Grote LED Daytime Running Lamps Contribute to Unique Style and Performance of Scania R-series Truck of the Year

Leading Vehicle Lighting Manufacturer Continues to Gain
Attention and Acceptance in Europe and Beyond

MADISON, Ind., USA (March 30, 2010) — Grote Industries, a world leader in high-performance LED lighting technology for the transportation industry, has designed the industry’s first LED Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) for the new Scania R-series.

The new lamp represents Grote’s cutting-edge solution to style, technology and performance challenges set forth by Scania in the conceptual stages of the design.

“Our early work with Scania’s styling professionals proved to them that we understood their vision,” John Grote, vice president of sales and marketing, said. “Grote’s design engineers were able to create a high-performance daytime running lamp that met the rigorous functional and appearance requirements set forth by the Scania design team.”

Grote’s sleek, four-diode design concept captured Scania’s attention by delivering significant light output and by incorporating advanced heat management technology that made the enhanced performance and compact size possible. Scania was so impressed with Grote’s conceptual work and prototypes that they made the decision to incorporate Grote’s new lamp into the integrated bumper of the R-series.

Grote introduced the first commercially available LED lamp to the heavy-duty vehicle marketplace more than 20 years ago, and called upon their vast experience in LED thermal management and optic design to create the new lamp.

“Grote earned Scania’s confidence and the lamp contract by demonstrating world-class design and engineering skills,” Grote said. “Our design engineers were able to create a high-performance, four-diode daytime running lamp that was in harmony with Scania’s aesthetic vision, while improving the vehicle’s uptime and visibility.”

Scania’s new R-series range of trucks was selected as the International Truck of the Year 2010. The award is the most prestigious distinction in the European truck industry. The ITOY jury’s statement cited the aerodynamic design of the R-series, which includes the streamlined grill and bumper design that incorporates Grote’s DRL.

The International Truck of the Year 2010 award was presented to Scania in December of 2009. The award is given to the truck model that has made the strongest contribution toward making road transport more efficient during the previous 12 months.

The new DRL emits Grote’s distinctive LED WhiteLight beam – a feature that complements the distinctive, signature appearance of the vehicle. The lamps are available as an option and can also be purchased in the form of an aftermarket, retrofit product.

Grote’s success with the exterior DRL also earned them an opportunity to create LED lighting for applications inside the cab of the R-series. The vehicle’s cab has been characterized by the ITOY jury as highly attractive, with a high level of comfort and ergonomics.

“We’re happy to have made contributions to this impressive vehicle,” Grote said. “We compliment Scania for their vision and innovation and congratulate them for receiving the recognition they so clearly deserve.”

Product and usage images of the new Scania Daytime Running Lamp can be found here:
http://www3.scania.com/en/New-R-series/International/Gallery

For more information on the new Scania Daytime Running Lamp, please click the following:
Left side: Scania part # 1931613 (Grote part # 8429-72)
Right side: Scania part # 1931614 (Grote part # 8430-72)

- END -

Editor’s Note:
About Grote Industries
Grote Industries is a family-owned company and is QS-9000, TS16949 and ISO 14001 certified. The leading manufacturer and marketer of vehicle safety systems products, Grote Industries engineers and manufactures LED, fluorescent and incandescent lamps, mirrors, wiring systems, turn signal switches, connection accessories and reflective accessories. For more than 109 years, Grote has provided state-of-the-art solutions for OEM and aftermarket customers worldwide. Headquartered in Madison, Indiana, USA, Grote also maintains locations in Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Additional information is available at grote.com.

LED WhiteLight is a trademark of Grote Industries.

About Scania
Scania is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, and of industrial and marine engines. A growing proportion of the company’s operations consist of products and services in the financial and service sectors, assuring Scania customers of cost-effective transport solutions and maximum uptime. Employing 35,000 people, Scania operates in about 100 countries. Research and development activities are concentrated in Sweden, while production takes place in Europe and South America, with facilities for global interchange of both components and complete vehicles. In 2008, invoiced sales totaled SEK 89 billion and net income amounted to SEK 8.9 billion. Scania press releases are available at http://www.scania.com