Car makers continue to investigate new ways to use LEDs for vehicle lighting.

The IAA motor show in Frankfurt demonstrated numerous lighting concepts using LEDs, with many manufacturers showcasing their concept vehicles incorporating LED forward lighting. As this new lighting technology finally hits the road, car makers ranging from Suzuki to Seat to Korea’s Ssongyang are using the styling possibilities afforded by LED headlamps in different ways. LEDs are already used in production vehicles for signaling functions; Audi has pioneered the use of white LEDs for daytime running lights, and other manufacturers are now joining in, particularly for high-end models. We say numerous examples of interior lighting using LEDs, including a white LED light in the boot of the Audi R8. Red LEDs for rear lighting are now widespread, but still not an automatic choice, even for vehicles with LED forward lighting. Cost automatic choice, even for vehicles with LED forward lighting. Cost remains an issue, but factors such as safety, environmental friendliness and styling flexibility weigh heavily in favor of LEDs.

Porsche was one of a number of manufacturers, including Audi, Aston Martin and VW, to use white LEDs for daytime running lights (DRLs) on production vehicles (but still mainly high-end models).

LED maker Stanley Electric showcased a number of products for the automotive market, including a full LED headlamp prototype

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LEDs enable extreme styling on the front end of vehicles, as exemplified by the Kizashi concept car from Suzuki. A highresolution LED screen is shown in the background

The Koleo concept car from Renault made full use of LEDs for rear lighting (above) and forward lighting (below). Also visible is the unique wing mirror containing a white LED position light and a dual amber light-guide for the indicator.

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