PARIS, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Valeo's multi-camera system equips the new BMW 7 Series, offering perfect visibility of the vehicle's surroundings. Comprising three cameras, the system allows drivers to carry out complex maneuvers easily, comfortably and in complete safety.

During parking, the rear camera, integrated into the tailgate handle, provides wide-angle images of the area behind the vehicle. Precise distances are displayed as lines on the image, and become dynamic to illustrate the trajectory at the moment when the driver begins the maneuver. The use of ultrasonic sensors allows the system to detect any obstacle and display it on the screen immediately. Diagonal parking is made far simpler, allowing the driver to park in the narrowest of spaces.

During riskier maneuvers, when the driver has limited visibility, the cameras display the area to the front of the vehicle even if visibility is obstructed. The system monitors cars, bicycles and pedestrians passing in front of the vehicle, displaying the wide-angle image on a screen for the driver.

Currently using three cameras, an upgraded version will use five, which will together offer a panoramic view of the vehicle's environment. Valeo is also working on the continuous improvement of image quality, which ranks among the highest on today's market. Eventually, Valeo will offer a complete system combining the current Park4U(TM), based on ultrasonic sensors, and current multi-camera vision systems.

In 2007, Valeo acquired Connaught Electronics Ltd (CEL), an Irish manufacturer of automotive electronics, and the multi-camera system is the result of the successful integration of this new Division into Valeo's Driving Assistance Domain.

Valeo 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 121 production sites, 61 RD centers, 10 distribution platforms, and employs 51,200 people in 27 countries worldwide.

For further information, please contact:

Claire Vidal-Pilo, Product Media relations, Tel: +33-1-40-55-21-26

Antoine Balas, Corporate Media Relations, Tel: +33-1-40-55-29-36

For further information, please contact: Claire Vidal-Pilo, Product Media relations, Tel: +33-1-40-55-21-26, Antoine Balas, Corporate Media Relations, Tel: +33-1-40-55-29-36