Eaton Sells Vehicle Switch/Electronics Division to Delphi

March 12, 2001
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. has reached an agreement to sell its automotive Vehicle Switch/Electronics Division (VS/ED) to Delphi Automotive Systems for $300 million. Eaton said the proceeds would be used to reduce short-term debt. Eaton said the VS/ED business no longer fit the company's longer-term strategic objectives. The company noted that the vehicle interior segment is consolidating
Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corp. has reached an agreement to sell its automotive Vehicle Switch/Electronics Division (VS/ED) to Delphi Automotive Systems for $300 million. Eaton said the proceeds would be used to reduce short-term debt.

Eaton said the VS/ED business no longer fit the company's longer-term strategic objectives. The company noted that the vehicle interior segment is consolidating rapidly in response to an industry-wide move toward integrated cockpit systems solutions, and that Eaton was not in a position to lead the consolidation.

"We are pleased that our VS/ED employees will be joining a company with the industry presence and reputation that Delphi maintains,” said Stephen M. Buente, Eaton senior vice president and group executive for automotive. “VS/ED has an excellent workforce and a culture that is very compatible with Delphi's, and it is our hope and expectation that this transaction will be beneficial to both franchises."

VS/ED, which is headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., employs about 3,850 people at eight North American, South American and European facilities.

VS/ED manufactures a wide range of electro-mechanical and mechatronic controls, including column switches; control modules for windows, doors and other customer courtesy uses; electronic controllers; instrument panel and console switches; lighting centers; transmission switches; and security, under-the-hood and door jamb switches.

About the Author

FleetOwner Staff

Our Editorial Team

Kevin Jones, Editorial Director, Commercial Vehicle Group

Josh Fisher, Editor-in-Chief

Jade Brasher, Senior Editor

Jeremy Wolfe, Editor

Jenna Hume, Digital Editor

Eric Van Egeren, Art Director

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

What challenges are top of mind for fleet professionals in 2025? Get exclusive insights from the 2025 Fleet Trends Survey and discover where the industry is headed next.
The most successful fleets accomplish more than delivering freight. To accomplish this, fleets need a fuel that’s reliable, more economical and more sustainable. That fuel is ...
Are your KPIs driving real fleet improvement? Learn how to set smarter, data-driven benchmarks, track success like top-performing fleets, and apply proven strategies to optimize...
Learn how eets can enhance truck utilization and minimize safety incidents using business intelligence and AI. Delve into innovative practices, technology integration and real...