News from IntraUSA: First Headlamp Life Extenders Delivered to Truck-Lite
NEWS RELEASE August 1, 2001 Contact: Michael Wasem, The Siefkes Group, 425-392-2611 Will Watson, The IntraUSA Group, 206-575-8111, ext. 101 IntraUSA Delivers First Headlamp Life Extender Order to Truck-Lite TUKWILA, Wash. -- The IntraUSA Group, Inc. recently delivered the first order of Headlamp Life Extenders to Truck-Lite Co. of Falconer, NY. The innovative product, originally introduced at the Mid America Trucking Show in March, significantly lengthens headlamp life by providing a soft-start to the filaments, regulating DC voltage, and eliminating voltage spikes. According to Will Watson, vice president, sales for IntraUSA, trucks equipped with Headlamp Life Extenders are projected to lengthen headlamp life by as much as 60 percent. "Headlamps don't seem like a major cost area, but when you calculate the cost of parts, labor and time out of service -- and multiply that by an average of four replacements per truck per year -- you realize that headlamp failure quickly adds up to serious dollars," he explained. "One major fleet testing our product has indicated that they spend the equivalent of $485 per truck in the first four years, and that figure does not include the significant cost of downtime. The majority of these dollars are spent in the second and third years, as the integrity of the truck's electrical system decays." According to Brad Van Riper, vice president of research and development for Truck-Lite, his company is receiving a great response to the new product offering. "Truck fleet managers and owner operators understand the economics of taking a truck out of service for minor maintenance, like headlamp replacement," he explained. "They understand that this product is a tool to significantly reduce costs, downtime and even vehicle inspection violations." "We're also working with every major truck manufacturer," Watson added, "and with the Headlamp Life Extender now available through Truck-Lite, OEMs will be integrating it into their spec options and are now making it available via the aftermarket." Watson explained the Headlamp Life Extender uses Intra's proprietary, robust technology to control surges and limit output voltage (input to the headlamp) to 12.8 volts -- the optimum balance of brightness and long-life. "Typically," he said, "truck-mounted headlamps are operated at 13.8 to 14.2 volts. For every one-tenth of a volt above the optimum 12.8 volts, headlamp life is decreased by 11.3 percent. That's why careful voltage regulation is so essential." Headlamp failure happens often during engine start-up, Watson continued. "Up to 30 amps of in-rush current are felt at the headlamp. The Head Lamp Life Extender eliminates this DC current shock with a 'soft start-up' technology." In addition, Intra designed its product to provide resistance to shock and vibration. The standard design comes hard-wired, or connectors can be specified to adapt to each truck¹s lighting system, assuring quick and easy installation with solid connections. Wiring is color-coded to match ground, low beam and high beam. Measuring 3-1/8 inches long by 2-5/8 inches wide by 1-1/4 inches high, the Headlamp Life Extender is designed for easy installation where space is at a premium. For more information, visit Truck-Lite Co., Inc. on the Internet, www.truck-lite.com or call 800-562-5012. Additional information can also be found on The IntraUSA Group website at www.intra-usa.com. The IntraUSA Group, Inc., a privately traded company, develops DC power management products based on its proprietary semiconductor technologies which allow better, more efficient management of DC current flow. The Intra Switch -- the patented core of the company's technology -- allows IntraUSA's products to handle an extremely high amount of current with very low heat generation. This simple concept enhances all aspects of DC power generation, storage and consumption. For more information, visit the company's website at www.intra-usa.com. - 30 - NOTE TO EDITORS: If your publication is considering a story on DC power management or reducing the cost of vehicle electrical system maintenance/service, etc., please contact Michael Wasem at The Siefkes Group, 425-392-2611. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michael Wasem The Siefkes Group 317 NW Gilman Blvd., Ste. 10 Issaquah WA 98027 Phone: 425-392-2611 Fax: 425-392-2454 Web: www.siefkesgroup.com