PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle features front and rear exterior lighting from Hella, including headlamps, fog lamps, front side markers, tail lamps, rear reflex reflectors and a center high-mounted LED stop lamp.
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Introduced earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, the U.S. version of the new Beetle underlines Hella's position as a major supplier of automotive lighting.
"Hella's relationship with Volkswagen and the VW Beetle dates back to the first Beetle prototype in 1935 and the start of mass production in 1945," said Ignacio Moreno, CEO of Hella's Lighting Division in the Americas.
Speaking at a recent press conference at Pine Lake Country Club in suburban Detroit, he noted that "the partnership has continued with Hella Lighting on a variety of Beetle models over the years."
Hella began development of its lighting programs for the new 2012 Beetle in 2009. To develop the tail lamps, members of Hella's engineering and product development staff in Plymouth, Mich., led a core design team located in Lippstadt, Germany. The headlamps were designed by Hella's engineering team in the Czech Republic.
Hella will be providing halogen and HID versions of the headlamp for the American and European markets. The halogen headlamp uses a standard reflector system using an HB2/ H4 bulb for high and low beam. The daytime running lamp and position lamp functions are achieved by using one double filament bulb. Production of the halogen version of the headlamps for the new Beetle started earlier this year at Hella's facility in Mexico City.
The HID headlamp consists of a bi-xenon projector using an innovative 25-watt burner. This system is a more energy efficient solution that offers savings of 30W when compared to halogen bulb solutions. Hella's system also uses LED technology to generate the daytime running lamp and position-light functions. The LED arrangement gives the headlamp a distinctive appearance. Production of this headlamp is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2011.
One of many Hella lamps on the new Beetle is a front side-marker single-function lamp. Located in the front fender of the vehicle near the wheels, the side-marker is a single lamp that uses standard bulb technology.
The rear-reflectors are a safety feature that reflect light, thus enabling other motorists to see a parked vehicle or a vehicle driving without the tail lamps on. It is integrated into the rear bumper.
Hella also provides VW with a six-function tail lamp for the U.S. market. Stop and tail-lamp functions feature a dual filament 21/5-watt incandescent bulb. The turn signal and backup lights use standard bulbs. The side reflex reflector is incorporated in the lens of the tail lamp. The side marker function, only required for the US version, is achieved by using a single LED. This function assures basic visibility of the vehicle at night.
The 2012 Beetle's center high-mounted stop lamp is comprised of 18 LEDs. It is mounted above the trunk lid in the rear for the vehicle.
About Hella: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. develops and manufactures lighting and electronics components and systems for the automotive industry. Its joint venture companies also produce complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems and vehicle electric systems. In addition, Hella has one of the largest automotive aftermarket organizations in the world, with its own sales companies and partners in more than 100 countries.
Hella Group sales were $4.98 billion in fiscal year 2009-2010. Hella is one of the top 50 automotive parts suppliers in the world and one of the 100 largest industrial companies in Germany. Nearly 23,000 people work at 70 locations in more than 30 countries, including more than 3,500 research and development engineers and technicians. Additional information is available at www.hella.com.
Note To Editors: Photos and additional information are available on request or from Hella's press database at www.hella-press.de.
SOURCE Hella
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