Volvo Unveils High-Beam-Only Headlamps

This spring Volvo Car Corp. will introduce new headlamps that operate continuously on high beam and use shutters as needed to block glare.

The so-called Active High Beam system employs a camera mounted behind the inside rearview mirror to look for oncoming traffic and other vehicles in the same lane.

The concept is similar to the SmartBeam system developed by Zeeland, Mich.-based Gentex Corp., which debuted last year in Europe in BMW 3 Series small sedans. That technology also uses computer-controlled shutters to block portions of the beam.

The system combines software developed by Volvo with a lamp system supplied by Valeo SA. Each headlamp assembly contains a small computer-controlled cylinder made of shaped metal shutters. Rotating the cylinder shades selected areas while allowing full illumination on either side of the road.

The technology can accurately frame an object selected by the camera with 1.5 accuracy, according to Volvo. The company intends to offer the system in the S60 small sedan, V60 wagon and XC60 crossover.