Federal-Mogul's New Lighting Innovations Provide Unique, Energy-Efficient Design Options for Vehicle Manufacturers

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Automaker and consumer demand for premium lighting features that enable personalization and enhance vehicle differentiation has grown dramatically in recent years. Federal-Mogul Corporation (NASDAQ: FDML) offers a unique portfolio of innovative automotive interior lighting products that provide automotive designers with improved integration,  energy efficiency, ease of packaging and distinctive styling options.

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Independent research demonstrates that when a vehicle interior features ambient lighting, consumers perceive greater safety, value and comfort, as well as increased interior quality.  Ambient lighting also offers customization to help automakers create a brand identity inside their vehicles.

Federal-Mogul's LED ambient lighting technology can be designed to display one or multiple colors and is easily packaged using the company's innovative light pipe, which provides a homogeneous appearance and larger areas of illumination with fewer light sources. The lighting can be integrated throughout the vehicle or in select areas, such as the instrument panel, center stack, console, door panels, speakers and cup holders.

"Federal-Mogul's lighting technology offers OEMs solid state lighting products with common components that provide numerous alternatives to enhance the style, luxury and perceived spaciousness of a vehicle," said Ramzi Hermiz, senior vice president, Federal-Mogul Vehicle Safety and Protection.  "Our advanced optics development and simulation knowledge enables us to work concurrently with vehicle interior designers to create specialized lighting for vehicle differentiation.  Our unique light pipe design is just one of several new lighting innovations available to OEMs," Hermiz added.

Federal-Mogul's light pipe contains specially-spaced, molded features to evenly distribute LED lighting across the entire length of the light pipe, which is made from transparent plastics and can range in diameter from approximately 3 mm to more than 10 mm.  Using its advanced development tools, Federal-Mogul can design light pipes to direct light only where it is needed, providing a continuous appearance throughout the vehicle.

Metalized Lighting Offers Further Design Alternatives

Federal-Mogul also offers new LED metalized lighting technology, which enables automakers to conceal ambient lighting elements with a metallic-looking finish.  This innovative technology, among the first introduced to the industry, provides interior ambient lighting surfaces with a metallic appearance when the light source is "off" and a lighted appearance when it is "on."  The company's metalized lighting reduces the need for exposed light pipes or lamp lenses and is available in several finishes, including aluminum, copper, nickel, chrome and titanium, among others. 

"Federal-Mogul's metalized interior lighting offers automotive designers a new energy-efficient way to accent a vehicle's interior that previously was not possible," said Hermiz.  "With our new LED ambient lighting technologies, consumers will have an opportunity to see more metallic finishes in vehicles and more uniform illumination to complement those finishes."

LEDs consume approximately 85 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and are essential to the low energy consumption of ambient lighting. LEDs also last nearly ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and generate much less heat, allowing for smaller, thinner packaging and improved installation and styling options.

"Federal-Mogul is working with several OEMs to integrate new interior lighting technologies in future model year vehicles.  Our new LED light pipe and metalized lighting products, along with our touch-free and ultra-thin lighting technologies offer a wide range of ambient and task lighting solutions to create differentiating interior styling.  These products support our strategy for sustainable global profitable growth by offering customers new technology solutions to solve interior design challenges," said Hermiz.

North American International Auto Show Exhibit

New Federal-Mogul lighting innovations, including the company's high-efficiency, touch-free LED interior lamp that can be operated with a simple wave of the hand, will be exhibited in room O2-39 in the Oakland Hall, second floor.  Federal-Mogul's new Advanced Corona Ignition System, which enables up to 10-percent reduced fuel consumption, also will be among the other company technologies on display.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain and safety solutions to the world's foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, commercial, aerospace, marine, rail and off-road vehicles; industrial, agricultural and power generation equipment; as well as the worldwide aftermarket. Federal-Mogul's leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, and global distribution network deliver world-class products, brands and services at a competitive cost. The company's sustainable global profitable growth strategy creates value for its employees, customers and shareholders. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs approximately 45,000 people in 35 countries.

Federal-Mogul's aftermarket products are sold under a variety of well-known brands, including:  Abex®, AE®, ANCO®, Beral®, Carter®, Champion®, FP Diesel®, Fel-Pro®,  Ferodo®, Glyco®, Goetze®, MOOG®, National®, Necto®, Nural®, Payen®, Precision®, Sealed Power®, Speed-Pro® and Wagner®. All Federal-Mogul trademarks are owned by Federal-Mogul Corporation, or one or more of its subsidiaries, in one or more countries. Visit the company's Web site at www.federalmogul.com.

SOURCE Federal-Mogul Corporation