Audi AG of Ingolstadt, Germany, will feature Luxeon white LEDs from Lumileds Lighting LLC of San Jose, Calif., in the headlights of its new luxury sedan, the 450-horsepower, 12-cylinder A8 L 6.0 quattro. The automobile manufacturer notes that using solid-state emitters for daytime running lights offers more than a distinctive design feature.Daytime running lights are required in many countries as a safety measure, and their use is being mandated in more of them. Standard lights, however, are energy-hungry, increasing fuel consumption. In contrast, the efficiency of LEDs means that the five-point headlight from Lumileds has virtually no effect on the fuel consumption of the vehicle.LEDs have seen use in rear-end car lighting, but their output has been insufficient for headlights. Lumileds hopes that the selection of its white LEDs is indicative of a coming trend that will result in a move to efficient solid-state light sources for all vehicle illumination needs.