Bietigheim’s Valeo technology in the S-Class: a laser scanner that replaces the driver – Bietigheim-Bissingen

Before the technology can penetrate the area of ​​mid-range and everyday cars, it must first be deployed in expensive cars like the S-Class, Mathis believes. “We see other luxury manufacturers also entering this sector.” The new and all-electric Mercedes EQS could be the next car to benefit from lidar technology.

The development is of great interest to the Valeo Bietigheim site. It’s a new production platform for the supplier group from France, “a key strategic pillar,” Mathis says. “So far, we are the only manufacturer that owns this type of scanner.”

Other projects

Valeo is intent on defending this technological leadership. Work is already underway on a later generation, the third “with higher performance”. And Valeo doesn’t lose sight of vehicles below the S-Class, either. They could one day be equipped with “the same technology at a simplified level”.

Mathes sees another perspective in outfitting commercial vehicles. “We are also working on it.” This technology can also be used for driverless transportation within large companies. Mathis already mentioned general future prospects in a previous conversation with BZ: preparing for a self-driving car.

informations Lidar technology is a purely German product. Valeo in Bietigheim-Bissingen is responsible for the development and production takes place in Wembding, Bavaria. More than 1,000 employees from more than 50 countries work at the Laiernstraße Switch and Sensor Development Center, most of whom are engineers.