Giving your vehicle an individual light signature with straightforward stepwise conversion to LEDs while simultaneously complying with the latest ECE regulations, numerous vehicle manufacturers are currently facing just these challenges. The lighting and electronics expert Hella also contributes technology and expertise to the commercial vehicle sector. At the IAA, Hella will be presenting new and enhanced products specifically for trucks, trailers and buses (Hall 12, Booth B23). Under the motto “Think modular”, focus will be on solutions that enable manufacturers to put together lighting systems on a modular basis so as to flexibly meet these challenges.
For example, Hella will be introducing its new Shapeline series of lamps. At the booth, visitors can don virtual reality goggles to make a live vehicle selection and configure lamps for its front, side or rear. Alternatively, they can use touch screen to create their design via an online configurator. The configurator automatically takes into account either current European ECE R48 regulations or American SAE regulations.
The ECE R48 regulations also apply to trailer manufacturers. From November 2017, manufacturers must provide side flasher functions on all newly developed series for which they request type approval. Hella has developed a versatile product for this. At its booth the company will be presenting solutions that make it easy to integrate LED side marker lights with reflex reflectors and auxiliary indicators into a previously planned lighting system, with no need for expensive conversions. HELLA has also expanded its modular product range for trailers. One highlight of the company’s trade fair presentation will be a new series of rear combination lamps.
In accordance with its “one-stop shopping” principle, Hella also supplies appropriate cable architecture for all its trailer products. Both the EasyConn system, which was developed by Hella, and the wiring system Superseal/DIN bayonet enable manufacturers to easily extend, retrofit or modify their lighting systems. This not only saves time and increases flexibility, but also minimizes the cost of storage for the aftermarket, for garages and for fleet operators.
At the commercial vehicle fair Hella will also present a number of exhibits to introduce its modular product portfolio specifically for buses and trucks. For example, for buses the automotive supplier will show a hybrid headlamp solution with xenon modules and a fully customizable headlamp solution based exclusively on LED technology. For trucks Hella will be using a variety of rear combination lamps to illustrate its customizable and standard solutions.
The daytime running lights on show at the booth center on 90 mm halogen, xenon, single-function and multi-function modules. Existing halogen versions in the series can be converted to LED modules at any time. Under auxiliary lamps Hella will present aerodynamic light bars as an alternative to circular lights. ECE-certified LED Light Bars 470 are a new addition to the program. These 528 mm long LED auxiliary lamps offer optimal lighting conditions and weighing only 950 grams are ideal for installation on the roof of truck cabins.
Shining quality in a modular system
The additional side flasher function in accordance with ECE R48 series 05 (CAT 5) is still completely optional. But starting in November 2017, trailer manufacturers have to equip all newly developed series for which they apply for a type approval with a side flasher function. Hella is presenting an effective and flexible solution for the first time at the IAA show.
The centerpiece: the LED side marker lights with a reflex reflector and auxiliary indicator are integrated easily into the already designed lighting system. “To combine the marking and direction indicator light function, we rely on specifically designed optics that ensure a special effect. The direction indicator light function, in particular, is directed towards the rear to create even more safety, specifically for urban driving. The illumination of the side marker function is retained simultaneously. Additionally, we are already presenting an expansion in accordance with ECE R48 series 06 (flash SMLR), in which the conventional side marker lights take over the flasher function when the vehicle is turning,” explains Georg Fink, Sales Manager for Trailers at Hella.
Lighting a vehicle or trailer correctly is an important part of traffic safety and the ECE regulation regarding a side flasher function will increase safety further in the future. However, the additional safety gained by the solution from Hella does not involve costly and laborious changes to the installation process. The system excels because the existing cabling architecture can be used and integrated easily into existing Hella systems.
The trade show appearance in October has even more surprises in store such as expansions in the modular program and a new generation of combination rear lamps. All new products focus on modularity, flexibility, benefits for end customers and safety. “HELLA focuses on our ability to implement any customer requirement with our modular system. Thus, no question remains open with our EasyConn system,” says Fink.