I've been running the Xtreme Power bulbs for years in all my cars where a Philips bulb was available (9006, 9007, 9008). I notice now that they have a new series, the Xtreme Vision. I went to my usual website at candlepowerinc.com and find out that they are only available in a H1,H4,and H7 configuration. Strange, because other sites have virtually all configurations available. One place has the 9003-9008, H7, and H11 for sale. I wrote Candlepower and asked them when I would be able to get a set of 9008's from them. Their reply was very interesting, which I will copy and paste here:
"The lamps came out in October 2013 and was immediately available through some of their European Partnership Retail Stores. Thus far, the only authorized lamps (not counterfeit) available through Philips North America to the distributors are what you see on our website (H1 H7 H4(9003)). One has to know that the 9008(H13) lamp, although popular with pickups and utility vehicles, they never panned out as popular bulb in the automotive aftermarket (four lamp type setup (separate Hi and Lo Beams)). Philips should release the 9008(H13) XV once they have exhausted most of the XTP types that they had manufactured for years. We should be able to order them early-mid 2014.
Be aware that all of the internet 9008(H13) lamps are not genuine."
So, I was going to order a pair of 9008's, but after Candlepower's reply, I didn't. Instead, I wrote Philips NA to inquire if they had knowledge of these non-authorized bulbs and if they could be gray-market instead of counterfeit. Of course I haven't heard back from them yet.
I trust Candlepower so I'm going to wait, at least until (if) I hear back from Philips.
"The lamps came out in October 2013 and was immediately available through some of their European Partnership Retail Stores. Thus far, the only authorized lamps (not counterfeit) available through Philips North America to the distributors are what you see on our website (H1 H7 H4(9003)). One has to know that the 9008(H13) lamp, although popular with pickups and utility vehicles, they never panned out as popular bulb in the automotive aftermarket (four lamp type setup (separate Hi and Lo Beams)). Philips should release the 9008(H13) XV once they have exhausted most of the XTP types that they had manufactured for years. We should be able to order them early-mid 2014.
Be aware that all of the internet 9008(H13) lamps are not genuine."
So, I was going to order a pair of 9008's, but after Candlepower's reply, I didn't. Instead, I wrote Philips NA to inquire if they had knowledge of these non-authorized bulbs and if they could be gray-market instead of counterfeit. Of course I haven't heard back from them yet.
I trust Candlepower so I'm going to wait, at least until (if) I hear back from Philips.
