Kiekert AG, the global technology leader in automotive locking systems, has developed an industry-first LED door latch with a variety of unique safety, security and product-branding features.

Compared to conventional warning-light systems, Kiekert's new system has an LED warning light built into the latch itself. The LED light is more clearly visible to other drivers and pedestrians when a vehicle's door is being opened and closed. The new design also is lighter and easier to install during assembly operations.

LED color and brightness can be varied to enhance brand awareness, support vehicle design themes and adapt to individual customer preferences. Child- and emergency-lock options also are available and the system's door-latch LEDs can be made to flash to further enhance visibility and safety.

"Kiekert is the first OEM supplier to integrate LED lighting directly into a door latch," said the company's CEO Karl Krause. "Our new LED latch is another example of intelligent, energy-efficient Kiekert technology that combines safety and lightweight design."

He added that the company's patented LED latch system can be incorporated into the design of virtually any vehicle and currently is being considered for introduction by several major auto makers.

Krause noted that Kiekert's focus on research and development allows it to identify and quickly respond to market trends such as the expanded use and popularity of LED lighting.

In addition to its new LED latch system, Krause reported that Kiekert recently made several other major product announcements, including a new tonneau cover latch for pick-up trucks which will go into production in 2015 and the expansion of the company's Beta latch platform.

The second largest latch platform in Kiekert's product portfolio, the expanded line-up of Beta latches is especially designed for growth markets in South America and the Asia Pacific region.

"The new Beta platform combines our product know-how from decades of experience in the development of innovative locking systems with the company's expertise in global high-volume assembly operations," the Kiekert executive explained.

With more than 1,200 patents, Kiekert is the leading development partner for vehicle manufacturers around the world. One in three cars worldwide uses a locking system based on a Kiekert design. In its more than 150-year history, Kiekert has developed and produced more than 1.5 billion automotive locking systems.