liftgate-mounted applications.
LEDs consume very little power, only about 1/10th as much current as a comparable incandescent light for the same amount of light that’s produced.
The increased brightness and faster response of the LED lamps will improve safety on the roads, giving following drivers more time to react. In fact, tail lamp systems are being designed to become brighter the harder the driver presses the brake pedal, signaling to the driver behind them how fast they need to stop.
Dead batteries due to leaving the vehicle lights on will be something of the past as LEDs consume less energy than incandescent lights, and using emergency flashers for extended periods of time will no longer drain the battery.
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Xenon Headlight Availability Growing
The future of xenon (also known as HID – High Intensity Discharge) headlights continues to brighten in North America with each model year. According to the Motor Vehicle Lighting Council (MVLC) there are a total of 95 vehicle models equipped with xenon headlights being sold in North America for the 2005 model year – up 25% from 75 models for 2004. The total for the 2005 model year includes 41 new vehicles available with xenon headlights – making this advanced lighting technology available to a larger segment of motorists. A list of 2005 model year vehicles equipped with xenon headlights, according to the MVLC, is available at www.mvlc.info. Xenon headlights were introduced in the mid 1990s in Europe and Japan and first appeared on luxury and performance vehicles. Xenon headlights use advanced lighting technology to create a bluish-white light that offers up to 70% more light output than standard halogen headlights. Source: Motor Vehicle Lighting Council LEDs The Future of Automotive Lighting? For now, LEDs are shining in the rear – as a growing market for customizing a vehicle’s appearance includes changing the taillight housings. The clear plastic chrome look with LEDs is a popular aftermarket conversion for many sport compact cars as well as trucks and SUVs. LEDs used by the OEs include designs for center high-mount stop lights, as well as the taillights on a growing number of luxury cars and SUVs. Eventually, LEDs are expected to move into volume headlamp production and a number of automotive lighting manufacturers are experimenting with LED front lamp designs. Although LED suppliers are quick to point out that it will take years for LEDs to become the dominant light source in vehicles, it is clear that the days of the conventional bulb are numbered. |
