LED headlights started life as a luxury and “icing on the cake” type of product. Car manufacturers used eye-catching designs and colours on concept cars to attract buyers at car shows.
The previous high cost associated with LED technology also restricted its use in car design to those manufacturers at the premium end of the market. However in recent years things have changed dramatically. The manufacturing cost of LED lights has dropped significantly. This has allowed car manufacturers and designers to bring this new concept to lower-end car models.
The New Toy for All Car Enthusiasts
LED lights look extremely stylish and modern. These characteristics are what make them very appealing to both automotive industry designers and car buyers.
The neat high-tech look is one that lends itself very nicely to car accessories. Having already made strides into the headlight market, LED lights have found a new application shiny, glossy chrome wheel trim designs.
LED Lights Perform as Well as They Look
Behind all the glitz and glamour of the LED light lies a tremendously functional product.
Take for example LED headlight technology. LED headlights last a great deal longer than conventional headlights. Under normal conditions the LED headlight will last the life of the vehicle. Any consumer can see the value to that, when the cost of bulb replacement in traditional headlights can add up quite a bit.
LED headlights have another advantage over their established cousins. The light they emit is significantly brighter and whiter, allowing for better visibility by both the driver and other drivers on the road.
What about halogen headlights, you may ask? Well, LED headlights use less than 25% of the power than alternative headlights, like halogen. That savings in power consumption is another solid reason to choose this technology over other players in the market.
LED’s Lofty Beginnings
As indicated earlier, LED lighting technology entered the car manufacturing industry at the higher end. It showed up on very luxurious car models and had more of a design appeal rather than function, efficiency and cost.
With the lower costs to use LED technology in car headlights and in other areas of car design, they are now being used in even greater amounts in the high-end car manufacturing industry.
Many of these carmakers are using LED lights in the initial design process and not just as an afterthought. The creativity that is being demonstrated through a more uninhibited use of LED lights is astonishing.
The design process has stretched to include LED lights in all facets of car design and lighting. This is resulting in some very attractive and functional effects on new models.
Many have gone so far as to use this type of lighting technology to define their brand. The ability to push the boundaries of the automotive designing process through the flexibility of LED technology is changing the face of many car brands.
Economy Cars Get a Boost from LED Lights
Many lower-end car manufacturers have seen how the simple LED light can change the whole look of a car. Although the price-point might be slightly higher than conventional lighting, they recognise that this could be a small sacrifice to pay, in order to bring in more customers.
The new technology is making these brands stand out from their competition and telling consumers that they know what looks good.
Using LED features as a way to brand less expensive car models is proving to be very successful for these carmakers. It is fast becoming the way for LED lighting technology to truly go mainstream.