Abstract
Their small size, powerful light emission, extreme reliability, low energy
requirement and long lifespan support the widely held view that LEDs are 'the
technology of the future for automotive lighting.' In fact, some manufacturers
go so far as to predict that the incandescent bulb is headed for extinction.
Given that LEDs represent a new light source for front automotive lighting,
they also require regulations to control their application. While LED
headlamps are already allowed in the US, their application is limited in
Europe. By 2008, however, new ECE regulations will be enforced, radically
changing the appearance and performance of vehicle headlamps (and therefore
the complete appearance of cars) for good.
Although manufacturers expect early LED headlamp applications will cost more
than HID, the two technologies could be price-comparable by 2011. That could
trigger a price war, forcing a downward trend on unit prices. But by how much
remains to be seen. Some manufacturers also think it is very possible that HID
will disappear altogether in favour of LEDs.
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