A prototype headlamp system developed by Hella KGaA Hueck & Co, in cooperation with Volkswagen for its Golf 5, received top honors for innovation in a bi-annual competition held by Spain’s Society of Automotive Engineers (Sociedad de Técnicos de Automoción). The award was presented at the Barcelona Motor Show.

The headlamp system incorporates low beam, high beam, indicator and daytime running lights through the use of LED technology. It achieves around 1000 Lumen luminous flux in low beam, creating light similar in intensity to xenon headlamps. The company expects to begin production of the new headlamp in 2008.

“LEDs as light sources make it possible to create completely new headlamp shapes and arrangements,” notes Dr. Raymund Heinen, president of Hella Lighting North America. “The increased durability of LEDs also may lead to automotive headlamp systems that will function without the need for replacement.”