The exterior and interior lighting systems provider for automobiles, Hella predicts a sharp increase in the demand for rear LED lighting for vehicles in North America.
The Vice President of Hella, Mark Brainard stated that rear LED lighting provides energy-savings, styling benefits and safety to drivers. Brainard explains that conventional tail lamps take more time for complete illumination whereas LEDs achieve peak performance within milliseconds. This advantage helps motorists steer clear of rear-end collisions by providing more time to react. Studies provide further proof that 7 to 10 feet of braking distance can be achieved through LED lighting.
Additionally, unlike traditional tail lights, there is negligible risk of riding with rear tail lamps that have burnt out. The durability of the LED light lasts throughout the lifetime of the car, whereas traditional bulbs burn out in approximately 800 to 1000 hours.
Automakers are paying more attention to rear-end styling where LEDs provide clear benefits over incandescent bulbs. Most European luxury cars have LED rear lamps as a standard. For smaller and cars of lesser cost, LED lighting is an optional feature based on the type of model whether luxury, sport or special-edition.
The Vice President of marketing at Hella, Steffen Pietzonka stated that mid-size and above vehicle programs that have been planned for 2013 and ahead will provide LED rear-end lighting.
Hella will provide car makers with LED light based applications such as edge-light, light curtain and glowing body. This will improve the comfort and safety of the passenger as well as improve the interior design of the vehicle.
Light Curtain systems provide light of low-profile just as an additional lens. LEDs arranged along a light guide lens edge emit light onto the surface enabling OEM stylists to have a broad range of design alternatives. Edge Light LED technology supports several rear-lighting purposes and styling alternatives by offering a comprehensive design for signal and tail lamps. Glowing Body LEDs produce glowing surfaces that seem even and smooth in both operating and cold conditions and can be utilized with a wide range of optical systems.
Source: http://www.hella.com