In the world of automotive lighting, “cool” lights are getting hot, according to the leading supplier of automotive headlights.
Headlights, like all lights, can be measured not only by brightness (expressed in lumens), but also by color temperature (expressed in Kelvin). Typical halogen bulbs are 2800-3400 Kelvin and appear to most as yellowish; the blue/silver tinted hue shown by most Xenon, or HID, headlights found on premium vehicles measures 4100 Kelvin.
Mercedes-Benz is offering a headlamp that, for the first time ever, closely emulates the color temperature of daylight, which is about 5500 Kelvin (K). Measuring in at 5000 K, the new Xenon bulbs from supplier OSRAM offer a cooler, even more blue-ish tint, which most people perceive to be brighter.
As a result of the change, Mercedes E-Class and S-Class drivers will have excellent visibility during nighttime driving. And data shows there is a need. According to a 2010 survey conducted by KRC Research on behalf of OSRAM SYLVANIA, approximately 51 percent of U.S. licensed drivers wish they could see the road better when driving at night. One in five said they sometimes avoid getting behind the wheel at night because it is too difficult to see, which equates to approximately 37 million drivers.
The study also found that 34 percent of respondents report inadequate headlights as the main reason for poor nighttime visibility.
At a temperature of 5000 K, the Xenon headlamps offer an increase of 20 percent color temperature when compared to standard Xenon headlamps.
Mercedes-Benz is the first brand to offer this technology at the OEM level. For those models that aren’t currently offered with stock HID headlamps, Mercedes-Benz also lists the technology as an aftermarket upgrade.
For more information on the new Xenon lighting technology offered by OSRAM, you can visit OSRAM Automotive Lighting.
About OSRAM SYLVANIA
OSRAM SYLVANIA, together with OSRAM GmbH, is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company’s global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 700 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. Automotive Lighting designs, develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art automotive light sources, including auxiliary, advanced halogen, LED and high-intensity discharge lighting for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. Over 400 lamp types are produced for cars, trucks, and electronics in facilities throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand.
OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and specialty products that feature innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com.
