Valeo's Role in 2002 Explorer Recognized By Ford

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich.--Aug. 17, 2001--Valeo employees at the company's North American headquarters here were honored August 13 by Ford with personalized tours of the completely redesigned 2002 Ford Explorer as part of Ford's Explorer Supplier Partner Recognition Tour.
    Nearly 400 Auburn Hills-area employees enjoyed a luncheon and 2002 Explorer exhibit hosted by Ford as a show of appreciation for Valeo's role in the success of the new Ford Explorer, the most popular sport utility vehicle in its class. Valeo, one of the largest global automotive tier one companies, supplies a host of components, systems and modules for Ford vehicles.
    These contributions include an extensive array of components and systems for the 2002 Explorer, such as Valeo's Ultrasonic Park Assist system (classified by Ford as the Reverse Sensing System), Valeo Sylvania fog lamps, ABS motors, rear wiper motors and clutch facings.
    Valeo's Ultrasonic Park Assist system, which alerts drivers to objects in their path while driving in reverse, has become one of the most popular premium options on the Ford Explorer, Windstar, Expedition, Excursion and F-350, as well as the Lincoln Navigator; and Mercury Mountaineer. It is standard equipment on the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood, the first vehicle in North America to offer the system as standard equipment.
    Consumer selection of the Ultrasonic Park Assist system as an option has tripled in the last couple of years. This is due in part to increased consumer awareness and improved styling of the unit that now consists of four flush-mounted sensors on the rear bumper.
    The Ultrasonic Park Assist system was featured on the Explorer as part of Ford's `No Boundaries' tour, an off-road show that allowed consumers the opportunity to test-drive a complete lineup of Ford vehicles through rugged terrain. The Ultrasonic Park Assist system was displayed in the `No Boundaries' product tent.