Who needs headlights or taillights when lights can be integrated into body panels, as shown by Magna's Breakthrough Lighting?
Automotive supplier Magna on Thursday unveiled lighting hardware that can be integrated with vehicle body panels. Dubbed Breakthrough Lighting, it will be ready for production in 2023, Magna said in a press release.
The demonstration setup has lighting elements roughly where you'd normally find conventional taillights, but they remain hidden until illuminated. Customers can choose from"an extensive color palette" for these lights, Magna said. Magna also mentioned"refining communication between the user, the vehicle, and its surroundings." Using exterior lights to flash signals to other vehicles and pedestrians has been discussed as a way to improve safety, particularly with autonomous vehicles. Without human drivers to make eye contact or use hand signals, those vehicles may need an alternate ways to communicate with other road users.