Valeo and RESRG Automotive have broadened their collaboration, extending both the geographic reach and the range of products covered by the alliance.

The two companies will continue their joint work on illuminated front panels while also moving into other plastic-based illuminated components, including grilles, bumpers, spoilers, tailgates and rocker panels.

Originally launched in 2022 for Europe and North America, the partnership now also covers China.

According to the announcement, the expanded arrangement is intended to support the development of technologies aimed at meeting rising market requirements.

Valeo said lighting systems are becoming increasingly widespread in vehicles, serving functions that include informing, guiding and alerting drivers, while also helping make vehicles more visible to other road users.

It added that lighting technology is continuing to develop and is being integrated more seamlessly into vehicles, both inside the cabin and on exterior surfaces.

Under the collaboration, Valeo’s lighting technology will be incorporated into the finished plastic component manufactured and assembled by RESRG Automotive.

Valeo light division CEO Maurizio Martinelli said: “The excellent teamwork between Valeo and RESRG Automotive will reinforce our market positioning worldwide. This extension confirms the strategy initiated in 2022 and the position of Valeo and RESRG Automotive as key players for automotive exterior.”

RESRG Automotive CEO Jeff Stafeil said: “By working with Valeo, we are shaping the future of intelligent vehicle exteriors by integrating lighting, sensing technologies and functional elements directly into the bumper and bodywork – delivering a unified, high-performance front-end experience.”

The announcement follows Valeo’s decision last month to begin building a new manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas.

The French automotive supplier said it plans to invest $225m in the site over the next five years. The facility will cover 337,000ft², with production scheduled to start in late 2027.

Valeo said the plant is tied to one of the biggest contracts in its history and forms part of its “Elevate 2028” strategic plan centred on software-defined vehicle technology.

The McAllen site will manufacture General Motors’ central compute unit, a liquid-cooled system designed to process information from multiple sensors and systems to manage key vehicle functions.