OSRAM'S Mercury-Free HID Technology's Fifth Anniversary Docks Another Milestone With Ford

HILLSBORO, N.H., Sept. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercury may have been the quickest of the Roman deities, but it may also quickly become extinct in high-intensity discharge (HID) headlight bulbs if OSRAM has its way.

After becoming the first supplier in the world to produce a complete mercury-free high intensity discharge lamp and ballast system for the 2007 Lincoln Navigator, OSRAM once again has something to celebrate – the launch of its technology on the 2013 Ford Mustang, which comes equipped with HID projector beam headlights using a complete OSRAM D3S mercury-free HID system within the headlight assembly produced by North American Lighting (NAL). The Mustang is the first vehicle in North America to use OSRAM's Gen6 ballast, which is environmentally preferred as it contains no lead solder.

Since OSRAM introduced the first mercury-free D3 headlamp technology in NAFTA, the market for completely mercury-free HID systems has seen a steady increase, thanks to companies like Ford that are showcasing an ongoing commitment to using environmentally sustainable automotive technology. The Mustang is the 10th Ford vehicle in North America to feature OSRAM's mercury-free system.

The company prides itself on being the only complete supplier of mercury-free lighting, covering everything from the lamp to the electronics – which simplifies logistics and ensures optimized system performance for its customers.

"The mercury-free HID lamps from OSRAM have more than four times the lumens per watt of traditional halogen light sources and are more efficient at converting electrical energy into light," said Sharon Ernest, NAFTA Automotive HID Product Manager for OSRAM SYLVANIA Specialty Lighting.

HID headlight bulbs produce at least 70 percent more light on the road than traditional lamps, and use less power while producing less heat. This gives designers styling freedom on the front end of the vehicle. By creating more compact headlights to fit smaller spaces, better aerodynamics are possible.  

For more information on the mercury-free lighting technology offered by OSRAM, please visit www.osram.com.  

About OSRAM SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting

OSRAM SYLVANIA, together with OSRAM AG, is the world leader in automotive lighting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The company's global automotive lighting division has its principal North American operations in Hillsboro, N.H., with nearly 600 employees. In addition to TS 16949, this facility has also achieved ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications. Automotive Lighting designs, develops, manufactures and markets state-of-the-art automotive light sources, including auxiliary, advanced halogen, LED and high-intensity discharge lighting for interior, exterior and forward lighting applications. More than 400 lamp types are produced for cars, trucks, and electronics in facilities throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Automotive applications for OEMs are marketed under the OSRAM brand while products for the aftermarket are sold under the SYLVANIA brand.

About OSRAM SYLVANIA

OSRAM SYLVANIA is a leader in lighting solutions and services, specializing in innovative design and energy saving technology. The company sells products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, and also under the OSRAM brand. Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM AG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Siemens AG. For more information, visit www.sylvania.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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SOURCE OSRAM SYLVANIA