Aug 21, 2008

Soft Lights Are Sweet Music

Novel interior lighting solutions will radically transform vehicle interiors while enhancing comfort and convenience, according to a new market research report. Vehicle manufacturers’ strategy to adopt different styling cues in interior lighting, such as ambient lighting, will further boost the penetration of innovative lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, an expected shift in consumer preference from performance and fuel economy of the vehicle to comfort and convenience will significantly affect the market for interior lighting.

“The strategies employed by vehicle manufacturers to differentiate their vehicles from competitors as well as within their vehicle lineups are easily achieved through innovative interior trims and lighting,” said Frost & Sullivan research analyst Aswin Kumar R. “Together with novel interior design, interior lighting adds value to the vehicle and the brand.”

Interior lighting is a key contributor in increasing the appeal of a vehicle’s interiors to consumers. Advanced lighting technologies, such as LEDs and light pipes, that were once limited to luxury cars are now available in other segments. These pioneering technologies offer new opportunities and design freedom for vehicle designers to incorporate new styling features in automobile interiors. However, the study noted, consumer behavior is highly unpredictable. Attitudes and perceptions differ between gender, region and age groups. Individualization of the vehicle space, especially the personalization of lighting solutions based on individual driver and occupant preferences, enhances comfort and a sense of well-being.