Valeo Launches an Innovative Initiative With Google to Reduce Administrative Expenses

PARIS - Valeo today announced that the Group’s 30,000 Internet-connected employees now have access to a new communication and collaborative working platform based on Google Apps Premier Edition and supported by Capgemini.

The progressive roll-out of the new system is giving employees access to a suite of online products which will increase administrative efficiency and improve collaboration between the 193 Valeo entities in 27 countries.

“We were searching for an innovative way to reduce significantly our office infrastructure costs while simultaneously improving user collaboration and productivity,” said Andre Gold, Valeo’s Technical Senior Vice-President. “Our pilot projects demonstrate that this target is achievable.”

Valeo is deploying Google Apps, supported by Google’s partner Capgemini, in a phased approach throughout 2009. As a first step, users are being given access to Google sites, on-line documents, video management and instant messaging, including voice and video chat, in order to improve teamwork. The new system will then offer applications to further enhance the company’s efficiency, such as an Enterprise directory and workflow tools to automate administrative processes. In the final stage, users will benefit from Google mail, calendar, search and on-line translation solutions to reinforce personal efficiency. They will be able to access the applications from a desktop, laptop or other mobile device.

“The cost savings and innovation made possible by cloud computing help businesses better respond to a global and mobile workforce - especially in today’s difficult economic environment,” said Dave Girouard, President, Google Enterprise. “We’re thrilled Valeo has selected Google.”

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 122 plants, 61 R&D centers, 10 distribution platforms and employs around 49,000 people in 27 countries worldwide.

For more information about the Group and its activities, please visit our web site www.valeo.com.

Source: Valeo Management Services

For additional information, please contact: Antoine Balas, Valeo Corporate Communications, Tel.: +33-1-40-55-29-36. Malgosia Rigoli, Corporate Communications, Google Enterprise EMEA, Tel.: +44-207-881-4537, malgosia at google.com.