The target of this report is to better apprehend the future of vehicle lighting and to help managers sharpen their vision with the needed information. It is based on the conclusions of two different events:
1. A strategy session or Think Tank, organized on December 2015 in Frankfurt, Germany, gathering the greatest European experts from automakers, set makers and Tier 2 suppliers.
Starting with keynotes by 2 VIP speakers about their vision on the evolution of the world in general, on cars trends, and on ADAS development in particular, then organising 4 round tables, with 12 attendees for each proposed topic, to have their feedbacks.
2. A survey conducted in April and May 2016 about what is required to achieve good lighting. We sent round a questionnaire to the world’s experts in vehicle lighting. We got back 32 answers from :
• Automakers including Audi, BMW, FCA, GM, Hyundai, Opel, Porsche, PSA, Renault, Škoda, and Volvo
• Set makers including AL, Hella, Koito, Mobis, NAL, Stanley, Valeo, and Varroc
• Universities and organizations including Dekra, DVN, ELS, GTB, and LRC.
From the Think Tank, then the survey, we were able to extract the main points which could pave the way in automotive lighting for the future:
1) ADB will be more and more important in automotive lighting, thanks to the camera able to detect the environment of the road.
2) The arrival of autonomous vehicles will only change requirements:
– Comfortable light in order to see the environment and not to feel anxious,
– Special light identification to be clearly seen by others
– Interior lighting with new light sources and materials.
– Additional emission sources for new sensors.
3) Light styling remaining a top differentiation tool.
4) Premium cars remaining the leading edge for innovative lighting.
5) Aiming has to be improved. Autonomous aiming, using the same camera will be more and more used.
6) Standardisation and low cost full LED and Progressive adoption of premium car lighting technologies through affordable options.
7) Personalisation concerning all car segments
8) Compact city cars becoming an important segment
9) Architecture will evolve towards miniaturization, digital solutions, integration
10) Recycling of parts, materials, electronics will become the norm.