1851

The physicist Léon Foucault discovers the general existence of eddy currents.

1936

The first vehicle applications of eddy current retarders designed by engineer Raoul Sarazin appear in France.

1955

Telma invents the outer disk injection 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.

1998

Telma launches its first electronic control unit designed for the integration of retarders in multiplexed (CAN bus) vehicles.

2010

Telma is acquired from Valeo by a group of 4 directors and 3 investors.
 

1903

Abram P Steckel of Buffalo New York is granted patent US744423. The first patent for an induction (eddy current) brake.

1946

The company ELMA (ELectro-Mécanique de l'Aveyron), owned by the French group Labinal, introduces the first TELMA COMPANY 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.

1967

Telma launches the "Focal ®" retarder.

1987

1987: Telma markets its retarders' first programmable electronic interfaces with ABS systems.

2001

Telma leaves the Labinal group to join the VALEO group.