Hella Develops First Headlamp Modules With LEDs

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 4, 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.

Lighting, electronics, complete vehicle modules, air conditioning systems, vehicle wiring systems and signal processing for the automobile industry, as well as automotive aftermarket components, are the core fields of competency for automotive supplier Hella KG Hueck & Co. Sales for the Hella Group are approximately $3.8 billion, placing Hella among Germany's top 100 industrial companies.

With its corporate headquarters in Lippstadt, Germany, the company employs more than 22,800 people at 61 manufacturing facilities, production subsidiaries and joint-venture companies in 18 countries. More than 1,800 engineers and technicians work in research and development. All of the world's leading automobile and systems manufacturers are Hella customers as well as the automotive components aftermarket.