HID Headlamp Development: Performance Benchmark, Market Penetration and Future Styling Development in World's Markets 2004-01-1283

After about one decade HID headlamps are available on all major market areas. Since the design and manufacturing possibilities have changed in that period, the current light performance will be reviewed in the paper. The market penetration in the three major markets shows obvious differences. The penetration related to car platforms and classes will be discussed. It will be shown that HID headlamps have different penetration level in US, Japan and Europe. Additionally, the future styling development will be evaluated by the technical possiblities given today using reflector/projector type and additional illuminated areas. A future styling trend will be estimated for the three different markets. The future application of HID headlamps in adaptive lighting systems will be analyzed.