Telma Key Dates
1851
The physicist Léon Foucault discovers the general existence of eddy currents.
1903
Steckel files the first patent for an eddy current retarder.
1936
The first vehicle applications of eddy current retarders designed by engineer Raoul Sarazin appear in France.
1946
The company ELMA (ELectro-Mécanique de l'Aveyron), owned by the French group Labinal, introduces the first retarder in collaboration with Mr Raoul SARAZIN, who grants exclusive use of his patents to ELMA in 1949. Electro Mécanique de l’Aveyron changes its name to Compagnie TELMA in 1954.
1955
Telma invents the outer disk injection retarder.
1967
Telma launches the "Focal®" retarder.
1985
Telma introduces RIC technology, which allows for an improvement of the braking torque by approximately 10%, with no impact on power consumption or the weight of the retarder.
1987
Telma markets its retarders' first programmable electronic interfaces with ABS systems.
1998
Telma launches its first electronic control unit designed for the integration of retarders in multiplexed (CAN bus) vehicles.
2001
Telma leaves the Labinal group to join the VALEO group.
2010
Telma is acquired from Valeo by a group of 4 directors and 3 investors.
2013
Telma markets the iRCS (integrated Retarder Control System)
2015
Telma launches the AF8 retarder