Valeo Presents New Smart Valve Actuation Technology - the Camless Engine Becomes a Reality

Valeo Presents New Smart Valve Actuation Technology - the Camless Engine Becomes a Reality

FRANKFURT, Germany, September 13/PRNewswire/ -- Valeo today presented its latest technology for reducing fuel
consumption and pollutant emissions by 20% using an engine cylinder head
design that adopts Smart Valve Actuation (SVA) in place of the conventional
mechanical operation of engine valves by the cam belt, camshaft and hydraulic
cam followers.

"SVA is the first of many innovative systems that Valeo
intends to actively develop and market in order to meet increasing demand for
reduced fuel consumption and pollutant emissions following the recent
acquisition of Johnson Controls' Engine Electronics Division. Engine
management and power electronics are now core technologies for the Group
which will drive strong future growth," said Valeo Chairman & CEO Thierry
Morin.

A brand new technology

In a camless engine, each engine valve is operated
individually by an actuator that is placed on the upper surface of the
cylinder head, directly above the valve guides. Each actuator is linked to an
engine-mounted Valve Control Unit (VCU) that ensures the optimal positioning
of all valves and performs the power drive function.

Significant benefits for consumers

By controlling residual gases, minimizing pumping losses and
deactivating cylinders and valves, this environmentally friendly technology
reduces fuel consumption and pollutant emissions by 20%. Consumers will also
benefit from enhanced performance and driving comfort, due to an increase in
low-end engine torque.

The SVA development program is currently being undertaken with
support from several leading car manufacturers and is scheduled for volume
production in 2009.

Contact:
Alexandre Telinge,
+33-6-16-23-86-91,
alexandre.telinge@valeo.com

Source: Valeo

Contact: Alexandre Telinge, +33-6-16-23-86-91, alexandre.telinge@valeo.com

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