In the automotive lighting sector, most models still rely on traditional halogen headlights, while higher-end vehicles may feature xenon lamps. Although some innovations have occurred in lamp design, such as improved lens and reflector optics to enhance light efficiency, the core technology of the lighting system itself remains limited. Let’s dive into this topic with our car electronics editor.
The "war" among LED manufacturers has now extended into the automotive market. With intense price competition, the mainland automotive LED market has become a key battleground for industry players. Among them, Longda has taken a leading position in the automotive supply chain, securing top-tier backlight contracts with major Chinese automakers. Guangzhou Zhengao Electronic Alliance is expanding its downstream LED lighting operations, while Cree is collaborating with Esda, a mainland car lamp manufacturer. Meanwhile, Osram and companies backed by Germany’s Continental are also targeting the mainland market, intensifying competition and triggering new strategic partnerships.
At the 2017 Shenzhen Autumn Auto Parts Exhibition, over 8,000 booths were set up, attracting more than 300,000 global buyers. During the event, several key alliances were announced. Cree signed a strategic partnership with Ishida, introducing the world's first LED-specific light source for automotive applications, which will be integrated into ESD’s lamp modules. At the same time, Guangzhou Zhengao Electronics launched seven new products and entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Ronda.
OSRAM also formed a joint venture with Continental to develop automotive lighting solutions, focusing on the mainland supply chain. OSRAM plans to transfer part of its automotive lighting business to the joint venture, while Continental will provide electronic control systems. The joint venture is expected to start operations in early 2018, employing around 1,500 people and generating sales of approximately 200-300 million euros annually.
Ronda, though relatively low-key, has committed to shipping over 2 million CORE series products to Zhengao Electronics within the next 10 months, with deliveries starting in July. In addition, Ronda is launching a new warm white CSP LED headlight component in the third quarter, designed for high luminous efficiency, brightness, and heat resistance, suitable for fog lights and turn signals in the Japanese aftermarket.
Ronda’s CORE series products have already been adopted by first-tier lighting suppliers in China. They also introduced three-, four-, and six-crystal package components suitable for various LED lamp applications. Featuring a ceramic substrate with the highest thermal conductivity, combined with self-developed flip-chip technology and patented phosphor coating, these components deliver an efficient linear light source ideal for headlight replacements.
Su Feng, Chairman of Ronda, emphasized that the automotive LED market requires long-term development and certification processes. Currently, LED headlights are being supplied to the aftermarket, with some customers in small-scale shipments and undergoing trials. As customer demand grows, LED headlight adoption is expected to rise significantly in the future. Ronda aims for emerging sectors like automotive and infrared to contribute up to 20% of its revenue.
In the first half of 2017, Ronda’s performance was relatively flat. Revenue in the second quarter dropped 3.5% from the first quarter, and overall revenue for the first half was 11% lower than the same period in 2016. This was mainly due to internal restructuring and product changes, which slowed revenue growth.
This article highlights how the LED manufacturing battle has reached the automotive market. For more detailed and updated information, stay tuned to Electronic Engineering, where we bring you comprehensive insights on the latest developments in automotive electronics.
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