Summary: Valeo has opened a new advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) production facility in Shanghai’s Waigang Industrial Park, covering around 30,000 square meters. This site focuses on R&D and manufacturing of ADAS sensors, including essential LiDAR technology for autonomous vehicles. It also produces computing products vital for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Since entering China in 1994, Valeo has expanded its workforce to over 18,000. CEO Christophe Périllat emphasized China as a key innovation hub in the automotive sector, particularly in software-defined vehicle technologies. Despite ongoing investments, Valeo reported a 4.1% decrease in sales for the first half of the year.
Valeo, the global automotive technology leader, has inaugurated a new advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) production site in Shanghai’s Waigang Industrial Park, Jiading District. This strategic expansion aims to boost Valeo’s manufacturing capabilities in China, particularly for technologies that support software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and autonomous driving.
Key Facility Highlights
The new facility covers an area of approximately 30,000 square metres and serves as a centre for both research and development (R&D) and the production of ADAS sensors. This includes advanced light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors, which are vital for Level 3 and higher autonomous vehicles. Alongside sensors, the site will also produce essential computing products such as domain and zonal controllers, all of which are integral to Valeo’s vision of advancing SDVs, autonomous driving, and enhancing in-car experiences towards sustainable mobility.
Valeo’s Innovation Commitment in China
China continues to play a central role in Valeo’s innovation journey. The country hosts three integrated R&D and manufacturing sites for Valeo’s BRAIN division, located in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, in addition to a standalone R&D centre in Wuhan. Since entering the Chinese market in 1994, Valeo’s workforce in China has grown to over 18,000 employees.
Christophe Périllat, Valeo Group CEO, highlighted China’s significance, stating, “Valeo attaches great importance to China’s automotive market as a global innovation hub, especially with Shanghai leading the global trend in software-defined vehicle, ADAS, and electrification technologies. The opening of our new production unit is a key measure to strengthen our innovation capabilities of ‘Invent with China’. It demonstrates our strong commitment and confidence in actively participating in the ongoing transformation of China’s automotive industry.”
Financial Performance
Despite its continued investment and expansion, Valeo reported total sales of €10,660 million for the first half of the year, reflecting a 4.1% decrease compared to the same period last year.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.