The Valeo Daegu plant, now producing parking assistant sensors, is set to be a major Asian hub for autonomous driving sensors, gearing up for mass production of essential components like ultrasound sensors, radars, cameras, and LiDARs.
Valeo has officially launched its new production facility in Daegu, South Korea, which is dedicated to manufacturing sensors for vehicle automation. This strategic move follows a $56 million investment agreement with the Daegu Metropolitan Government, signed in July 2022, to mass-produce components for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and devices for increasingly autonomous vehicles. Construction of the greenfield site commenced in March 2023, with production already underway.
The Daegu facility is now producing parking assistant sensors and is aiming to become a central production hub in Asia for autonomous driving sensors, including ultrasound sensors, radars, cameras, and LiDARs. These components are aimed at both local sales and exports to cater to the rising demand for ADAS and security systems.
Marc Vrecko, President of Valeo’s Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems Business Group, emphasized Valeo’s leadership in ADAS technology, with one in three cars worldwide equipped with their technology. He highlighted the significance of starting production of essential components for autonomous cars in Daegu, noting the region’s skilled workforce and strong automotive industry base.
Valeo has had a presence in South Korea since 1999, establishing 3 R&D centres and 14 production sites. The Comfort & Driving Assistance Business Group formed a South Korea Regional Operation in 2015, reflecting steady growth since its entry into the Korean market in 2008. Over the past decade, Valeo has developed close partnerships with Korean carmakers and is now recognized as a key player in the development of ADAS in South Korea.
