Feature News

FRANKFURT, September 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While high beam headlamps provide the most efficient lighting, they must quickly give way to low beams as soon as another vehicle approaches. Thanks to the new automated BeamAtic(R) Premium function, also known as Adaptive Driving Beam, maximum light is maintained except in zones occupied by other vehicles. Visibility is equivalent to that obtained using high beams and other drivers are not dazzled. In addition, the automatic switching between high and low beams improves driving comfort and safety.

In high beam position, each headlamp generates a cone of light which illuminates the entire area. When another vehicle approaches or is approached, the system detects and locates it using a camera equipped with powerful image processing software. A mobile shield is then positioned to mask the part of the beam covering the zone occupied by the other vehicle, while tracking its trajectory. The other vehicle is therefore protected from the light and there is no dazzling of the driver, for whom - thanks to the BeamAtic(R) Premium function - high beams appear as low beams. For the user, however, the road appears to be fully illuminated, as with high beam headlamps.

The system also includes advanced lighting functions (AFS) and the "Tourism" option which adapts lighting in countries in which traffic flows in the opposite direction.

Valeo's BeamAtic(R) Premium system will be launched in its Xenon version in 2010. This technology will then be extended to other light sources.

Valeo is an independent industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks. Valeo ranks among the world's top automotive suppliers. The Group has 121 plants, 61 R&D centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs 50,100 people in 27 countries worldwide.

For more information about the Group and its activities, please visit our web site http://www.valeo.com.