Hella Stiftung GmbH

What Hella Stiftung GmbH does

FORVIA HELLA, the automotive business of the FORVIA Group formed through the 2022 merger of Faurecia and HELLA, is a publicly listed German automotive supplier headquartered in Lippstadt with FY2023 sales of €8.0 billion (€8.1 billion currency and portfolio-adjusted) and three reporting Business Groups: Lighting (€3.9 billion), Electronics (€3.4 billion), and Lifecycle Solutions (€1.1 billion). As part of FORVIA — the seventh-largest automotive technology supplier worldwide with combined sales of €25.5 billion and approximately 157,000 employees — the company sells advanced lighting systems, vehicle electronics, and aftermarket products to automotive OEMs, commercial vehicle manufacturers, and the independent workshop channel.

The technology stack centers on high-resolution LED lighting — most notably SSL|HD with over 32,000 individually controllable pixels per headlamp (co-developed with Porsche for the Cayenne) and FlatLight technology (CES 2024 Innovation Award) — alongside 77 GHz radar sensors, intelligent battery sensors, the Coolant Control Hub thermal management platform, UWB-based Smart Car Access, a 12-volt lithium-ion battery pack launched in 2026, and software products such as the Traffic Rule Engine (co-developed with TÜV Rheinland) for autonomous vehicles. The Lifecycle Solutions Business Group distributes approximately 46,000 spare parts globally and operates the Hella Gutmann workshop diagnostics and ADAS calibration network (CSC-Tool family, mega macs devices).

Revenue is generated through three channels: (1) direct OEM supply of original equipment to vehicle manufacturers (the majority), (2) independent aftermarket distribution of spare parts, wear parts, and brake products (Hella Pagid, fully acquired in October 2024) to workshops and dealers worldwide, and (3) Special Original Equipment (SOE) sales to manufacturers of agricultural, construction, and marine vehicles. B2B pricing is contractually negotiated and not publicly disclosed. FY2023 operating income rose approximately 65% to €486 million (margin 6.1%, up from 4.1%), order intake reached approximately €11 billion, and FORVIA cost synergies contributed €190 million; the company is now executing a European competitiveness program targeting €400 million in annual gross savings by 2028 and an IGNITE strategy that aims to double commercial vehicle industry revenues by 2030.

Name

Hella Stiftung GmbH

Legal name

HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA

Website

https://hella.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1899

Operating status

Operating

Short description

FORVIA HELLA is a German automotive supplier specializing in advanced LED lighting (SSL|HD, FlatLight), vehicle electronics (77 GHz radar, battery and thermal management, UWB access), and aftermarket spare parts and diagnostics, serving OEMs such as Porsche, Audi, and Zeekr, commercial vehicle manufacturers, and the independent workshop channel.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Lighting and Electronics

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (3345), Automatic Environmental Control Manufacturing for Residential, Commercial, and Appliance Use (334512)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Lighting Systems & Components Manufacturing (LED/Headlamps/Signal/Interior) (IMACAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aftermarket Lighting & Visibility Products Manufacturing (Bulbs/LED Kits/Headlamps/Mirrors/Cameras) (IMACANAG), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF)

Keywords

• Automotive lighting technology
• Vehicle electronics sensors
• Automotive spare parts
• Workshop diagnostic equipment
• Commercial vehicle components

Headquarters

HQ city

Lippstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Original Equipment (OE) - Lighting: Sales of automotive lighting products (headlamps, rear combination lamps, auxiliary lamps) to OEM vehicle manufacturers as original equipment. Lighting Business Group generated €3.9 billion in fiscal year 2023.
2. Original Equipment (OE) - Electronics: Sales of vehicle electronics including radar sensors, battery management systems, voltage converters, body electronics, and thermal management products to OEMs. Electronics Business Group generated €3.4 billion in fiscal year 2023.
3. Lifecycle Solutions - Aftermarket & Workshop: Sales of spare parts, wear parts, and accessories to independent aftermarket; workshop equipment and diagnostic tools through Hella Gutmann Solutions. Lifecycle Solutions Business Group generated €1.1 billion in fiscal year 2023. Includes brake products through Hella Pagid, thermal management components, ADAS calibration tools, and commercial vehicle products.

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FORVIA HELLA is an internationally positioned automotive supplier that develops and manufactures high-performance lighting technology (headlamps, rear combination lamps, signal lamps) and vehicle electronics (radar sensors, battery management systems, thermal management, smart access systems) for automotive OEMs. Its three Business Groups — Lighting, Electronics, and Lifecycle Solutions — supply original equipment directly to vehicle manufacturers while also serving the independent aftermarket with approximately 46,000 spare parts and workshop diagnostic tools (Hella Gutmann).

Product overview

FORVIA HELLA is an internationally positioned automotive supplier operating under the FORVIA umbrella brand, with three main Business Groups: Lighting, Electronics, and Lifecycle Solutions. The Lighting Business Group offers advanced headlamp technologies including the SSL | HD high-resolution headlamp system with matrix LED technology, FlatLight technology, LeanLED II, SlimLine product family, and various auxiliary lamps like K-LED Nano and Black Magic series. The Electronics Business Group provides vehicle electronics including Smart Car Access (UWB-based digital access), Coolant Control Hub (thermal management), 77 GHz radar sensors, intelligent battery sensors, and voltage converters. The Lifecycle Solutions Business Group covers the aftermarket and workshop business including Hella Gutmann diagnostic devices (mega macs series), ADAS calibration tools (CSC-Tool family), Hella Pagid brake products, and thermal management spare parts. The company also develops software solutions like the Traffic Rule Engine for autonomous vehicles.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SSL | HD Matrix Headlamp Digital high-resolution headlamp system with over 32,000 individually controllable LED pixels per headlamp, featuring adaptive glare-free high beam and dynamic lane projection for advanced driver assistance. Launched with Porsche for the new Cayenne.
• FlatLight Technology Ultra-thin lighting concept successfully transferred from rear combination lamp to front daytime running light application; first front daytime running light in series production starting 2025.
• LeanLED II Combined front and rear LED lamp for commercial and special vehicles providing uniform light signature with modern compact design.
• SlimLine Product Family Modular LED lighting family including combination lamps, rear lamps and auxiliary headlamps for various commercial vehicle applications.
• K-LED Nano Series Beacon lighting family expanded with models 50, 80 and 120 for commercial vehicle applications.
• Black Magic Tough Pro Lightbar Series Robust LED auxiliary headlamp series for off-road and commercial vehicles featuring high-boost mode and welcome/goodbye light functions.
• DynaRay Lightbar Series Efficient LED lighting technology for off-road and commercial vehicles with high-boost mode functionality.
• 12-volt Lithium-Ion Battery Pack Intelligent low-voltage power supply system integrating lithium-ion cells and battery management system for electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Smart Car Access System Digital vehicle access system enabling hands-free smartphone access using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology with relay attack protection.
• Coolant Control Hub / Coolant Control Hub max Thermal management system combining all necessary functions for efficient vehicle temperature control; the max version provides customized individual cooling for vehicle interior and battery in a joint water-glycol circuit.
• 77 GHz Radar Sensors Radar sensors for automated driving applications enabling detection of objects and environment for advanced driver assistance systems.
• Intelligent Battery Sensors (IBS) Sensors for 24-volt vehicle electrical systems ensuring optimum energy management in trucks, buses and construction machinery, suitable for combustion engines and electric motors.
• Accelerator Pedal Sensors Pedal position sensors for vehicle control; HELLA is global market leader with over 40 percent share and has manufactured 500 millionth unit.
• CSC-Tool Calibration Tools CSC-Tool Digital, CSC-Tool SE, and CSC-Tool Mobile ADAS calibration tools from Hella Gutmann for calibrating cameras, lidar, and radar sensors providing highly accurate calibration results for safety-related driver assistance systems.
• mega macs Diagnostic Devices Professional vehicle diagnostic devices from Hella Gutmann with SDI software featuring automated diagnostics function for comprehensive vehicle testing, including mega macs PC SE software solution converting notebooks to diagnostic devices.
• Universal Angular Sensor with CIPOS Technology Precision angle sensor with CIPOS® technology for construction machinery applications offering versatility and high accuracy measurements.
• Hella Pagid Brake Products Brake components and accessories including brake pads, brake discs and brake hydraulics for the global automotive aftermarket; HELLA acquired full control from TMD Friction in 2024 and distributes brake products under HELLA brand from October 2024.
• Intelligent Power Distribution Module (iPDM) Central component for autonomous driving providing intelligent power distribution and management for vehicle electrical systems.
• LEDayFlex III Modular Light System Modular LED lighting system combining daytime running light, position light and indicator functions with innovative EdgeLight technology.
• High Voltage Battery Diagnostics Professional evaluation tool for second-hand electric vehicles enabling workshop diagnostics of high-voltage battery systems.
• Traffic Rule Engine Software Software module developed with TÜV Rheinland enabling autonomous vehicles (SAE level 3 and higher) to know and comply with applicable local traffic regulations based on sensor and map data; updatable via over-the-air updates.
• Thermal Management Components (Aftermarket) Thermal management spare parts for the automotive aftermarket, with an initial range of 1,200 parts and expansion planned to 6,000 by 2027.

Quantifiable outcome

• SSL|HD headlamp reduces installation space by up to 75 percent compared to conventional headlamps
• +14 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature15 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and flagship.

• AudimajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2024Co-development with Audi for digital headlamp concept for Q6 e-tron. Digital daytime running light matrix gives end users option to select preferred digital light signature from up to eight preset designs. FORVIA HELLA and Audi breaking new ground in customizable vehicle lighting.
• KTMmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2024Co-development with KTM for holistic motorcycle headlamp concept for 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R models. Based on HELLA M60 LED module with specially developed lens system. Industrial design customized to KTM specifications creating characteristic 'face' for motorcycles. Production started in Austria at HELLA Fahrzeugteile Austria.
• XovismajorTechnology or Integration · 9 January 2024Agreement for Xovis to acquire HELLA Aglaia's People Sensing business. Transaction expected to close within three to six months (expected by June 2024). HELLA's People Sensing business (65 employees) active in high-precision people counting sensors for public transportation. Xovis focuses on airports, retail, and stadiums. People Sensing to be managed as complementary third pillar in Xovis portfolio. Not affected by sale: Global Software House and other Aglaia business areas (energy management, lighting control).
• TÜV RheinlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2024Collaboration for development of 'Traffic Rule Engine' software for autonomous vehicles (SAE level 3 and higher). Hella Aglaia focuses on software development and traffic rules database; TÜV Rheinland provides type approval support and compliance with approval-relevant requirements. Software module knows applicable local traffic regulations and enables autonomous vehicles to behave in accordance with rules. Can be updated via over-the-air updates. Target markets initially Europe and North America.
• TMD FrictioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023Joint venture Hella Pagid (founded 2013) between HELLA and TMD Friction for brake components and accessories on global automotive aftermarket. Agreement for HELLA to acquire TMD Friction's 50% share, making HELLA sole shareholder from October 2024. TMD Friction to regain sole control of Pagid brand and expand global sales from October 2024. TMD Friction to continue supplying brake pads to HELLA. HELLA to distribute brake products under HELLA brand from October 2024.
• RKW Architektur +minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 28 July 2023Renowned Düsseldorf architectural firm commissioned for planning the new headquarters at Lippstadt site. RKW Architektur + has also realized Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences (HSHL) near HELLA headquarters. Architectural concept integrates company headquarters into Lippstadt townscape with open campus and protected R&D area.
• PorscheflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2023Close cooperation with Porsche to launch world's first SSL|HD matrix headlamp (high-resolution headlamp based on matrix LED technology) in new Porsche Cayenne. Over 32,000 individually controllable pixels per headlamp. Developed at Lippstadt headquarters with series production on nearly fully automated production lines.
• ADACmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 November 2022Partnership between Hella Gutmann and ADAC (German automobile club) for telematics and remote diagnosis. 'Yellow Angels' roadside assistance fleet receives telematics support enabling remote vehicle diagnostics. Partnership extended in 2022 for telematics and remote diagnosis capabilities.
• Air LiquidecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2022Co-development partnership with Air Liquide for Cryogenic Hydrogen Storage solution. Leverages higher energy density of liquid hydrogen to create compact storage solution with 40% reduced volume compared to gaseous hydrogen storage. Enables up to 1,000 km range for hydrogen vehicles. Particularly suited for intensive usage and large autonomy. Part of FORVIA's zero-emission products for hydrogen mobility.
• Symbio (part of FORVIA)coreTechnology or Integration · 20 September 2022Integration of Symbio's 150kW fuel cell stack in FORVIA demo truck at IAA Transportation 2022, demonstrating full hydrogen system capabilities for heavy-duty applications as part of FORVIA's combined Faurecia and HELLA product portfolio.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Direct peers

• Valeo SA: Valeo is the closest direct peer to HELLA: a French automotive supplier with a major Lighting Business Group (matrix LED, LED headlamps) and electronics (sensors, thermal management). Both supply global OEMs with similar headlamp and electronics portfolios, competing head-to-head on premium and mass-market lighting programs. <parameter name="peer_description">
• Marelli Holdings Co., Ltd. Marelli is a direct peer in automotive lighting (headlamps, rear lamps) and electronics (instrument clusters, ADAS sensors). It overlaps with HELLA in supplying global OEMs with both lamp and electronic control units, although currently undergoing financial restructuring which differentiates its risk profile.
• Stanley Electric Co., Ltd. Stanley Electric is a Japanese specialist in automotive LED lighting and lamps, competing directly with HELLA in headlamp modules and signal lamps. Both serve global OEMs and are pursuing miniaturized, high-resolution LED technologies.
• Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Koito is the world's largest automotive lighting manufacturer and HELLA's primary direct competitor in headlamps and signal lamps. Comparable technology roadmap (LED, matrix, ADAS-integrated lighting) and similar customer base among Japanese, European, and increasingly Chinese OEMs.

Broad incumbents

• Denso Corporation: Denso is a top-tier global automotive supplier with overlapping product lines in vehicle electronics, sensors, thermal management, and increasingly lighting electronics. Comparable tier-1 scale and relationships with Japanese and global OEMs.
• Aptiv PLC: Aptiv is a global automotive technology supplier with overlapping electrical architecture, ADAS, and electronic systems offerings. While less focused on lighting than HELLA, it competes in the same software-defined vehicle and electronics systems layer with premium and mass-market OEMs.
• Robert Bosch GmbH: Bosch is the largest automotive supplier globally and a broad incumbent that overlaps HELLA across lighting, sensors (radar/lidar/ultrasonic), battery management, thermal management, and UWB access. Comparable ADAS sensor portfolio; broader portfolio but less specialized in lighting.
• Continental AG: Continental is a broad automotive technology incumbent with overlapping lighting electronics, radar sensors, and software-defined vehicle capabilities. Less dominant in headlamps than HELLA but increasingly competitive in sensor-fusion and ADAS electronics where HELLA competes.
• ZF Friedrichshafen AG: ZF is a broad automotive tier-1 overlapping with HELLA in radar sensors, chassis electronics, ADAS, and increasingly commercial vehicle systems (relevant to HELLA's CVI strategy). Not a direct lighting competitor but a comparable broad incumbent in automotive electronics and safety systems.

Others

• ams OSRAM AG: ams OSRAM is a key component-level supplier of LED and optoelectronic semiconductor devices used in automotive lighting applications. Comparable as an enabling technology supplier to HELLA's matrix LED headlamps rather than a direct competitor at the headlamp-assembly level.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/forvia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/FORVIABroadcast

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hella Stiftung GmbH