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Federal-Mogul Develops HID High/Low Projector Lamp Assembly Technology

13 March 2000

Federal-Mogul Develops HID High/Low Projector Lamp Assembly Technology

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 10 Federal Mogul Corporation's
Lighting Products Group has developed a new high-intensity
discharge (HID) high/low projector assembly that allows designers to generate
high and low beam patterns using one light source and one reflector, rather
than the two of each traditionally used.  The patent pending assembly is
expected to be in production by 2003.
    "Current projector designs utilize two light sources -- typically halogen
capsules -- one for high beam and one for low beam," said David Lowndes,
product engineering manager, Federal-Mogul Lighting Products.  "We utilize a
mechanism that allows drivers to change from low- to high-beam while using the
same light source and reflector.  This saves cost and packaging space, and
increases light output with the use of the stronger, more durable HID
technology."
    HID bulbs generate light from an electric arc created between electrodes
in a bulb environment filled with xenon gas.  There is no filament, as found
in incandescent and halogen lamps.  Benefits include high light output, better
light distribution, low energy consumption, and life-of-vehicle performance.
Since most drivers primarily use low beams, the assembly is set to default to
the low beam position.
    Additional benefits of the new assembly include:

    *  Greater "light power" -- The luminescence of HID is up to three times
greater than halogen, at just half the energy consumption.  The added "light
power" means increased safety for drivers and provides OEM engineers with more
light to work with when developing beam patterns.
    *  Small, modular design -- the new assembly consolidates parts by 50
percent compared to traditional designs, because only one light source and one
reflector are necessary.  This smaller package includes three primary
components: an HID light source, a ballast that controls the power to the
lamp, and the optical assembly.
    *  Weight savings -- the reduction in components translates to a
significant assembly weight savings.
    *  Enhanced performance -- HID light sources today cost more than halogen
capsules.  However, the increased performance and safety more than offset cost
issues.  "Right now, we're targeting the luxury and performance markets here
in the U.S.," said Lowndes.

    "We expect the popularity of the HID high- and low-projector assembly to
increase as OEMs continue to look for ways to bring more customized, higher
performance and safety-based products to car and truck buyers quickly," said
Bill Buchman, vice president of sales, marketing and engineering, Lighting
Products.  "We plan to be at the forefront with this innovative offering."
    Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul is an automotive
parts manufacturer providing innovative solutions and systems to global
customers in the automotive, small engine, heavy duty and industrial markets.
The company was founded in 1899.  Visit the company's web site at
http://www.federal-mogul.com for more information.  Federal-Mogul's press
releases are available by fax through Company News On-Call, call 800-758-5804,
ext. 306225.