VEHICLE INTERIOR PANEL SURFACE LIGHTING

A vehicle interior panel can be constructed to include accent lighting in the form of an electroluminescent element that includes a thin multi-layer film disposed over a substrate. The multi-layer film is sufficiently thin to conform to the shape of the substrate surface over which it is disposed, making it possible to integrate accent lighting with the panel in a manner that gives the impression that the light is produced at the visible outer surface of the panel. The substrate plays a dual role, providing both the overall shape, contour, and structure for the panel while additionally functioning as one of the electrodes of the electroluminescent element. The substrate includes an electrically active material that is integrated into a plastic material either by blending an additive with the plastic material prior to molding the substrate, or by insert molding and embedding electrically conductive material into the plastic material.