Osram supplies laser light for German premium car manufacturer

Pioneering lighting technology from Osram is being installed in the headlights of another production vehicle

Following on from the BMW i8, the BMW 7 Series is another range of models from the Munich car manufacturer that Osram is now equipping with a laser module for the headlights. “We have succeeded in developing this new technology to such an extent that we have now taken it from a niche vehicle to a mass produced car – an important step in terms of market penetration”, said Hans-Joachim Schwabe, CEO Specialty Lighting at Osram. “With laser light as the next stage in automotive lighting we are once again demonstrating our competence in lighting systems and underlining our leading position in LED and laser technologies.”

As the lighting supplier for the BMW i8, Osram was heavily involved in the development of laser light for the headlights, which have been available in this form since June 2014. This marked the worldwide premiere for this pioneering technology in automotive lighting. The new flagship limousines in the BMW 7 Series are now equipped with the same Osram laser module featuring three high-power diodes from Osram's subsidiary Opto Semiconductors.

Laser lights are the next stage in automotive lighting. Thanks to its high luminance, which is significantly greater than that of any other light source available today, and the smaller space requirements of laser light, headlights can be made even smaller than they are already. This opens up new ways to differentiate vehicles even more strikingly through new headlight designs and increase the recognition value of the brand. The laser boost, which is added to the high beam, offers the greatest beam range currently available (up to 600 meters) and therefore better visibility for the driver and greater road safety. This combination of design and functionality means the laser has enormous potential alongside the LED.