New European Regulation that Requires Daytime Running Lights Could Be Expensive for Drivers

BROMSGROVE, Englan-- June 27, 2011:

According to an exclusive interview with just-auto.com, UK aftermarket lighting specialist Astra Automotive suggests that as the European Commission has recently mandated the use of daytime running lights for newly-registered vehicles, European motorists could get stung if their LED (light emitting diode) lights fail, because they may have to stump up the cost of replacing whole lighting units.

just-auto's analyst Matthew Beecham interviewed Astra Automotive's Leon Callahan and managing director Robert Jones. The full interview appears in just-auto's newly launched QUBE automotive lighting intelligence service:

just-auto: "The European Commission recently mandated the use of daytime running lights for newly-registered vehicles. All new types of passenger cars and small delivery vans will have to be equipped with the lights, while trucks and buses will follow in August 2012. Does this spell out good news for your business?"

Astra Automotive:"The daytime running lights that we have seen are mostly LEDs, therefore this will not bring in new business for the replacement bulb market for at least three years, because in nearly all cases they will be covered under manufacturers' warranties.

"Even then, most will be fitted with LED model specific lighting systems such as the LED "Eyebrow" effect of the Audi and LED circle around the front side lights on the latest Land Rover and Range Rovers.

"These units, as we see it, will be sealed in manufacture so if a LED light was to fail, it will almost certainly be impossible to just replace the bulb. Instead the motorist will have to replace the whole light assembly, which will prove expensive in terms of replacement and garage time. The same goes for truck and bus operators who are more conscious of vehicle downtime and costs."

About QUBE's lighting intelligence

This online, real-time intelligence service is a continually-updated database of analysis and data on the global automotive lighting sector. Based on exclusive interviews, primary research and proprietary data it includes up-to-date analysis of key technologies, market size estimates, lighting market forecasts, OE market shares, profiles of the major manufacturers and coverage of all relevant sector news and announcements (in real-time).

About QUBE by just-auto

Launched in early 2011, QUBE delivers all just-auto's 40+ component and market sector intelligence services, combining breaking news, interviews and expert opinion with updated data analysis and forecasts for all key OE manufacturing component sectors, companies and markets on a single online platform. QUBE also includes active profiles of over 180 vehicle manufacturers and car component suppliers.

About Astra Automotive

Astra Automotive is the brand born out of Lampion & Co Ltd. The company has been serving the automotive aftermarket since the early 1980s. In addition to selling replacement light bulbs, the company supplies a range of wiper blades, electrical parts and vehicle maintenance equipment.