Valeo's Flat Blade wiper technology now available on the aftermarket

Frankfurt, Germany, September 17 -- Flat Blade windshield wipers, the best technology ever developed for keeping windshields clean, will arrive on the aftermarket in autumn 2003 through Valeo's independent aftermarket networks. The award-winning wiper blades, until now available only in original equipment, have a unique style, wipe more efficiently and result in less wind noise than standard blades.

The ultra-flat design of the Flat Blade improves visibility at all speeds and in all weather conditions while providing best-in-class aerodynamics and aero-acoustics. The appearance of streaks caused by "dirty rain" is much reduced with consequent benefits to driver safety. The slim-line arm structure does not clog-up with ice and snow.

In operation, the Valeo Flat Blade contributes to safety. The reduced height of the wiper blade and arm improves visibility. Vibrations and judder are reduced and wind noise is lower by up to three decibels at 150 kilometres per hour, compared to a standard wiper blade. In Valeo comparison tests, the Flat Blade outperforms all competitive models of standard or reduced height wiper blades.

Produced since 2001, the patented Flat Blade wipers currently equip more than 1.6 million vehicles. Their advantages are clear, and automobile manufacturers are expected to install them on the majority of new cars by 2010. New vehicles with the Flat Blade introduced at the IAA in Frankfurt include BMW 5-series, Renault Scenic and Peugeot 307 cabriolet.

For the aftermarket, the Flat Blade will first be offered in a range of 44 part numbers that will not only fit the production cars that came with them as original equipment, but also most late-model Citroens, Fords, Opels, Peugeots, Renaults and Volvos originally fitted with a conventional arm. The Flat Blade wiper is quickly and easily installed with a user-friendly lock/unlock mechanism.

The wiper blades, packaged either in cardboard packs or blister-packs for retail distribution, will be available throughout Europe from 30 euros a set, including VAT. Both packs have been designed to protect the Flat Blade rubber and therefore maintain optimum wiping efficiency.

Like the original equipment versions, the Flat Blade for the aftermarket has an appealing, dynamic look based on function: the improved quality wiping performance is the result of evenly distributed wiper arm pressure and unique anti-lift spoiler system along the full length of the wiper blade. The elimination of the metal superstructure significantly reduces the potential for noise and vibrations and is resistant to extreme weather conditions. In operation, the Flat Blade does not freeze-up in winter and remains completely flexible, gliding over the windscreen without generating the turbulence associated with standard wiper blades.

End-users can contribute to the conservation of the environment by purchasing aftermarket Flat Blades. The Flat Blades are more environmentally friendly than traditional wiper blades as they are made with fewer components.

Flat Blade wipers, fitted on a conventional arm, include the well-known Valeo wear indicator, which shows the aging process of the blade. The wear indicator progressively turns from black to yellow. When the indicator is yellow, the wiper blade needs changing.

Valeo is exhibiting at the 60th IAA International Motor Show on stand D02 in hall 8.

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 130 plants, 54 R&D centres, 9 distribution centres and employs 69,000 people in 25 countries worldwide.