• Founded: June 11, 1899

• Founder: Sally Windmüller

• Headquarters: Lippstadt, Germany

• Industry: Automotive components and technology

• Parent Group: FORVIA

• Type: Public company

• Employees: Approximately 34,000 (2025)

• Operations: More than 125 locations across approximately 35 countries

• Annual Revenue: Around €8 billion (2025) [2]

HELLA began in 1899 as Westfälische Metall-Industrie Aktien-Gesellschaft (WMI), manufacturing lamps, lanterns, and horns for bicycles, carriages, and early automobiles.

Important milestones

1908

• Introduced the famous “System Hella” acetylene headlamp

• The name “HELLA” first appeared as a product trademark.

1923

• The Hueck family became the majority owner and played a major role in expanding the business.

1965

• Entered automotive electronics with one of the industry’s first fully electronic flasher units.

1986

• HELLA officially became part of the company’s legal name.

2013

• Introduced the world’s first LED Matrix lighting technology for series production.

2014

• Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

2020

• Expanded into radar sensors and automated driving technologies.

2022

• Became part of the FORVIA Group after Faurecia acquired a majority stake. [1]

2024

• Celebrated its 125th anniversary. [3]

HELLA develops technologies for both vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) and the global aftermarket.

Automotive Lighting

HELLA is internationally recognized for advanced lighting systems including:

• LED headlights

• Matrix LED headlights

• Laser lighting technologies

• Rear combination lamps

• Interior ambient lighting

• Adaptive lighting systems

• Fog lamps

• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

• Auxiliary driving lights

Its lighting systems are designed to improve:

• Driver visibility

• Vehicle safety

• Energy efficiency

• Vehicle styling

Automotive Electronics

HELLA is also a major supplier of electronic systems such as:

• Radar sensors

• Battery management systems

• Body control modules

• Power electronics

• Steering electronics

• Vehicle access systems

• Climate control electronics

• Intelligent sensors

• DC/DC converters

• Driver assistance electronics

These products support modern technologies including:

• ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)

• Electric vehicles (EVs)

• Hybrid vehicles

• Autonomous driving [4]

Aftermarket Products

HELLA supplies replacement parts used by repair shops and consumers, including:

• Headlights

• Tail lights

• Signal lights

• Relays

• Switches

• Sensors

• Wiper blades

• Ignition products

• Batteries

• Air horns

• Diagnostic equipment

• Workshop tools

Many aftermarket products are manufactured to original equipment (OE) standards.

Special Applications

HELLA also develops lighting and electronics for:

• Agricultural machinery

• Construction equipment

• Emergency vehicles

• Marine applications

• Municipal vehicles

• Commercial trucks

• Off-road vehicles

HELLA’s operations are organized into three main business groups:

Lighting

Develops advanced automotive lighting technologies.

Electronics

Designs electronic components and systems for modern vehicles.

Lifecycle Solutions

Provides aftermarket parts, workshop equipment, and products for special-purpose vehicles. [5]

HELLA invests heavily in research and development.

Key innovation areas include:

• Matrix LED technology

• Digital headlights

• Radar systems

• Energy management

• Smart sensors

• Vehicle electrification

• Intelligent lighting

• Autonomous driving technologies

The company spends hundreds of millions of euros annually on R&D. [6]

HELLA supplies components directly to many major automakers, including brands such as:

• BMW

• Mercedes-Benz

• Volkswagen

• Audi

• Porsche

• Ford

• Toyota

• Hyundai

• Stellantis

(The exact customer list varies by product and region.)

HELLA has operations across:

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Asia

• Australia

• Africa

Its global network includes:

• Manufacturing plants

• Research centers

• Engineering facilities

• Sales offices

• Logistics centers

with more than 125 locations worldwide. [7]

HELLA is widely recognized for:

• German engineering

• High-quality manufacturing

• Reliable OEM components

• Advanced lighting technology

• Long product lifespan

• Strong innovation in automotive electronics

It is consistently ranked among the world’s leading automotive suppliers. [8]

HELLA emphasizes:

• Innovation

• Quality

• Reliability

• Sustainability

• Customer partnership

• Safety

• Engineering excellence [9]

The company is investing in:

• Energy-efficient manufacturing

• Electrification technologies

• Sustainable production

• Reduced carbon emissions

• Smart mobility solutions

• Circular economy initiatives

These efforts support the automotive industry’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient transportation. [10]

HELLA is particularly famous for:

• Premium automotive lighting

• OEM-quality replacement parts

• Vehicle electronics

• Radar and ADAS technologies

• Reliable aftermarket components

• More than 125 years of automotive engineering experience

HELLA has evolved from a pioneering lamp manufacturer into a global automotive technology company, with expertise spanning advanced lighting, vehicle electronics, and mobility solutions. Its long-standing reputation for quality and innovation has made it a trusted supplier to automakers and repair professionals around the world.

1. Company | FORVIA HELLA

2. Company / 11.06.2024 | HELLA

3. Hella (company)

4. Chronicle & Values | HELLA

5. HELLA at a Glance | HELLA

6. Company | HELLA

7. HELLA at a glance | HELLA

8. Innovation meets tradition | HELLA

9. Facts & Figures | HELLA

10. News & dates | HELLA