Ford Motor Company says that its completely redesigned 2015-model Ford F-150, which debuted at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (for sale in late 2014), is the world's first pickup truck on the market to feature a complete LED forward lighting solution, thanks in part to Osram Automotive Lighting. The F-150 is part of Ford's F-Series, which is America's best-selling pickup truck.
The LED lighting system consists of a low beam, high beam, light driver module, turn module and park module. Osram worked closely with US headlight maker Flex-N-Gate and fellow Tier-1 supplier DBM Reflex to help the auto-maker achieve a completely new front-end appearance and optic design.
"It is also an extremely durable system that is expected to last the vehicle's lifespan" says David Hulick, global senior marketing director, Specialty Solid State Lighting, Osram SYLVANIA.
The new LED systems feature components from subsidiary Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH of Regensburg, Germany and are being assembled in Hillsboro, NH (home to the principal North American operations of the Automotive Lighting division of Osram SYLVANIA, the North American operation of Osram GmbH). The location helps to reinforce the F-150's standing as one of the most American-made vehicles, it is claimed. "We are making significant investments at our Hillsboro manufacturing facility to support this project and training our local employees," says Hulick.
Osram Opto Semiconductors also supplied Thinfilm LED light sources for the LED taillights. The LEDs facilitate unique designs, with lines that match the contour of the vehicle, says Osram.
Another benefit is higher performance, as LEDs deliver performance unmatched by traditional halogen technologies, says the firm. New LED products and technologies from Osram ensure that the lights are robust, long lasting and have high light output, it adds. Both LED systems are highly resistant to shock and vibration (important for a vehicle that is also used off-road). Due to their light-emitting characteristics, their use improves optical efficiency of the headlight system, Osram claims. The LED headlights also draw significantly less power than other automotive lighting technologies, and the color of the LED light is close to natural daylight.
"Many F-150 drivers work in construction and are on the road early mornings and late into the night," says Hulick. "Having clear visibility on the road is crucial for them, which is why this LED lighting technology is important for Ford's customers."
Ford claims that it has been a North American lighting innovator since the 1970s, often in conjunction with Osram. The 2013-model F-150 was the first mainstream pickup to feature a mercury-free high intensity discharge (HID) headlamp system on select models from Osram Automotive Lighting. The 2013 Mustang GT also featured the first LED fog lamp in the USA, based on Osram's standardized LED JOULE system. In 2005, Osram Automotive Lighting and Osram Opto Semiconductors worked together to launch the MyColor Instrument cluster for the Mustang, which enabled interior lighting personalization for the first time.
