World's First Power Running Boards

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 27 -- The innovative adaptation of
a new gear motor from Valeo is enabling the smooth operation of the first
power running boards ever installed on a vehicle.  Valeo is an independent
industrial Group fully focused on the design, production and sale of
components, integrated systems and modules for cars and trucks.
    Currently available on the 2003 Lincoln Navigator, the driver side power
running board (PRB) quietly deploys a full four inches when either the driver
front or rear door opens, facilitating safe and effortless entry and exit.
The PRBs then retract when the door closes.  The passenger side PRB operates
similarly.  This design optimizes space for parking, provides better
aerodynamics and gives the SUV a sleek, "vehicle in motion" appearance.
    Valeo's GenX motor, originally designed for vertical applications, was
adapted to operate in this horizontal application.  GenX is a new generation
of motors that Valeo developed for window lift applications.  It was developed
because automakers wanted a smaller, lighter and quieter motor at reduced
cost.  GenX weighs 30 percent less than conventional die cast motors, but
delivers 13 percent higher torque.
    The GenX motor achieves its 30 percent mass reduction by means of a
plastic gear housing.  A patent pending end play device ensures quiet
operation.  The design permits electronic integration for auto-up controls and
possible integration into future door controls.
    The motor is an integral component of the PRB that deploys and retracts
with a patented four bar link mechanism.  The motor's proprietary, integrated
electronics provide smooth, consistent speed of operation in less than 1.5
seconds.
    Valeo was able to significantly reduce research and development costs by
adapting its latest GenX technology, rather than designing a completely new
motor.  Valeo's customer is Decoma, which manufactures the PRBs for Ford.  Not
only was the technology already proven in vertical applications, extensive
endurance testing of the horizontal version (i.e. window lift applications),
estimates a life four times longer than customer requirements.
    A pulse width modulation (PWM) speed control compensates for voltage
fluctuations and load variations.  PWM also uses a "trapezoidal" control for
proper starting torque and soft stops, while overcoming any obstructions such
as ice or dirt.  Compared to conventional motors, the GenX reduces
torque/speed variation by more than 25 percent.  The motor's software reverses
its direction if it detects any obstruction.  The software also automatically
verifies that the system is in its "storage position" when the vehicle's speed
exceeds 5 mph.
    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 139 plants, 53 R&D centers, 10 distribution centers and employs nearly
71,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.  For further information, see
http://www.valeo.com