Hella unveils FlatLight technology at CES Las Vegas, redefining automotive lighting
Hella has introduced the FlatLight system, a breakthrough in LED luminaires that makes lighting modules flat, flexible, and economically viable. The technology debuted at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, signaling a shift toward more compact and efficient vehicle lighting solutions. FlatLight is designed to fit into a remarkably slim installation footprint while delivering a full suite of lighting functions in a single module. The result is a cleaner fuse of daytime running lights, indicators, and position lamps that can be integrated with less bulk than traditional assemblies.
Compared with conventional daytime running lights, which typically require at least 40 mm of installation depth, FlatLight needs only about 5 millimeters of space. This dramatic reduction in depth enables designers to create sleeker fascia designs and frees up space for other critical systems. It also simplifies installation and maintenance, contributing to lower assembly costs and greater versatility in vehicle architecture.
The compact light module also yields a distinct light signature, characterized by a line width of approximately 10 mm. This refined silhouette supports better recognition at a distance and enhances the perceived luxury and precision of the vehicle’s lighting language.
At the core of FlatLight is micro-optics technology. These are ultra-miniature optical components measured in tens of micrometers, well below the width of a grain of salt. The minute scale of these optics enables precise light control, reducing stray light and improving efficiency. The micro-optics concept allows the overall headlamp package to become lighter and more compact, without sacrificing performance or visibility in various driving conditions.
Thanks to this approach, both the weight of the light module and the installation footprint can be reduced, offering benefits across vehicle design, aerodynamics, and overall system integration. Hella indicates that the FlatLight family will support fast, scalable production for high-volume programs, while maintaining the reliability and durability expected in premium automotive lighting.
Hella is scheduled to supply its FlatLight components to an international premium automaker that will begin integrating ultra-thin optics into its models in the middle of 2025. The official customer name has not been disclosed, though industry insiders speculate that the Audi brand could be among the first to showcase this technology. The automaker has already placed an order for a substantial batch of ultra-thin rear lights, underscoring the seriousness of the partnership and the confidence in FlatLight as a long-term lighting solution. The information reflects disclosed supplier engagements and industry rumors as of today. [Citation: Hella press materials and industry briefings]
A source image accompanies the materials, and the publication keeps the representation consistent with standard industry practice for event coverage. [Citation: Hella event communications]
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