One of America's legendary pickup trucks, and the biggest seller in the USA, is now blazing the pioneer trail in lighting thanks to Osram. The 2015 model of the Ford F-150 will be the world's first pickup on the market with a complete LED forward lighting solution from Osram. "We are proud to be supplying the complete LED module for the world's first LED headlamps on the Ford F-150 as standard, once more underlining our leading position on the automotive lighting market", said Hans-Joachim Schwabe, CEO of the Specialty Lighting Division at Osram. This innovative lighting system comprises dipped beam and high beam, turn indicators, parking light and control module. In terms of its performance, life expectancy and design it is guaranteed to catch the eye and make the Ford pickup stand out from its competitors.

The new LED forward lighting solution from Osram gives the new Ford F150 an unmistakable (photo courtesy of Osram http:// Ford Motor Company)

The LED forward lighting solution meet all the requirements in terms of robustness and durability and are extremely resistant to shocks and vibrations – an important factor for a vehicle which is also used off-road. What's more, the LED headlamps consumer far less energy than conventional lighting technologies and their light color is very similar to that of natural daylight. The LEDs also compare very favorably with conventional halogen technology in terms of their light output.

In close cooperation with the US headlight manufacturer Flex-N-Gate, Osram has given the front of the vehicle a completely new look. The LED front lights, in which LEDs from Osram's subsidiary Osram Opto Semiconductors are installed, give the F150 a unique and unmistakable appearance which blends perfectly with the styling of the whole vehicle. The complete LED lighting solution is assembled at Osram's Hillsboro plant in New Hampshire (USA).

In addition to conventional technologies, automobile manufacturers are turning more and more to LED light sources as a means of differentiating their vehicles through individual front lighting design and of boosting their brand image. Osram has gone one step further with its laser technology, which it has supplied for the new BMW i8 and other high-end models. 

Thanks to its high luminance, which is significantly greater than that of any other light source available today, headlamps can be made even smaller than they are already. At the same time, high beam from a laser module offers the greatest beam range and therefore better visibility for the driver and greater road safety. This combination of design and functionality means the laser has enormous potential alongside the LED.