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Automotive lighting design with LEDs puts the "Super" into the Ford Super Chief concept vehicle
A variety of innovative LED lighting designs have been implemented on Ford's recent concept vehicle, and these could soon appear on production vehicles.
Concept lighting poses significant challenges to any automotive designer. It also poses a significant challenge to the person who is tasked to create this lighting and bring it to life. When Ford created the 2006 Super Chief concept vehicle they insisted on the most advanced LED technology to “push the visual appeal” to the highest level.

The implemented lighting technology had to be in line with reality, and likely to appear on production vehicles within several years. The challenge was to infuse new LED and light management technology into the vehicle, creating visual interest and stimulation.

Exterior and interior lighting is becoming much more sophisticated and often has several unique visual elements operating simultaneously. Customers who view concept cars are often heard to say, “great ideas and looks – but it never seems to find its way on to real cars.”

The key is to blend new “eye candy” features with real design and production-worthiness, using the latest LEDs and the most innovative light management technologies available. Together all of these elements create visually interesting products with lighting that greatly enhances the overall vehicle design.

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About the Author 
Robert Miller (tel. +1 734 255-0300, email: lightjet@mindspring.com) is a consultant and former owner of BrightLights Technologies, LLC. He has successfully designed and delivered over 100 advanced lighting programs and completed over 20 complete automotive concept vehicles over the last 10 years. Along with his automotive lighting design experience, he has successfully created many other innovative lighting products from flashlights to track lighting utilizing advanced LED technologies.
October 2006
October 2006
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