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Spheros Germany GmbH
Friedrichshafener Straße 7
82205 Gilching
Germany
Gilching/Noida, August 26, 2024 — Spheros Group and its joint venture Spheros Motherson are excited to announce their participation in Prawaas 4.0, taking place from August 29 to 31, 2024, at the BEIC in Bangalore. At Booth 05, Spheros Motherson will showcase a range of cutting-edge e-bus solutions for various sizes and configurations, based on Made in India manufacturing and German engineering excellence.
Spheros Motherson, a successful joint venture between Spheros GmbH and Samvardhana Motherson since 2006 in India, is positioned as the "One Stop Sustainable Thermal System Solution" provider for all types of bus drives, including internal combustion engines (ICE), fuel cells, and fully electric systems. The company offers a wide range of lightweight, compact HVAC systems with modular, eco-friendly units, specifically designed for buses with alternative drives. The REVO®-E Global product family spans from 4 kW to 50 kW and covers buses from 7 to 15 meters in length, and even up to 22m in length for articulated or doublearticulated buses. Notably, these systems operate effectively in a wide range of temperatures from -40°C up to +55°C in the ”very hot climates” version.
This year at Prawaas, exhibition highlights include:
REVO®-E Global 500: A zero-emission air conditioning system dedicated for 12m buses, offering uncompromised passenger comfort in very hot climates. With a cooling capacity of 40 kW and a cut-off temperature of more than 55°C, this system provides a robust, lightweight solution that is easy to install. It features advanced heat pump technology, with optional PTC heating, frontbox connection and/or integrated battery cooling.
CC165-E: An air conditioning solution specifically designed for mini and midi electric vehicles in the Indian market. This compact rooftop unit offers high airflow, exceptional reliability, and easy maintenance to meet the unique demands of India’s climate.
Innovative E-Cooler 100 SRT: A slim, roof-mounted battery cooling system with a 10 kW cooling capacity, specifically developed for high-capacity e-buses. This innovative solution optimizes battery efficiency and performance, making it an ideal choice for electric-powered public transport. The system's main electrical components can be monitored and controlled via CAN communication, ensuring full protection functions. Its modular design also allows for easy installation and maintenance.
After being spun off from the French Valeo Group at the beginning of July, the Spheros Group became independent again and brought the well-known Spheros brand back onto the market. Join us at PRAWAAS 4.0 to experience our new brand and state-of-the-art thermal management solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the modern transportation industry. Spheros continues to stand for innovation and system competence, which the company can demonstrate nowhere better than at Prawaas 2024 in Bangalore, India.
With the official change of ownership, Spheros, a global leader in thermal management solutions for buses and refrigerated transport fleets, will once again become legally and financially independent.
The investor H.I.G. Capital, which specializes in medium-sized companies, has taken over the company Thermal Commercial Vehicles from Valeo with effect from July 1, 2024. In the future, the Company will operate under the well-known Spheros brand. Spheros continues to stand for innovation and system competence. The Company name change has already been completed at most Spheros sites and will be finalized in the coming weeks.
The reorganization of the ownership structure has no impact on the group's plants and their employees, nor on cooperation with customers and suppliers. Spheros remains the reliable system and development partner for thermal management solutions in commercial vehicles. The technological know-how combined with the capital and other support from H.I.G. Capital will enable the Spheros Group to further expand its leading position in the market.
Based in Germany and operating internationally, the Company offers a comprehensive portfolio including air conditioning systems, heaters, coolant pumps and other associated hardware for a wide range of passenger buses and coaches (both conventional and electric) as well as
Global presence - local excellence Spheros’ success to date confirms this corporate philosophy. The company's global organization, its international development teams, its customer-oriented production capabilities on all continents and a worldwide network of highly qualified service partners are considered unique in the industry.
Spheros, the system partner The Company has demonstrated its ability to see the bigger picture for more than 60 years. With the electrification of vehicles, the system concept is becoming increasingly important. Spheros is the only manufacturer in the world to offer a complete product range for cooling, heating and ventilation for a wide range of vehicles and operating conditions. The software and control solutions developed in-house are what make this an efficient system for air management in the vehicle.
"Based on our technological know-how and the many years of experience of our management team, having H.I.G. Capital as the new owner offers us the best development and growth opportunities," says Mark Sondermann, CEO of the Spheros Group. "This allows us to focus even more consistently on the global bus business and take advantage of opportunities in adjacent market segments."
Tobias Borkowski, Managing Director on the H.I.G. Europe Private Equity team, commented: “We have been impressed by Spheros’ track record of continuous growth, and we see significant potential in leveraging its global leadership position to support a transition towards clean and sustainable mobility solutions. We believe H.I.G. Capital is the ideal partner to support the management team in the next phase of its growth.”
LONDON – March 14, 2024 – H.I.G. Capital (“H.I.G.”), a leading global alternative investment firm with $60 billion of capital under management, is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates has signed a definitive agreement to carve out the Thermal Commercial Vehicles division (the “Company”) from Valeo (Ticker: FR: PAR on the Paris Stock Exchange). The Company will operate under the name “Spheros” following closing. The transaction is expected to close this year and is subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Headquartered in Germany, the Company is the leading global developer and manufacturer of thermal management solutions for a wide range of passenger buses and coaches (both conventional and electric), as well as refrigerated transportation fleets. The Company offers a comprehensive product portfolio, including air conditioning systems, heaters, coolant pumps, and other related hardware.
Tobias Borkowski, Managing Director on the H.I.G. Europe Private Equity team, commented: “We have been impressed by Spheros’ track record of continuous growth, and we see significant potential in leveraging its worldwide leadership position to support a transition towards clean and sustainable mobility solutions. We believe H.I.G. is the ideal partner to support the management team in the next phase of its growth.”
Markus Noe-Nordberg, Managing Director and Head of the H.I.G. Europe Middle Market Private Equity team, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to acquire Spheros. H.I.G.’s success investing in corporate carve-outs will be instrumental in helping the Company’s management team accelerate the expansion of the business.”
Mark Sondermann, newly appointed CEO of Spheros, added: “Our entire management team is thrilled to welcome H.I.G. as our new partner. I am very excited to work with the team at H.I.G. to capitalize on the significant potential we have on a global landscape. We are well positioned to continue pushing forward with plans for growth, capitalize on our leading position in the conventional and electric bus segment, and explore considerable opportunities in adjacent market segments.”
About Spheros Established in 1956, Spheros is a global market leader in the development and manufacture of air conditioning systems, heaters, coolant pumps, and other related hardware. The Company offers tailored solutions for all passenger buses and coaches (both conventional and electric), as well as refrigerated transportation fleets. Spheros develops sustainable solutions that drive the electrification of the global bus fleet, reducing emissions and fuel consumption. The Company has a global presence with operations in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia, serving both OEMs and the aftermarket.
About H.I.G. Capital H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm with $60 billion of capital under management.* Based in Miami, and with offices in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco in the United States, as well as international affiliate offices in Hamburg, London, Luxembourg, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Bogotá, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Dubai, H.I.G. specializes in providing both debt and equity capital to middle market companies, utilizing a flexible and operationally focused/value-added approach:
H.I.G.’s equity funds invest in management buyouts, recapitalizations and corporate carve-outs of both profitable as well as underperforming manufacturing and service businesses. H.I.G.’s debt funds invest in senior, unitranche and junior debt financing to companies across the size spectrum, both on a primary (direct origination) basis, as well as in the secondary markets. H.I.G. also manages a publicly traded BDC, WhiteHorse Finance. H.I.G.’s real estate funds invest in value-added properties, which can benefit from improved asset management practices. H.I.G. Infrastructure focuses on making value-add and core plus investments in the infrastructure sector. Since its founding in 1993, H.I.G. has invested in and managed more than 400 companies worldwide. The Firm’s current portfolio includes more than 100 companies with combined sales in excess of $53 billion. For more information, please refer to the H.I.G. website at hig.com.
Valeo präsentiert auf der BUS2BUS in Berlin sein neuestes Batteriekühlungssystem “E-Cooler”, das neue Hochvoltheizgerät "Thermo HV" für Elektrobusse und die SPump S120 und S200.
Valeo hat sich der Entwicklung von Lösungen für eine umweltfreundlichere Mobilität verschrieben und ist weltweit führend bei Technologien zur Verringerung der CO2-Emissionen und zur Verbesserung des Komforts an Bord von Omnibussen und Reisebussen.
Die schnell wachsende Elektrifizierung der Mobilität – insbesondere im öffentlichen Verkehr – erfordert leistungsstarke mobile Energiespeichersysteme, die den Reisekomfort erhöhen. In Berlin wird Valeo seine E-Cooler-Lösung vorstellen, die mit einer maximalen Kühlleistung von 10 kW eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen für das Batterietemperatur-Management ermöglicht. Je nach Anforderung schützt der E-Cooler die Batterie beim Laden und Entladen vor Überhitzung, kühlt sie während der Fahrt bei höheren Außentemperaturen und starker Beladung. Eine zusätzliche Heizfunktion wärmt die empfindlichen Batterien bei Bedarf sogar auf, um den optimalen Temperaturbereich wiederherzustellen.
Die von Valeo entwickelten Technologien sorgen für die richtigen Luftströme bei minimalem Energieverbrauch und Nutzung rückgewinnbarer Energie. Als Spezialist für Busklimatisierung und Pionier der E-Heizung stellt Valeo eine Hochspannungsheizung für Elektrobusse vor, die über ein integriertes Steuergerät die Heizleistung stufenlos regelt. Dies geschieht entweder durch die Steuerung der Wasseraustrittstemperatur oder durch die Begrenzung der maximalen Heizleistung bzw. des Stromverbrauchs. Mit dieser Funktion kann die Hochvoltheizung Thermo HV, die seit Juni 2023 in Serie produziert wird, auch aktiv in das Wärmemanagement des Fahrzeugs eingebunden und so die Gesamteffizienz des Systems erhöht werden. Mit einem Spannungsbereich von 450-850 VDC liefert die Thermo HV eine konstant hohe Heizleistung von 12kW. Das Modell mit 12kW/800V gilt als konkurrenzlos. Darüber hinaus ist sie CAN-fähig und überträgt über eine intelligente Diagnosefunktion wichtige Betriebsdaten an das Fahrzeugsystem.
Valeo hat sich zu einem führenden Hersteller von hochwertigen Wasserpumpen entwickelt, die eine breite Palette von Anwendungen für Busse und Lkw, Land- und Baumaschinen, Off-Highway- und andere Nutzfahrzeuge abdecken. Die ebenfalls auf dem Valeo-Messestand ausgestellte SPump S120 und S200 stellen die beste Lösung für nahezu alle Anwendungen mit Kühl- oder Heizkreisläufen im Fahrzeuginnenraum oder für Komponenten wie z. B. Batterien dar. Die Versionen mit PWM und CAN verfügen über eine variable Drehzahlregelung, sparen Energie, reduzieren die Geräuschemission und bieten stets eine hervorragende Leistung, die für elektrisch angetriebene Fahrzeuge erforderlich ist. Sie sind die leichtesten und kompaktesten Umwälzpumpen ihrer Art innerhalb der Produktfamilie. Mit einem erweiterten Umgebungstemperaturbereich von bis zu 95°C bei höchster Zuverlässigkeit ist die SPump die beste Lösung für Wasserpumpen in der Komfortanwendung und Komponentenkühlung weltweit.
Die FIT Clear Comfort Hatch für Stadt-, Überland- und Reisebusse ist die neueste Entwicklung unter den Valeo-Dachluken. Neben den vier Basis-Versionen (manuell, elektrisch, Glas, Kunststoff) sind auch Varianten für die Quermontage sowie Cool-Varianten mit integriertem Abluftventilator erhältlich. Die Luke erfüllt darüber hinaus alle globalen Anforderungen bezüglich Notausstiegs-Regelungen in Bussen und verfügt über weniger Komponenten, Material und Gewicht als ihre Vorgänger.
From October 7 to 12, 2023, Valeo will be at Busworld Europe, the world’s largest event for buses and coaches taking place in Brussels, to showcase its innovative thermal management technologies for buses of all sizes and drive types.
Valeo is committed to developing solutions for greener mobility and a world leader in technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and improve comfort on board for buses and coaches. At Busworld Europe 2023, Valeo will focus on thermal management systems for buses worldwide – thermal comfort without compromise, maximum safety and fleet-efficient solutions with zero emissions.
The shift towards low-carbon mobility and subsequent fast growing market share of electrically powered buses has a significant impact on vehicle development and powertrain-related systems, including the heating and air conditioning systems.
The fast-growing electrification of mobility – particularly in public transport – requires high-performance mobile energy storage systems that enhance travel comfort. In Brussels, Valeo will showcase its E-Cooler solution, allowing a range of battery temperature management models with a maximum cooling capacity of 10 kW, an optimal solution for a wide range of applications. Depending on the requirement, the E-Cooler protects the battery from overheating during charging and discharging, cools it while driving at higher outside temperatures and heavy loads. An additional heating function even warms up the sensitive batteries if necessary to restore the optimum temperature range.
Moreover, with limited electrical energy available from traction batteries, innovative and efficient HVAC solutions for buses are needed. A strategic leader in this market, Valeo’s innovations provide a comfortable interior climate for passengers and efficient solutions for fleet owners whatever the weather conditions, the size of the vehicle, its powertrain type, the mode (urban, suburban or long-distance) and the duration of the journey.
The all-electric rooftop air conditioner REVO®-E HP R744, Valeo’s latest air conditioning system for buses with alternative engines will be presented at Busworld 2023. With a compact, reversible heat pump, this system cools and heats the interior of the electric vehicle efficiently and with low energy consumption. The unique dynamic de-icing on demand enables energy-saving heat pump operation even at cold outside temperatures lower than 5°C. The system is operated with the natural refrigerant R744. The chemical properties of this refrigerant and the specially developed control system enable it to be used at ambient temperatures from -20° to +50°C. The electronic control includes a holistic thermal management with its own developed software, which always operates the system at the optimal operating point. This means that the cooling/heating capacity is generated according to demand and available energy, so that the maximum coefficient of performance is always achieved.
The system impresses with a further significant reduction in noise emissions and weight, as well as a simplified refrigeration circuit. The integration of the compressor made it possible to achieve a compact system design, low refrigerant charge and low energy consumption. The refrigerant circuit is maintenance-free, durable components ensure low life cycle costs. The integrated battery cooling module keeps the battery at a constant temperature, which extends its service life and ensures greater efficiency. The new REVO®-E HP R744 has the same interface as Valeo’s REVO® classic system. For the vehicle manufacturer, this offers the greatest possible flexibility in installation and product mix. The system is a “plug & play” unit that can even be delivered to the customer pre-filled.
The technologies developed by Valeo ensure the right air flows while consuming a minimum of energy and using recoverable energy. Bus air-conditioning specialist and pioneer in e-heating, Valeo will be presenting a high-voltage heater for electric buses that steplessly regulates the heat output via an integrated control unit. This is done either by controlling the water outlet temperature or by limiting the maximum heating output or power consumption. With this function, the high-voltage heater Thermo HV, which has been in series production since June 2023, can also be actively integrated into the thermal management of the vehicle and the overall efficiency of the system can be increased. With a voltage range of 450-850 VDC, the Thermo HV provides a consistently high heat output of 12kW. Its 12kW/800V model is considered unrivaled. In addition, it is CAN-capable and transmits important operating data to the vehicle system via an intelligent diagnostic function.
Valeo has become a leading manufacturer of high-end water pumps, covering a wide range of applications, for buses and trucks, agricultural and construction machinery, off-highway and commercial vehicles. Also displayed in the Valeo booth, the smart SPump family will present the best solution for almost any application with cooling or heating circuits in the vehicle interior or for components, e.g. batteries. Versions with PWM and CAN feature variable speed control, save energy, reduce noise emission and always provide outstanding performance required for electrically powered vehicles. The SPump S120 and S200 are the lightest weight and most compact circulation pumps of their kind within the product family. The 500W variant impresses with a high flow rate at high counter pressure. With an extended ambient temperature range of up to 95°C at the highest level of reliability, the SPump is the best solution for water pumps in comfort application and component cooling worldwide.
All these innovations are controlled by electronic and software programs developed by Valeo, that always operate the system at the optimal operating point, to ensure that existing energy resources are put to the best use, thereby significantly extending the range of electric buses.
About Valeo As a technology company and partner to all automakers and new mobility players, Valeo is innovating to make mobility cleaner, safer and smarter. Valeo enjoys technological and industrial leadership in electrification, driving assistance systems, reinvention of the interior experience and lighting everywhere. These four areas, vital to the transformation of mobility, are the Group’s growth drivers.
Valeo in figures: 20 billion euros in sales in 2022 ; 109,900 employees at December 31, 2022 ; 29 countries, 183 plants, 21 research centers, 44 development centers, 18 distribution platforms. With its Thermal Business Valeo has a leading position in the bus market, developing and manufacturing customized A/C and heating systems, roof hatches and smart electronic control units. Valeo is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Media Relations +33 6 67 88 89 33 | +33 7 61 52 82 75 press-contact.mailbox@valeo.com
Investor Relations +33 1 40 55 37 93 valeo.corporateaccess.mailbox@valeo.com
From October 9 to 11, 2023, Valeo will showcase innovative thermal management technologies for buses of all sizes at APTA Expo 2023, the world’s largest public transportation event held annually in Orlando/FL.
Valeo is committed to developing solutions for greener mobility and a world leader in technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and improve comfort on board for buses and coaches. At APTA Expo 2023, Valeo will focus on thermal management systems for buses worldwide - thermal comfort without compromise, maximum safety and fleet-efficient solutions with zero emissions. It will be presenting its all-electric air conditioning systems for zero emission electric buses: REVO®-E Global for roof-mounted applications, the first-ever REVO®-E RAC electric rear-mounted solution and, a new generation of high-performance e-split system for electric mini bus and school bus segments.
The shift towards low-carbon mobility and subsequent fast growing market share of electrically powered buses has a significant impact on vehicle development and powertrain-related systems, including the heating and air conditioning systems.
The fast growing electrification of mobility – particularly in public transport – requires high-performance mobile energy storage systems that enhance travel comfort. Valeo has been pioneering e-heating worldwide, and will be showcasing in Orlando its Thermo HV solution, a high-voltage heater for electric buses whose heat output can be infinitely adjusted via an integrated control unit. This is done either by controlling the water outlet temperature or by limiting the maximum heating output or power consumption. With this function, the high-voltage heater Thermo HV, which has been in series production since June 2023, can also be actively integrated into the thermal management of the vehicle and the overall efficiency of the system can be increased. With a voltage range of 450-850 VDC, the Thermo HV ensures a consistently high heating output of 12kW. Its 12kW/800V model is considered unrivaled. In addition, it is CAN-capable and transmits important operating data to the vehicle system via an intelligent diagnostic function.
With limited electrical energy available from traction batteries, innovative and efficient HVAC solutions for buses are needed. A strategic leader in this market, Valeo’s innovations provide a comfortable interior climate for passengers and efficient solutions for fleet owners whatever the weather conditions, the size of the vehicle, its powertrain type, the mode (urban, suburban or long-distance) and the duration of the journey.
At APTA Expo 2023, Valeo will also present its latest global air conditioning development for buses with alternative powertrains is the all-electric REVO®-E Global, designed specifically to meet the demands of global markets. Particular emphasis has been placed on lightweight construction, performance and ease of installation. In addition to heat pump technology, customers also have the option of PTC heating and battery cooling. To enhance riders' experience, the system cools and heats the interior of the electric vehicle efficiently and with low energy consumption. The system is a “plug & play” unit that can even be delivered pre-filled to the customer.
Valeo is serving customers in the heavy duty segment with the REVO®-E RAC. Heavy duty buses have special requirements in terms of performance and ease of installation. The latest member of the REVO®-E HVAC family - available in Q1 2024 - is characterized in particular by its consistent lightweight design. The system is available with two refrigerant types and an optional compressor; fans are continuously variable. The A/C range has recently been complemented by a highly efficient modular e-split system for electric mini buses and school buses, where electrification is advancing rapidly and energy and cost savings are top priorities for fleet owners.
About Valeo As a technology company and partner to all automakers and new mobility players, Valeo is innovating to make mobility cleaner, safer and smarter. Valeo enjoys technological and industrial leadership in electrification, driving assistance systems, reinvention of the interior experience and lighting everywhere. These four areas, vital to the transformation of mobility, are the Group's growth drivers. Valeo in figures: 20 billion euros in sales in 2022 | 109,900 employees at December 31, 2022 | 29 countries, 183 plants, 21 research centers, 44 development centers, 18 distribution platforms. Valeo is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. With its Thermal Business Valeo has a leading position in the bus market, developing and manufacturing customized A/C and heating systems, roof hatches and smart electronic control units.
Valeo is serving customers in the heavy duty segment with the REVO®-E RAC. Heavy duty buses have special requirements in terms of performance and ease of installation. The latest member of the REVO®-E HVAC family - available in Q1 2024 - is characterized in particular by its consistent lightweight design. The system is available with two refrigerant types and an optional compressor; fans are continuously variable. The A/C range has recently been complemented by a highly efficient modular e-split system for electric mini buses and school buses, where electrification is advancing rapidly and energy and cost savings are top priorities for fleet owners.
Media Relations +33 6 67 88 89 33 | +33 7 61 52 82 75 press-contact.mailbox@valeo.com
Investor Relations +33 1 40 55 37 93 valeo.corporateaccess.mailbox@valeo.com
For more information on products and services
Valeo Thermal Commercial Vehicles North America Inc.
+ 1 574 264 2190
tcv.na.sales.mailbox@valeo.com
