Lumileds details how to profit from winter bulb failures

With fewer daylight hours during winter, the need for vehicle lights obviously goes up. Worsening conditions also bring a surge. With the increased use of lights, this, inevitably, brings more bulb failures – how can you make the most of this opportunity?

“Such are the confines and complexities of today’s engine bays, it can often mean that replacing a bulb can take a few hours,” explained Lumileds Business Development Manager Automotive, UK and Eire, Richard Armstrong. Lumileds manufactures and distributes Philips Automotive Lighting products globally.

Richard continued: “This isn’t something that a workshop wants to have to undertake at its own cost if a new bulb fails prematurely, so the message really is that cheap is often not cost-effective when it comes to car lighting. Selling a high-quality bulb from an OE brand, like Philips, will offer confidence in the product to the workshop customer and, in turn, their enduser customers. It really is a win-win situation, as it will also give both the factor and the workshop customer a higher margin on the product. Also, the motorist will have a better performing bulb that will be safer and, almost certainly, cheaper to own in the long run.”

Repair bulbs in pairs!

Richard claimed: “It is always worth drawing everyone’s attention to the fact that headlamp bulbs should always be replaced in pairs. This is simply because if one needs replacing, the other is also likely to do so shortly afterwards. It is also really important to ensure that both bulbs are of matching performance and quality…We firmly believe that selling a quality light not only offers a higher margin but also peace of mind for all concerned.”

Award-winning range…

Philips headlamp bulbs have racked up the awards too, as Richard explained: “Our Philips headlamp bulbs are all produced to OE specification – or better! – and offer excellent long-term value for money. This is further reinforced by the fact that our bulbs have recently won the coveted Best Buy award in both categories of this year’s Auto Express bulb mega-test. Our already multi award-winning RacingVision GT200 – which was the first halogen bulb rated up to 200% brighter than the industry standard – took the Halogen honours, while our X-tremeVision Gen2 D3S took victory in the HiD Xenon category.”

Auxiliary lighting: a growing demand and a growing market

There are some situations – driving to a location in the country, for instance – when, even on full beam, it would be useful to have more light in order to make driving and manoeuvring vehicles safer and easier.

Richard expanded: “Drivers who are looking for improved visibility now have a choice of powerful, LED auxiliary driving lights, which combine superior length and width of illumination with rugged design. Philips’ portfolio now offers the latest in auxiliary vehicle lighting, which has the power to cut through darkness with safety and style.

“With the entry-level Ultinon Drive 2000, mid-level 5000 and the flagship 7000/5100 ranges and with a selection of lightbars and multi-LED single units – including one with an amazing 1km light range – there is an auxiliary light for all types of operator and application.

“The entire Philips Ultinon Drive range is tough. In addition to IK07 impact resistance, a sturdy one-piece body, and an unbreakable polycarbonate lens, every light in the 7000 and 5100 series is also IP68/69K-rated for protection from dust and water ingress. Even high-pressure power washers used for cleaning cars and trucks won’t damage the lights! They also benefit from stainless-steel mounting brackets that can withstand ice, snow, and salt – the worst that winter can throw at them!”

Winter may be a time of short days, but from a lighting perspective, in terms of new business potential, Lumileds believes it is the brightest season of the year.