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The vehicular illumination system has undergone considerable technological advances in recent decades such as the use of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) and HID (high intensity discharge) lamps. However, the challenges to develop a global beam pattern for ECE markets have been quite difficult due to different needs in different regions. Global programs have to deal with the differences among costumer needs and desires. This paper shows the challenges to understand the different needs and highlights the opportunities for the future to improve road illumination and the driver's safety adopting simulations and different road scenarios.

The electroluminescence, a process where light is emitted by the recombination of electrically accelerating charges (electrons and holes) on a solid state chip, is the basis of light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) technology. Until the early 90s, LEDs were considered light sources of low efficiency. Nowadays, white high power, high efficiency LED's, based upon fluorophores are extremely promising for both vehicular / automotive and machinery usages. Associate with its high efficient light production, the long life capability of these devices keep improving their performance. In this study, three models of LEDs, from two different manufacturers were used.

Nighttime driving behavior differs from that during the day because of differences in the driver's field of view. At night, drivers must rely on their vehicle headlamps to illuminate the roadway. It is essential then that the driver is able to see the environment and road conditions in front of him. This paper presents the needs of the driver's (car and truck) due to the environment and road conditions from the state of Sao Paulo (Brazil). A survey has been done to compare the needs from the truck and car driver under different road conditions. The results show the necessity to tailor the beam pattern according to the driver needs, providing safer nighttime driving according to the driver's and market needs.

Emerging markets and South America in particular, have quickly become the cornerstone of major automotive companies in recent years. Currently, all major players are located in the region, and this has created an excellent environment for developing market-tailored products. The trend in the design and technology community is one which allows the final customer to improve his own safety and reduce overall power consumption. Throughout the entire automotive industry, the lighting system has always had a very important role to play during its long history. In the past 50 years, vehicular lighting has achieved an important status due to its close relationship by enhancing passenger and vehicle security. In addition, there is still room for improvement in the halogen front lighting system. Particularly, it is of utmost importance to highlight the implementation of NEO (new efficient optics).

The cargo transportation in Brazil is predominantly done by road, instead of any other means of transportation. It represented more than 35% of the total amount of money spent on goods transportation on that South American country during 2005. Several factors should be taken in consideration in the final cost of this service. We can highlight, for example: poor road quality, cargo robbery, theft of tires, fuel stealing, road accidents, etc. These costs are always reassigned to the final customers. Among that list, one of main factors for increasing transport costs in Brazil is the illicit fuel deviation. In order to reduce this problem, entrepreneurs have adopted several strategies; so far, none of them could come up with an efficient proposal. This paper presents a new tool to assist preventing the fuel stealing issue. It can detect the tank violation, notifying the company when it happened and how much fuel was diverted.

The vehicular illumination system has had, in the past decades, huge technological advances such as the use of an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), which represents an industry breakthrough in lighting technology. AFS is designed to incorporate two independent light sources: a high-output halogen projector for the main beam and a secondary row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that illuminates almost instantaneously. This combination distributes the light beam evenly and consumes less power than conventional lights. The technical challenge is how to effectively control its use. This paper will present the impact on the South American truck driver's behavior due to road, environment and weather conditions. This concept will demonstrate that as the vehicle turns, the LEDs illuminate at a rate and intensity determined by the degree and speed of the turn. The concept is to add light, making night time driving safer and a better environment as well due to the LEDs.

The vehicular illumination system has had, in the past decades, huge technological advances such as the use of an adaptive front-lighting system (AFS), which represents an industry breakthrough in lighting technology. This paper will present an alternative to adopt Fuzzy logic to control its operating parameters adopting LED as the main lighting source for this system. As the vehicle turns, the LEDs illuminate at a rate and intensity determined by the curvature and speed of the turn. The goal is to add light, making night time driving safer.

The vehicular illumination system has had, in the past decades, huge technological advances such as the use of CAE simulations as a differential in the development of new products. We would like to reinforce the importance of simulations in choosing the material for the headlight inner moldings due to its geometry and proximity to lamps. Also, CAE simulations assist in determining the appropriate beam pattern for the headlamps. It reduces time and costs during the prototype phase. This, among other examples, clearly displays that the constant technological evolution brings forth a serious debate to be had between Vehicle Engineering, Body Engineering and Design Studio in order to best evaluate performance, appearance and cost attributes for any given product.