Continental, Osram announce automotive lighting JV
Osram’s automotive solid-state lighting (SSL) module business is to be transferred to the joint venture, which will be called Osram Continental GmbH. Continental will contribute the lighting control business from its Body & Security division. The new company would combine semiconductor-based light modules, advanced electronics, optical and software expertise with access to sensors and innovative light sources. Osram Continental is to offer a portfolio of lighting solutions, particularly for use in front and rear headlamps. The aim is to bring coordinated and innovative offers and solutions to market faster through joint development. The joint venture will operate as an independent company on the market.
The lighting market in the automotive industry is undergoing rapid technological change. Similar to general lighting, the market is moving towards semiconductor-based lighting solutions. Semiconductor-based technologies, software and electronics are becoming increasingly important due to increasingly intelligent lighting functions in cars and new light-based design and application options. The market for semiconductor-based front lighting solutions is growing at double-digit rates every year. As early as 2025, more than one in two new vehicles worldwide could be equipped with semiconductor-based lighting solutions, according to market studies.
“Intelligent lighting solutions offer vehicle manufacturers greater design flexibility and support them in optimizing development costs,” said Andreas Wolf, head of Continental’s Body & Security division. “The global presence of JV Osram Continental will allow us to drive these developments forward with our customers directly on site.”
The two parent companies will each have a 50 percent stake in the joint venture. With around 1,500 employees and 17 locations worldwide, the company aims to achieve annual sales in the mid three-digit million-euro range. Subject to the agreement on the binding contracts, the prior approval of each party’s supervisory board and antitrust approvals, the joint venture is planned to be launched in 2018. The company will be headquartered in the Munich area, the two parent companies announced.
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