Commenting on the lighting opportunity, Kristin Tränka, Campaign and Communications Professional at OSRAM, said: “There’s a common misconception that bulbs are a seasonal product only.” She went on to say: “However bulbs can dim at any point during the year and it’s crucial to replace bulbs as soon as possible to ensure optimal lighting during dark nights.” Looking towards the various OSRAM offerings, Kristin observed: “OSRAM upgrade Xenon bulbs generate up to 220% more brightness when compared to the minimum legal standard. Xenon bulbs also use less energy and have a longer life span than halogen bulbs.” Next up is the Halogen range: “Due to their impressive beam range, performance and longevity,” said Kristin, “OSRAM’s halogen bulb offering has always been incredibly popular amongst drivers, technicians and retailers.” Then there is the LED range. Kirstin added: “The LEDriving retrofit portfolio includes LED bulbs for high and low beam, fog, signalling and interior lighting applications. These retrofit LEDs provide superior brightness and colour temperatures of up to 6,500 kelvin. Due to legislation in the UK, these bulbs are therefore only suitable for off-road use.” 44 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 LIGHTING www.aftermarketonline.net For more information, visit: www.osram.co.uk/am State of flux Also looking at the LED conundrum, Lumileds’ Richard Armstrong observed: “LED lights are more and more the standard choice of manufacturers for new vehicles, and with them comes greater life and performance. Other than accident damage, given the relatively recent adoption of LED into the mainstream, the replacement market is still a small one – although LED upgrades are starting to appear. “That said, Halogen bulbs remain the most common type of bulb on the market and heading Lumileds’ halogen offer is this year’s Auto Express Headlamp of the Year, the multiaward-winning Philips RacingVision GT200. It offers an excellent upsell opportunity, as does its sibling, a great allround halogen headlamp bulb, the Philips X-tremeVision Pro150. “In addition, there are also still opportunities with HID Xenon bulbs, but the area of greatest growth – and certainly future potential growth – comes with the introduction of LED light units that are retro-fitted to replace halogen bulbs. A quality LED retrofit, that is properly fitted and adjusted will outperform and outlast its halogen counterpart. LOOKING FOR MR BRIGHTSIDE With additional income streams more important than ever, lighting is a growing opportunity for garages that should be embraced
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