LEDONE Connected: The Smart V16 Emergency Light Designed for All Roads and All Drivers

Initiative details

The LEDONE Connected project began in early 2021, following the publication of new Spanish regulations promoting connected emergency signaling, specifically through the Real Decreto 159/2021. The objective was to develop a V16 emergency light that would not only meet legal standards but go further in terms of safety, visibility, and connectivity. Sustainability was not a regulatory requirement, but a value deeply embedded in Erum Vial's philosophy and business model.

The first phase focused on R&D, resulting in a high-visibility design (the tallest on the market) with 360° lighting powered by 10 high-intensity LEDs, a dual magnetic/adhesive fixation system for universal vehicle compatibility, and the optional LEDONE Arrow for enhanced lateral visibility in large vehicles.

Erum Vial integrated NB-IoT connectivity provided by Vodafone, ensuring reliable communication with national road safety authorities. Additionally, we developed the LEDONE mobile app to offer real-time connection confirmation, direct access to emergency contacts, and tow tracking tools.

The project followed a phased timeline:

• 2021: Technical research, regulatory analysis, and initial design with a focus on safety, visibility, and integration of IoT.
• 2022–2023: Industrialization of the product in Erum's manufacturing plant in Alcoy, using 100% recycled plastic and applying sustainability practices as a corporate commitment—not due to any regulatory mandate.
• 2024–2025: Full-scale distribution across Spain with more than 20,000 sales points and ongoing collection of field data for product improvement.

Key activities include app development (LEDONE App), firmware updates, user feedback analysis, and public awareness campaigns on connected safety devices. The project is ongoing and ready for European scalability, with continuous improvement based on real-world use and user feedback.

Initiative date

Who was/is your target audience?

Public authorities
Car drivers
Car drivers – professional
Emergency services
Van drivers

Topic

Improve vehicles and infrastructure
Provide alternative solutions

Organisation details

Erum Vial S.L.
Enterprise
Spain
ALCOY

Contact name

Ignacio Palmer González

Telephone number

+34663138182

Website link

Project activities

If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.

The success of the LEDONE Connected initiative has been significantly supported by a network of strategic partners, each contributing expertise in their respective fields:

• Vodafone: Provided the NB-IoT connectivity infrastructure that enables LEDONE Connected devices to communicate reliably with national road safety platforms. Their technology ensures wide coverage, minimal latency, and low power consumption—critical for emergency devices that must function in all environments.
• ITAE: Played a central role in the hardware integration and connectivity technology, helping adapt the V16 emergency light to meet the strict communication standards required by authorities while ensuring efficient operation under real-world conditions.
• ITSoft: Led the development of the LEDONE mobile app, a key interface for users. The app enables real-time confirmation of connection to the authorities, communication with insurance companies, tow tracking, and additional safety features.

Each of these partners brought critical value to the project, ensuring that the solution was not only compliant with regulation but also user-friendly, robust, and scalable. Their collaboration has been essential to transforming LEDONE from a concept into a fully functional, high-impact safety device with national reach.

Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.

The LEDONE Connected project has been developed through a multi-phase approach combining research, product development, manufacturing, distribution, and awareness efforts.

Between 2021 and 2022, Erum Vial conducted technical research and regulatory analysis aligned with Real Decreto 159/2021. This phase led to the design of a high-visibility emergency beacon, incorporating ten high-intensity LEDs, 360° lighting, dual magnetic and adhesive fixation, and the LEDONE Arrow accessory for lateral visibility in large vehicles.

In 2022–2023, industrialization began at Erum’s factory in Alcoy (Spain), using 100% recycled plastic and sustainable manufacturing methods. The connectivity infrastructure was established through a collaboration with Vodafone (NB-IoT) and ITAE for the firmware and communications platform, while the mobile app was developed with ITSoft, integrating services like connection confirmation, emergency calls, and tow tracking.

In 2024–2025, full-scale deployment was launched via major distribution networks including Grupo Soledad, Leroy Merlin, and thousands of workshops across Spain, surpassing 20,000 retail points.

Parallel activities include LEDONE firmware updates, direct user support, and public education campaigns. These actions ensure real-time adaptation based on field data, enhance user safety, and promote awareness of connected road safety technologies.

In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?

The implementation of the LEDONE Connected project has demonstrated strong results thanks to a combination of robust planning, agile development, and close collaboration with partners and end users.

What worked particularly well was the phased development strategy, which allowed Erum Vial to iterate and improve based on testing, real-world simulations, and user feedback before launching at scale. The use of recycled plastic in manufacturing not only reduced environmental impact but also resonated positively with distributors and end users, enhancing the brand's sustainability positioning.

Another key success factor was the strong industrial base in Alcoy, Spain, which ensured control over production, logistics agility, and responsiveness to demand fluctuations during rollout. The partnership with Vodafone for NB-IoT connectivity and ITSoft for app development guaranteed a highly reliable technical solution, essential for road safety products.

However, challenges also emerged. Navigating the regulatory landscape required frequent coordination with homologation bodies, and ensuring compatibility across various vehicle types—including those with fiberglass or non-metallic roofs—demanded rigorous testing. Educating distributors and users on the benefits of connected signaling versus traditional methods required tailored campaigns and training.

Despite these challenges, the project’s implementation has proven scalable, replicable, and highly impactful in real-world contexts.

Evaluation

Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).

To assess the impact of the LEDONE Connected initiative, we implemented a multi-layered evaluation strategy combining digital metrics, field data, and stakeholder feedback.

• Sales and Distribution Reach: As of 2025, LEDONE Connected is available in over 20,000 points of sale across Spain, including national retail partners and specialized workshops such as Grupo Soledad. This wide distribution demonstrates strong market penetration and public access.
• User Feedback: We actively gather insights through the LEDONE mobile app, which allows users to report performance, suggest improvements, and confirm successful DGT connectivity. Feedback has influenced firmware updates and app enhancements.
• Digital Engagement: Our awareness campaigns have reached over 3 million users via social media, digital media placements, and educational content. Engagement levels—such as video views, shares, and comments—reflect a growing awareness of V16 obligations and connected safety technology.
• Partnership Impact: Collaboration with insurers, emergency service providers, and retailers has expanded awareness and accelerated adoption. Stakeholders have reported increased customer inquiries and confidence in adopting LEDONE.
• Benchmarking & Product Returns: Field testing and product returns are closely monitored. LEDONE has maintained a low return rate, indicating strong performance and user satisfaction.

Impact has been observed at a national level, with potential to replicate the model across Europe.

What has been the effect of the activities?

The rollout of LEDONE Connected has produced measurable and relevant outcomes in the advancement of road safety in Spain:

• Retail Reach and Availability: The device is now distributed in over 20,000 workshops and stores across the country, ensuring accessibility to millions of drivers, especially in high-traffic or accident-prone areas.
• Public Awareness and Education: National campaigns—through digital media, point-of-sale materials, and partner collaboration—have helped educate the public on the transition to connected V16 lights, aligning with the mandatory shift by January 2026. These campaigns have reached an estimated 4 million individuals.
• Impact on Roadside Safety: According to DGT traffic data, pedestrian fatalities on highways and expressways have decreased following the July 2023 directive that removed the obligation to place warning triangles on these roads. This aligns with the core purpose of LEDONE Connected—avoiding the need to exit the vehicle during an emergency, thereby reducing exposure to high-speed traffic.
• Stakeholder Adoption: Professional fleets and insurance networks have shown growing interest in LEDONE Connected as a trusted device for roadside safety, particularly due to its connectivity, visibility, and regulatory compliance.
• National and Regional Effect: Though the impact is currently observed on a national level, the initiative’s model—combining visibility, eco-design, and connected technology—is generating interest in other European regions for future adaptation.

Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.

LEDONE Connected represents a comprehensive and replicable model of how innovation can serve public safety, environmental responsibility, and digital transformation—while aligning with new national regulations. It addresses a critical pain point in road safety: the high risk of pedestrian fatalities during emergency stops on fast roads.

Rather than simply complying with the law, Erum Vial designed LEDONE Connected to exceed the minimum requirements by integrating superior visibility, reliable IoT connectivity via Vodafone’s NB-IoT network, and a universal fixation system that ensures use on all vehicle types—including large and non-metallic ones. The optional LEDONE Arrow accessory further enhances visibility for professional and high-tonnage vehicles.

What makes this initiative stand out is the seamless integration of technology, sustainability, and user-centric design. Manufactured in Alcoy (Spain) using 100% recycled plastic, LEDONE proves that responsible production and high-impact safety solutions can go hand in hand.

Information about the initiative has been actively disseminated through regional and national media outlets, social media channels, road safety forums, trade fairs, and direct collaboration with retail and mobility partners. This visibility has positioned the project as a national benchmark, while also creating the conditions for future international adoption.

How have you shared information about your project and its results?

Erum Vial has implemented a robust communication strategy to ensure the dissemination and visibility of LEDONE Connected across different audiences:

• Media Coverage: The project has been featured in major national and regional outlets, including Alicante Plaza, Motor 16, and TodoTransporte, reaching both general and professional audiences.
• Social Media and Digital Platforms: Regular posts from company leaders (such as the CEO and commercial director) on LinkedIn and other platforms have generated thousands of impressions and strong engagement within the road safety and mobility sectors.
• Trade Fairs and Industry Events: LEDONE has been showcased at motor shows, transport expos, and institutional events, particularly those focused on road safety innovation.
• Point-of-Sale and Retail Campaigns: With more than 20,000 distribution points including Grupo Soledad, Leroy Merlin and others, in-store materials and staff training have been used to promote the importance of using connected V16 devices.
• Collaborations with Fleets and Authorities: Partnerships with logistics companies, public bus fleets, and emergency services have not only helped spread awareness but also demonstrated the product’s real-world benefits.

This broad communication effort has ensured that the LEDONE Connected initiative is widely known on a local and national scale and is already sparking interest across European markets.

Supporting materials