Sanand soon and have a plant running by 2013. This is part of the company's efforts to ramp up local manufacturing.

The company currently manufactures clutches, friction materials and lighting systems at its plants in Chennai, while its Pune plant makes security systems, starters and alternators.

By 2013, Valeo is looking to locally manufacture wiper systems, top column module, compressors and air management systems, said Mr P.R. Dhaamodharan, Group President and Managing Director, Valeo India.

“Of the 16 product groups globally, only four are manufactured locally at present. Valeo India will localise most products in the coming years.”

Valeo is expanding its friction material factory at Maraimalainagar, Chennai. It is also setting up a new factory at Oragadam, Chennai for clutches.

The company says it has already firmed up commitment from customers for the upcoming products.

“Localisation is important to eliminate concerns from currency volatility and tide over difficult economic conditions globally. Also, some products are customised to cater to unique needs of the Indian market which is in the small car segment,” says Mr Dhaamodharan.

Valeo's R&D team in Chennai is working on starters and alternators suited for small cars. “These products will be ready by 2012 and will cater to India and similar markets such as South America.”

(Source : http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2752548.ece)