LUXEON Automotive LEDs Light the Way for EU-Mandated Daytime Running Lamps With 80%...

LUXEON Automotive LEDs Light the Way for EU-Mandated Daytime Running Lamps With 80% Energy Reduction

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
LUXEON power LEDs from Philips Lumileds are poised to rapidly
increase their presence in front-of-vehicle applications with expected
European Union regulations mandating daytime running lamps (DRLs) on
new cars beginning in 2011. One of the major factors driving LUXEON
use will be the dramatic reduction in DRL power consumption (Watts),
(on the order of 80%), made possible by energy-efficient LUXEON
technology.

Audi and VW currently offer LUXEON-based daytime running lights,
and several other carmakers are preparing to release vehicles with
LUXEON-based DRLs over the next 12 to 18 months as part of a movement
to improve road safety by increasing vehicle visibility during
daylight hours.

LUXEON LEDs are being used today as a DRL light source for the
unique styling possibilities they offer. With the new EU regulations
in place, slashing DRL power consumption by 80% or more compared to
incandescent or halogen bulbs will be the most important factor for
LED adoption. This energy savings is critical because DRLs built with
conventional bulbs consume more power than any other exterior lighting
application due to their always-on daylight use, potentially running
afoul of today's fuel economy standards.

A typical DRL solution with incandescent or halogen bulbs uses
40-80 Watts of power. LUXEON-based DRLs consume 10 Watts of power or
less because of the technology's low power demands and energy
efficiency.

Given these benefits, any new regulation requiring DRLs is
expected to drive broader LUXEON adoption for daytime running lamps as
well as other forward automotive lighting applications. Already,
LUXEON technology is lighting the world's first all-LED headlight on
the Audi R8 supercar.

"Today LED DRLs are used on fewer than 1% of vehicles, in part
because daytime running lamps are not required in most countries. If
the new regulation by the United Nations Economic Commission for
Europe moves ahead as expected, it will increase that number
dramatically because of the low power usage, longevity and design
flexibility of LEDs compared to conventional light sources," said
Scott Kern, Vice President, Automotive Sales, for Philips Lumileds.
"LUXEON LEDs promise to lead the market because of their reliability,
high quality white light, and proven performance in the automotive
industry."

Over the years, Philips Lumileds has pioneered many automotive
exterior lighting applications with its LUXEON, SuperFlux and SnapLED
products. In addition to driving the industry's first all-LED daytime
running lamp and all-LED headlamp, the company's solid-state lighting
technology has enabled the world's first all-LED rear combination
lamp, first single-LED stop-tail lamp, first LED front-, rear- and
side-mirror turn signals.

About Philips Lumileds

Philips Lumileds is the world's leading provider of power LEDs for
everyday lighting applications. The company's recent records for light
output, efficacy and thermal management are direct results of the
ongoing commitment to advancing solid-state lighting technology and
enabling lighting solutions that are more environmentally friendly,
help reduce CO2 emissions and reduce the need for power plant
expansion. Philips Lumileds' LUXEON LEDs are enabling never before
possible applications in the general lighting, automotive, digital
imaging, display, and signage markets. More information about the
company's LUXEON(R) LED products and solid-state lighting technologies
can be found at www.philipslumileds.com.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE:PHG)(AEX:PHI)
is a global leader in healthcare, lighting and consumer lifestyle,
delivering people-centric, innovative products, services and solutions
through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity". Headquartered in
the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 123,800 employees in
more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of $36.8 billion (EUR 27
billion) in 2007, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic
imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting
solutions, as well as lifestyle solutions for personal wellbeing. News
from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

TKO Marketing Consultants Ltd
Ruth Hallam, +44 1444 473555
PR Executive
ruth.hallam@tko.co.uk
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Jason Ovitt, +1-847-415-9326
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Copyright Business Wire 2008