Leading Automotive Lighting Manufacturer Chooses DuPont's Zytel for Adaptive Lighting Solution

Valeo, the world's leading manufacturer of automotive lighting products, has chosen DuPont(TM) Zytel(R) HTN PPA for use in the company's adaptive front lighting systems that are used on a number of vehicles such as the Volkswagen Passat or the Citroen C4. Such systems provide drivers with enhanced night visibility for improved safety.

Adaptive headlamp systems can actively change the intensity and direction of illumination in response to changes in vehicle speed or steering angle. As a result, drivers can see road curves better at night. The significant increase in night driving illumination minimizes driver stress and fatigue at road curves and intersections, thus improving driver comfort in all weather and road conditions. Valeo's Xenon headlamps are designed for medium to high speed driving and can double the driver's visibility distance on road curves.

DuPont is a leader in the development of thermoplastics with performance properties that enable the replacement of metals. As auto makers move toward more lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles, DuPont resins provide the high strength and temperature resistance that make replacement of metals possible. An example is the high strength and heat resistant grade of Zytel(R) HTN that replaces metal in this Valeo headlamp system component. The glass reinforced PPA part can maintain performance and dimensional stability at temperatures of 150 degrees Celsius.