Valeo Congratulates Luc Alphand and Gilles Picard for Their Victory at the 2006 Dakar Rally
Paris (ots/PRNewswire)
Luc Alphand, former world downhill ski champion and driver with the official Mitsubishi Motors Sports team, has won the 2006 Dakar Rally under the Valeo colors.
"Victory is a superb feeling!" comments Luc Alphand. "The pressure was very high throughout the rally. We knew that victory was possible but until you reach the finishing line, anything can happen. After fifteen stages and more than 9000 kilometers, I won with a lead of 17 minutes. I'm happy for the entire team and for my new partner Valeo."
"This first victory of Luc Alphand in the Dakar Rally is an extraordinary performance; his tenacity, intelligence and driving skill enabled him to avoid trails' traps and to surpass his competitors,", said Thierry, Valeo Chairman and CEO.
In October 2005, Valeo and Luc Alphand have signed a three year partnership agreement for the Cross Country Rally World Cup and the Le Mans Endurance Series. This was a strategic decision for Valeo, which aims to develop the Group's brand image as an innovative enterprise ready to take on major challenges.
"Cross-country racing is gaining worldwide recognition as a sport. The quality of the drivers, the growing number of constructors' teams and the global coverage of the championship convinced us of the merits of launching this new adventure," added Thierry Morin.
This partnership also includes an important technical partnership: Valeo is developing special lighting, wiping and air-conditioning systems for the vehicles driven by Luc Alphand.
Valeo (OTC: VLEEY) 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 131 plants, 68 R&D centers, 9 distribution centers and employs 72,400 people in 27 countries worldwide.
For further information, please contact :
Alexandre Telinge, Group Media Relations & PR Manager, Tél.: +33-(0)1-40-55-20-74
Matthieu de Crevoisier, Group Media Relations Coordinator, Tél.: +33-(0)1-40-55-37-68
Contact:
Alexandre Telinge, Group Media Relations & PR Manager, Tél.:
+33-(0)1-40-55-20-74, Matthieu de Crevoisier, Group Media Relations
Coordinator, Tél.: +33-(0)1-40-55-37-68