Tier 1 component supplier Valeo has expanded its Group Technical Centre in Chennai, India with a strategic focus on technology and innovation.
This infrastructure with over 1,000 workstations will host Hardware-in-the Loop (HIL)/ Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) farms and a cybersecurity test lab. It will consolidate Valeo’s Software and Systems workforce in Chennai while enabling a vibrant workplace.
The new office was inaugurated on January 31, 2024 by R Velusamy, President, Automotive Technology and Product Development, Mahindra & Mahindra in the presence of Xavier Dupont, President of Valeo Powertrain and Thermal Systems; Christophe Le Ligne, Valeo Group Deputy CTO; Jayakumar G, Valeo India President & Managing Director; Bruno Nguyen, Deputy Consul General, Head of Bureau de France in Chennai and Antoine Marques, Trade Officer at Business France, French Embassy in India along with employees and special invitees.
Valeo says its cutting-edge Group Technical Center in Chennai and its satellite centre in Bangalore serve as a hub for research, development and innovation and bring together over 3,700 top engineering talent from across India. The engineering contribution from Valeo GTC touches the core of most products and platforms, notably in driver assistance systems, in domain and zonal controllers, in low and high voltage electrification systems, thermal management solutions and in smart lighting technologies.
The facility actively engages with top engineering institutions for cutting-edge research and to build competencies in niche areas to fuel innovation. Valeo will continue to grow in key technology areas of AI applications, Data Science, Reliability, Digitalisation, Computer Vision, Cloud Computing, Digital Twin and Simulations, Chiplet design, Cybersecurity, Functional Safety and Software defined Vehicles.
Interestingly, the company says R&D engineers from India have contributed to more than 380 patent first filings to date and the number continues to grow.
Xavier Dupont said, “With more than 30 years of experience in software, Valeo is at the forefront of the electrification and ADAS revolutions. We are very proud to open a new Technical Centre for Software & Systems here in Chennai. As software and systems play an increasing role in mobility and in the automotive industry, we are looking forward to leveraging the incredible talents present in India to contribute to Valeo’s cutting-edge R&D and to developing further our partnerships with our Indian partners.”
Jayakumar G said, “Fifteen years ago, we set our R&D footprint and over the last few years, we have experienced substantial growth. The India Tech Centre has emerged as a pivotal hub, playing a crucial role in our global R&D initiatives. It is a testament to the incredible talent and capabilities present in India. This expansion in software and systems will cater to the increasing demand from our customers for new technologies in Electrification, ADAS, and Software Defined Vehicles. ”
