How to Define Headlamp Light Performance ?

In the last years we recognize a big amount of innovative solutions in the field of automotive lighting and especially in front lighting systems. The major target to improve the light performance and to make driving at night safe is most important. The measure for the performance rating and the ability to compare different systems with a technology neutral process seems to be quite difficult. The legislation is looking for a simplification with clearly defined parameters for the future. Experimental test series recently published causing a lot of discussions as the sensitivity of the aiming of the headlamps can cause completely different performance test results. The paper will report on a study with various production vehicles, all in the same way initially aimed and prepared for all type of technologies. The result gives a clear vision of the progress in terms of safety lighting industry has made in order to enhance light performance and to generate a comfortable driving for all drivers at night. The criteria to classify the light performance will be discussed for future application in the legislation process.