At DVN, we strive to make tier-2s visible by highlighting their knowledge and their activities. Last year we organised and put on a very successful workshop dedicated to tier-2s and their contributions to innovation. For example, right now there's a great deal of discussion on regulations surrounding automatic levelling for halogen, Xenon, and LED headlamps; mechatronics are central to autoleveling and so this week, we present AML Systems, a French automotive mechatronic manufacturer, with a spotlight on their products and next week an interview with their CEO and their sales director.

Lighting innovations are more and more intricate. Special light sources, special optics, special components, a variety of sensors, and image treatments are all proliferating yet must work together as a system, which is where software comes in. As car makers request and require ever more innovation from their tier-1 lighting suppliers, so the tier-1s request and require ever more innovative input from their tier-2s. With lighting technology's role in market success at an unprecedented high level, innovative companies and universities are basic requirements for success.

Hector Fratty, General Editor