Valeo and Hero MotoCorp on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership to co-develop Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) for motorcycles and scooters, marking a significant step towards improving two-wheeler safety in India and global markets. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Las Vegas and New Delhi on January 8, 2026.
Built around a shared vision of safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility, the partnership aims to introduce advanced sensing, perception and intelligent safety technologies tailored specifically for two-wheelers. The ARAS solutions will span both entry-level and premium models, including Hero MotoCorp’s growing electric mobility portfolio under the VIDA brand, and are designed to be relevant for internal combustion as well as electric two-wheelers.
At the heart of the initiative is a comprehensive ARAS architecture that acts as a digital co-pilot for riders, creating a 360-degree safety envelope around the vehicle. By leveraging Valeo’s radar and smart camera technologies, the system addresses real-world riding conditions such as dense urban traffic, mixed road usage and the presence of vulnerable road users. The companies said the technology has already demonstrated its potential through successful proof-of-concept systems developed to enhance the safety of both riders and pedestrians.
Mr. Marc Vrecko, Chief Executive Officer of Valeo’s Brain Division, said the collaboration represents an important milestone in bringing advanced automotive technologies to the fast-growing two-wheeler mobility segment. He noted that the partnership with Hero MotoCorp will help deliver solutions that significantly enhance rider safety while supporting Valeo’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in India and globally.
From Hero MotoCorp’s perspective, the partnership aligns with its focus on redefining the future of mobility through technology-led innovation. Mr. Ram Kuppuswamy, Chief Operations Officer – Plant Operations, Hero MotoCorp, said the collaboration with Valeo marks a key step towards making two-wheeler mobility smarter, safer and more sustainable. He added that the joint effort aims to make advanced rider safety technologies accessible to a wider audience while setting new global benchmarks for protection and innovation.
The ARAS suite under development includes radar-based safety functions such as Forward Collision Warning, Distance Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Collision Warning. Complementing this is a vision system based on high-resolution cameras that enables Pedestrian Detection, Lane Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Departure Warning. Advanced image processing allows the system to identify road signs and obstacles even in low-light conditions. Together, the radar and vision technologies form a robust and integrated safety net for two-wheeler riders across conventional and electric platforms.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Valeo and Hero MotoCorp are showcasing ARAS concepts and technologies at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The display offers a glimpse into the future of intelligent rider safety solutions, including next-generation electric scooters, and underlines the companies’ intent to shape the next phase of two-wheeler safety through advanced technology.
