OSRAM and Continental have finished the negotiation and approval process and launched OSRAM Continental GmbH joint venture that started to operate from July 2nd 2018. OSRAM Continental plans to employ around 1,500 people worldwide and to move the headquarters from Munich to Garching.

Based on the market growth for LED, laser-based lighting module and solution, as well as associated electronics, OSRAM Continental expects its growth rate to reach double digits annually for the next five years. The joint venture plans to release the first products by 2021.

(Image: Osram; Left: Harald Renner, CFO, OSRAM Continental; Right: Dirk Linzmeier CEO, OSRAM Continental)

The joint venture hopes to combine the advantages from Osram and Continental to develop headlight modules and solutions for tail and interior lighting. OSRAM Continental will push the integration of lighting and intelligent electronics and increase the market penetration of LED technology in all vehicle segments. By producing intelligent lighting functions for vehicles, the company plans to adopt data from navigation system and sensor to develop safety solutions such as projecting warning messages for other drivers.

Harald Renner, CFO and member of the general management of OSRAM Continental GmbH, stated, “By launching our joint venture, we are generating confidence that the market for intelligent automotive lighting will continue to grow and be viable. Furthermore, with our team comprising of management staff and experts from both companies, we will increase the speed of innovation as well as efficiency and integration. I am really looking forward to working with our new colleagues on developing exciting products.”

(Image: Osram)