Pixel LED light in the headlamp design winks between daytime running lights and high beams
WIESELBURG, Austria, Oct. 5, 2023 - The Wieselburg-based automotive lighting specialist equips the brand new Volvo EX90 electric SUV with high-quality LED headlights in unique design. The basis are digital HD light modules with over 1.3 million pixel resolution, which create a precisely controllable light image on the road. The high-tech light adapts dynamically to the traffic and precisely blends out other road users. The system thus contributes to high safety for drivers, passers-by and animals. As a unique feature, the high-quality LED headlights can wink the daytime running lights shine in the hammer-shaped design typical of this Swedish brand. When switched to high beam, the daytime running light splits up and down to reveal the main headlamp. "The unique front lighting, which is distinctive for the brand, combines exceptional design with innovative lighting technology that actively contributes to high road safety," explains Dr Wilhelm Steger, CEO of the ZKW Group.
The new SUV's headlights are an evolution of the distinctive headlight design that the brand first introduced on the second-generation XC90 in 2015. The LED light elements of the daytime running lights form the hammer-shaped design, with the head divided into six light segments, while the stem is formed by ten other elements. If you switch to main light, the hammer splits horizontally and the main headlight becomes visible. The movement not only serves to switch from daytime running light to main light, but also underscores the vehicle's start sequence with a "wink" of the headlights. "This animated light function is unique and only available from this manufacturer," explains Dr Steger.
High-resolution LED pixel light
As the basis for the headlamp, ZKW uses a "Segment Light" light module that combines matrix high beam and low beam. The signal light system combines daytime running light, position light and indicator light in the particularly compact form of the striking design. The daytime running light, which is movable thanks to the innovative kinematics, gives the brand new SUV a unique appearance. When the vehicle is unlocked, the individual headlight elements flash one after the other before flipping open to reveal the high beam with a flashing effect. The smart headlight was developed at the ZKW site in Wieselburg, and is manufactured at ZKW in Silao/Mexico and Dalian/China. "By using recycled plastic granulates and aluminium made from 40 percent recycled raw materials, we are also making a major contribution to sustainability," says Dr Steger.
High demands on design
Various requirements had to be taken into account in the development of the high-tech headlamp. On the one hand, the system had to withstand at least 500,000 opening and closing cycles under all environmental influences. Furthermore, the horizontal part of the daytime running light must have reached its end position within 500 milliseconds in order to release the main light functions. In addition, a low weight of the moving parts was required with simultaneous homogeneity of the daytime running light. "Our development department was able to meet the brands high design demands with a lot of commitment," says Dr Steger.
About ZKW
The ZKW Group is the specialist for innovative premium lighting systems and electronics. As a system supplier, ZKW is a global partner to the automotive industry. The group develops and produces products based on our motto of "Bright Minds, Bright Lights," combining bright minds with modern production technologies to produce complex premium lighting and electronic modules for international automotive manufacturers.
Our top products include powerful and cost-efficient complete LED systems. The ZKW Group has a total of twelve locations worldwide, with intelligently networked development and production. In 2022, the Group employed around 10,000 workers and generated total revenues of 1.4 billion euros.
In accordance with the corporate vision "Ground-breaking premium lighting and electronic systems from ZKW for all mobility concepts of the global automotive industry", the company's primary goal is to produce top-quality high-tech products and to promote the development of innovative holistic lighting systems.
With our discoveries and inventions, the ZKW corporate group makes vehicles more desirable, more unique, safer, and more energy efficient.
Our 360 degree product portfolio includes headlamps and fog lamps, rear lamps, flashers, interior and license plate lamps as well as electronic modules. Major automotive manufacturers trust their brands to innovative products from ZKW. We are proud of our customers like BMW (BMW, Rolls Royce), DAIMLER (MERCEDES-BENZ Cars and Trucks), FORD (Lincoln, Ford), GEELY (Volvo, Polestar, Lynk & Co, Geely), GENERAL MOTORS (Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac), Hyundai/Kia, JLR (Jaguar, Land Rover), Stellantis (Opel, Citroen), RENAULT/NISSAN (Infiniti, Alpine), VGTT (Volvo Trucks, MACK) and VW (Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Skoda, Seat/Cupra, VW, VW Commercial Vehicles, MAN, Scania).
With intelligent lighting systems and innovative styling, ZKW is shaping the look and character of vehicles worldwide.
Contact
ZKW Group GmbH
Sandra Simeonidis-Huber
Group Communication und Marketing
Rottenhauser Straße 8
3250 Wieselburg
T +43 7416 505 2051
sandra.simeonidis-huber@zkw-group.com
SOURCE ZKW Group
