IAA has opened, and a lot of new models, production and concept cars, are now on display. After our walk-through of the show, we strongly retain two points:
1. Lighting’s role in automotive innovation is still on an upward trend. Numerous models demonstrate it, such as:
• Audi’s e-Tron Quattro concept with its distinctive lighting signature combining LED/OLED
• The BMW 7-series’ with its laser light booster and the BMW X1 wich for the first time include full-LED headlights,
• Jaguar’s new range XE, XF, XJ, and now F-Pace;
• The Mercedes Concept IAA with its huge, interestingly-shaped front and rear lights;
• Opel’s Corsa matrix lighting, a worldwide first for a mid-range car;
• Peugeot’s Fractal and its aggressive lion appearance;
• The Porsche Mission E and its LED shapped sporty look;
• Renault’s new lighting signature
• Volkswagen with their wonderful Tiguan lighting (watch for our DVN report on it next month).
See pictures of the most interesting cars on the DVN website www.drivingvisionnews.com
2. Pushed by potential threats from Apple and Google and the success of electric vehicles made by Tesla Motors in the U.S., carmakers are seeking to maintain their edge, developing fuel-efficient models that provide assisted driving and more media connectivity for the wired lifestyle of modern consumers.
Self-driving cars, electric cars, and mobile connectivity are getting more and more important. Today, about ¼ of all new cars already have an internet connection; in two years’ time the figure will be closer to 80%. Major suppliers including Bosch, Continental, Valeo, and ZF are demonstrating how connectivity and automation can vastly improve road safety in the future.
Also, I was very happy to hear the lighting engineering managers presenting their lighting systems, the benefits on styling differentiations, on safety, and on communication. This pride, this interest on lighting explains the enormous progress our industry is making. Onward and upward we go!
Sincerely yours
DVN Editor in Chief