Future Mobility Media had the privilege of engaging in a roundtable discussion with Jayakumar G, Group President & Managing Director of Valeo India, and François Marion, Group Chief Communications Officer and Executive Committee Member of Valeo. Below are the excerpts from the discussion:
With extensive automotive industry experience, please share how Valeo has evolved over the years.
Celebrating 27 years of contributions, Valeo has established itself as a prominent leader in the Indian automotive industry. Since entering the market in 1997, we have grown significantly and have become a key player in innovation and manufacturing. Headquartered in Chennai, the company operates eight manufacturing facilities, a global R&D center, a satellite R&D center, five distribution platforms and a head office, ensuring efficient and seamless customer service.
India is known for its engineering talent. How does Valeo leverage this advantage?
Valeo employs more than 7000 professionals in India, of which almost 50% are engineers. The Group Technical Center (GTC) in Chennai and its satellite center in Bengaluru are hubs of innovation and employ over 3,700 engineers. These centres drive advances in ADAS, electrification, thermal management and smart lighting. Indian engineers are instrumental in the company’s technological breakthroughs, with over 380 patents filed to date. Partnerships with premier engineering institutions further enhance capabilities in cutting-edge domains like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and software-defined vehicles.
Can you share details about Valeo’s recent initiatives to strengthen its presence in India?
In September 2024, Valeo enhanced its industrial presence in India by inaugurating a modern production facility in Pune dedicated to power electronics. Spanning over 7,000 square meters, this advanced facility strengthens Valeo’s capabilities in electrification while providing a dynamic environment designed to attract talent, encourage innovation, and promote excellence.
This new facility in Pune is a key element of our strategic plan for deeper localisation and long-term competitiveness in electrification products. It will meet the growing demand from our customers for the On-Board Power Supply 3-in-1 combination unit, comprising an On Board Charger, DC-DC converter, and power distribution unit. As the EV market in India expands, we are prepared to deliver technology solutions that are both adaptable to the Indian market and cost-competitive.
How does Valeo ensure operational excellence across its multiple facilities in India?
Valeo’s Power Division operates three key facilities in India. The Oragadam plant in Chennai, in partnership with the Amalgamations Group, produces clutches and hosts a DSIR-recognised R&D centre. The Maraimalainagar facility, a joint venture with the Anand Group, manufactures eco-friendly clutch facings, tractor brakes, and friction washers. The Pune facility specialises in electrification components like starter motors and alternators, advancing India’s clean mobility initiatives.
Valeo’s Thermal Systems plants in Vallam, Chennai and Sanand, Gujarat manufacture HVAC assemblies, battery cooling units, and engine cooling modules. These facilities not only cater to the domestic market but also export components to countries like China, Brazil, and Turkey, reinforcing India’s role in the global supply chain.
The Light Division operates two facilities in Vallam, Chennai, producing advanced lighting solutions, including LED rear lamps and fog lamps. The division also manufactures wipers, supporting both OEMs and the aftermarket with cutting-edge designs.
How does Valeo support the aftermarket segment?
Through our Valeo Service Activity (VSA), we provide unparalleled support to OEMs and the independent aftermarket. We offer a wide range of products, including transmissions, lighting, thermal systems, filters, and coolants. VSA ensures comprehensive customer support and nationwide accessibility.
How do Valeo’s development centres contribute to its growth?
Our dedicated development facility in Chennai leverages India’s engineering talent pool. The Development Test Lab offers comprehensive testing and analysis services, supporting Valeo’s global sites and catering to Indian customers with localised solutions. As a leading technology partner for automakers and mobility innovators, Valeo focuses on creating cleaner, safer, and smarter mobility. We excel in electrification, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), reimagined interior experiences, and innovative lighting solutions. These pillars drive the evolution of mobility and our growth trajectory.
What is Valeo’s vision for the future of mobility in India?
Valeo is committed to driving India’s mobility transformation through strategic localisation, a skilled workforce, and relentless innovation. We are poised to shape India’s automotive future while reinforcing our global stature. Twenty years ago, the concept of autonomous mobility seemed distant, but today, it’s a key focus area. Valeo has been at the forefront of autonomous mobility since 2004 and continues to strengthen its presence in India. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a cutting-edge R&D centre, Valeo India is leading the way in developing ADAS and electrification solutions, driving the nation’s transition to a smarter automotive future.