TOKYO -- French autoparts maker Valeo and Ichikoh Industries will jointly develop an onboard camera system for cars that replaces the traditional side- and rear-view mirrors, with an eye toward starting mass production in 2018.

Japan's transport ministry recently revised safety guidelines to allow these digital mirrors -- camera images displayed on monitors -- spurring the auto industry to proceed with development.

Valeo, which took a 20% stake in Ichikoh in 2000, has worked previously with the Japanese company on lighting systems. The pair will broaden their partnership to the emerging field of digital mirrors, uniting Valeo's expertise in sensors and Ichikoh's experience with mirrors. Valeo will develop the imaging system linking to the liquid crystal display monitors while Ichikoh will handle the mirror casing.

(Nikkei)