FORVIA HELLA has announced the first market launch of FlatLight technology as a daytime running light.
After the technology was successfully launched in series production for rear applications in 2024, the market launch for front applications is now following.
Overall, FlatLight from FORVIA HELLA is already part of customer projects with a total volume in the mid three-digit million euro range. Production takes place at the Slovakian lighting plants in Kočovce and Banovce. The development of the FlatLight modules is carried out at the company headquarters in Lippstadt (Germany), while customer-specific applications are developed at the sites in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Mohelnice, and Ostrava (Czech Republic).
The light guide concept of the FlatLight | µMX technology is based on so-called micro-optics: these are optical lenses smaller than a grain of salt. These optics, which are only a few micrometers in size, enable completely new and efficient light signatures. As a result, the required installation space is reduced by around 80% due to the low module depth and multifunctionality: while conventional daytime running lights require a depth of around 40 mm, the FlatLight technology manages with five millimeters. In addition, FlatLight is said to be about 40% more energy-efficient and 80% lighter than comparable systems on the market.
The FlatLight technology can be used in all vehicle signal functions for front or rear applications. At the front area, for example, it can provide daytime running lights, indicators and position lights in a single light element, while at the rear it can provide rear lights, brake lights and indicators. Previously, this required individual chambers. The shape of the individual optical elements can also be freely designed. Complex welcome and farewell scenarios can not only be designed via a software interface but also implemented directly.
Dr. Michael Kleinkes, global lighting development at FORVIA HELLA, said: “Smaller, more efficient, better: the trend towards miniaturisation in the automotive industry continues to gain momentum. With our FlatLight technology, which we have already successfully brought into series production for rear applications, we are now addressing this trend for front applications as well. FlatLight stands not only for quality, design, and performance at the highest level. At the same time, we want to make innovation and sustainable mobility affordable on a broad scale. FlatLight | µMX therefore underlines how sophisticated technology can be both energy-efficient and affordable.”
