Automotive industry Crouzet is aiming for a strong market position in integrated motorization-switch.
Crouzet has been active in the automotive industry for more than ten years and now intends to strengthen its market position by drawing on its capacity to integrate motors and microswitches in customised solutions Strengthened by its recent integration within the Schneider Electric group, Crouzet is aiming to capture strong positions in the automotive market by offering dedicated functional solutions combining motors and microswitches. Its ability to integrate motorization and switching functions makes Crouzet a preferred supplier for equipment manufacturers. More and applications are now requiring this expertise: adjustment of steering column position, volume of airbags in relation to the driver size, etc.
Crouzet has an unparalleled competitive advantage in this market, enjoying three key strengths:
In-depth knowledge of both motors and microswitches
Crouzet is already renowned in several sectors for its expertise in both switching and micro-motorization technology and its added value in integrating them into customized functional assemblies. Its motor manufacturing plant at Alès in France is endorsed by large contractors in the fields of office automation (Xerox), HVAC (Honeywell), commercial vehicles (RVI), etc.
Market leader in the French microswitch market, Crouzet already holds third place in Europe for microcontacts in the automotive industry with a 7% market share and is aiming for a 15% share by 2004.
Industrial flexibility
Crouzet's second advantage is its commitment to adaptation and customisation. Its industrial logistics are designed to control flexible production runs, integrating multi-technology components and providing a level of quality conforming to automotive industry standards.
For several years now, Crouzet's industrial units at Valence in France have included production lines dedicated to equipment manufacturers. The degree of automation of each line is adapted according to the size of the production run. The new strategy is now taking shape thanks to significant investment in developing these industrial tools.
Listening to customers' needs
Crouzet's third strength is its ability to bridge the gap between its own core business and that of equipment manufacturers. A manufacturer of car seats thinks in terms of driver comfort, not of sensors and actuators.
More and more often, Crouzet is collaborating with equipment manufacturers from the very beginning of projects, to gain a better mutual understanding of the expected functional responses and the suggested technical methods. This approach reduces the amount of intervention required in the vehicle production line, thus saving both time and money.
