StARS – the ‘Start-Stop’ Starter Alternator Redditch, UK, 11 th January 2009 - The StARS (Starter Alternator Reversible System), available exclusively from Valeo, provides automakers with the possibility of reducing fuel consumption in city driving by up to 15%, without making any radical changes to the engine architecture. From November 2004, Valeo have been manufacturing these systems for use in OE applications such as Citroën C3 1.4i 16V, and then on the Citroën C2. Today’s smart fortwo mhd (micro hybrid drive) also offers the benefits of the StARS starter alternator and Mercedes is launching an application for the A- and B-class. Valeo’s solution reduces the vehicles fuel consumption in busy city driving by 13% to 4 l/100 km and emits just 103 grams/kilometer of CO2. The innovative design of Valeo’s StARS starter alternator was rewarded with the 2006 PACE Award , the Grand Prix of the EPCOS/SIA Jury and the 2004 Engineering Award , distinctions that underscore the keen interest shown by the automotive industry in this solution. The main advantage that has got the interest of so many leaders of the OE market has been fuel economy and increased efficiency. The system works in harmony with the vehicle as it seamlessly switches between starting and charging functions. When the vehicle is at rest the engine stops turning, the system is monitoring the pedals in the car and as soon as the engine is needed again it is started by the system in an instant. With the increase of current legislation concerning the reduction in emissions the Valeo system ticks all of the boxes for the car makers. City initiatives in Tokyo, London and Stockholm, national legislation or continental standards such as the Euro 5 in Europe and CAFE in North America – all confirm the trend for stop-start technologies, as an inevitable step and important contributor towards the reduction of CO2 emissions. Valeo remains a key partner for hybridization. Thus, future generations of the StARS product range will feature further hybrid functionalities such as regenerative braking and torque assistance. So what does all of this mean for the independent aftermarket. Quite simply a new segment is emerging in OE, driven by stop/start technology being offered on a wider number of cars, regulations in environmental improvement and end consumer decision making. The new technology was first launched in 2003 and today the aftermarket opportunity is small, but within the next 3-4 years Valeo predicts that Hybrids will become a significant market segment. This will provide new opportunities for the trade in what will be a higher value (both in terms of product and labour) repair. Valeo estimates

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that the repair of the electrics on a Hybrid will be three times the value of traditional rotating. Good reason for the trade to prepare for the introduction of StARS. Ends Valeo Service supplies high quality parts and services to both OES and IAM markets. Valeo Service is supported by the expertise of the Group’s twelve industrial branches and their leading positions in the Original Equipment market. Valeo Service has one of the most extensive offers for the aftermarket with 176 product ranges covering 12 product functions for passenger and commercial vehicles. www.valeoservice.com Press/Company contact: Joanne Gines Tel +44 1527 838361 / Fax +44 1527 529529 joanne.gines@valeo.com