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Hella Develops the First Headlamp Modules with LEDs

(February 5, 2004)

The Audi A8 W12 is the first vehicle in the world to benefit from an innovative system developed by Hella that uses white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in vehicle sidemarkers and daytime running lights (DRLs).

The white-light LEDs have the same intensity as xenon lamps, but offer greater flexibility for vehicle front-end design. The Audi system includes five LEDs per headlamp arranged in a cloverleaf pattern, giving the vehicle an unmistakable appearance and making it more visible in DRL or dipped (low-beam) modes.

“The system includes a static cornering light, which provides added illumination when turning at intersections or driving through tight curves to help drivers see the road ahead,” said Joe Borruso, president and CEO of Hella North America.

He noted that LEDs also draw less current, using only a fraction of the energy needed to power conventional headlamps.

Hella first presented a prototype of the LED system at its booth at the 2003 International Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany, and expects that by 2010 LEDs will be widely used in dipped (low) beam, main beam and fog lamps because of their increased design flexibility and safety benefits.

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Additional information is available on the Internet at www.hella.com 

Hella North America
Phone: 734.414.0960