High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting Gaining Acceptance Among American Motorists (NAPSA)—Driving during nighttime hours no longer needs to be so uncomfortable, and even intimidating for some motorists. Using brighter High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights as an alternative to traditional halogen lights can alleviate some of the stresses of nighttimedriving. Research conducted in Germany and the U.S. by independent research firms showsthat an overwhelming majority of HID users feel safer driving automobiles equipped with HID technology. In the U.S. study, 92 percent of vehicle owners presently using HID headlights said they would buy a vehicle with the technology again-—citing vision improvement as the most important factor. have difficulty seeing at night. Unlike halogen lights, Xenarc HID lights do not have a filament to break or degrade, meaning HID headlights last up to 10 times longer than standard halogen headlights. The technology also meetsall federal automotivelight- Ninety-four percent of survey ing requirements. Originally offered on high-end Producing a crisp, white light in popularity in North America actually improves nighttime dri- vehicles will be purchased with respondents said they would recommend HIDto a friend. that stimulates reflective paint in road markers and signs, HID ving by providing three times the light output of standard halogen light sources. As a result of a wider beam pattern, HID also increases the visibility of many European luxury cars, HID technology gradually has increased over the past few years. This year, an estimated one million HID lighting systems, comprising six percentof all vehicles on the road. HID usage in the U.S. is projected to exceed a 13 per- peripheral objects (i.e. street signs cent application rate on new vehicles by 2007, because of its Hulick, HID product marketing Halogen lights became widely and pedestrians), left in the shadowsby standard halogen lighting. “HID illuminates the road like no other light source available on the market today,” said David manager for Osram Sylvania’s Automotive Lighting division. “Consumerssee the differences and benefits of HID, almost immediately, after driving a vehicle equipped with this technology.” As the U.S. population ages, the value of this particular safety benefit will become even more attractive, as HID provides an immediate benefit to those who visibility benefits. HID technology is the mostsignificant advance in automotive lighting since halogen headlights were introduced in the late 1970s. accepted by car manufacturers and consumers after several years. Gradual acceptance is also occurring with HID headlights. Osram Sylvania is the leading manufacturer of automotive lighting, supplying products for both original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket. For further information, visit www.sylvania.com.
