Valeo and Chinese parts supplier Ningbo Swell Industry Co., Ltd have signed a strategic alliance agreement for the development, production and marketing of the ‘next generation of illuminated front grilles or panels for the Chinese automotive market’.
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Valeo says that by combining their expertise, Valeo and Swell intend to offer carmakers in China high value-added front panels integrating lighting technologies.
Ningbo Swell Industry designs, manufactures and markets automotive interior & exterior parts.
Valeo points out that the illuminated front grille or panel is an essential element in the identification of car brands and that on electric cars it is seen as a visual differentiator. Indeed on electric vehicles, ‘even more space can be given to this signature light at the front’, Valeo notes. This opens up new creative fields for car designers, Valeo claims.
The strategic partnership between Valeo and Ningbo Swell Industry will enable Valeo to offer automakers in China illuminated front grilles and panels in a single, perfectly integrated package. This, Valeo says, opens up new possibilities in terms of design and visual communication.
“Valeo is a world-leading lighting system supplier, and Ningbo Swell is also successful in automotive exterior & interior trimming parts, through the strong combination of the two parties, the subsequent will provide ‘lighter, beautiful and smarter’ illuminated front grilles or panels for automotive OEMs,” said Mr. Xuanpeng Song, Managing Director of Ningbo Swell Industry.
Maurizio Martinelli, President of Valeo’s Visibility Systems Business Group, said: “The value of lighting will grow further thanks to the electrification of vehicles. I am therefore delighted with our alliance with Ningbo Swell Industry. This move completes Valeo’s strategy to capture worldwide business opportunities represented by the new front central area integrating additional lighting. Valeo and Swell together represent a major player in the front central area in the Chinese market. I am convinced that the teamwork and complementarity of Valeo Visibility Systems Business Group and Ningbo Swell Industry will improve customer satisfaction and bring new business opportunities to both parties.“
Ningbo Swell Industrial Co., Ltd. was established in 1984, and is a 100%-owned subsidiary of Guangdong Hongtu Technology Co.Ltd. Ningbo Swell says it has built its core competitiveness with innovated technologies, strong processes, complete equipment and high efficiency to provide total solutions for lightweight, intelligent and modular interior & exterior trimming parts for all auto OEMs. As of December 31, 2021, there are 2,600 employees; with six manufacturing locations and three technical centres in China.
