Marelli to Present Software-Defined Lighting Technologies at Auto China 2026

Marelli, a global technology partner to the automotive industry, will present its latest advanced automotive lighting technologies at Auto China 2026, held in Beijing from April 24 to May 3, 2026. The event will showcase how lighting is evolving into a software-defined platform, enabling design differentiation, brand expression, intelligent interaction, digital communication, and safety. "In future automotive generations, lighting will drive intelligent interaction and enhance brand identity," said Frank Huber, President of Marelli's Lighting Business Unit. "At Auto China Beijing, we will unveil innovations that merge advanced features with unique designs, such as slim corner-to-corner headlamps and flat-lit surface digital tail lamps. Furthermore, technologies like 25K and 40K h-Digi® MicroLED will open new possibilities for safety, comfort, and impactful personalized lighting experiences." At Auto China 2026, the theme for the lighting business is "Rooted in Innovation, Spanning the Globe." Marelli leverages locally cultivated know-how and global deployment capabilities to achieve low-cost, scalable solutions that can be delivered rapidly. This supports customers in China and worldwide in reducing time to market and meeting their needs. Slim Corner-to-Corner Headlamps: Ultra-Slim Headlamps with Touch & Voice Interaction As vehicles evolve into software-defined architectures, front lighting is also transforming into ultra-slim, full-width headlamps that integrate lighting, interaction, and brand differentiation. Marelli's Slim Corner-to-Corner Headlamp is a full-width, ultra-slim automotive headlight that incorporates all main lighting functions and directly embeds touch and intelligent voice interaction into the lighting system. This solution features an ultra-slim lighting module measuring just 15mm x 120mm, enabling key front lighting functions and dynamic lighting animations. As an interactive feature, the illuminated logo area allows the front trunk (frunk) to be opened simply by touching it or via voice command. Voice interaction supports both Chinese and English. Designed for mass-produced vehicles, this slim headlamp expands the front design freedom for automakers and brings next-generation user experiences, such as convenience and emotional connection, to drivers. This solution, showcased at Auto China 2026, is ready for immediate mass production. Flat-Lit Surface: 3D Digital Tail Lamps with OLED and Folia-LED, Combining Styling and Communication As rear light systems also become part of a connected, software-defined platform, external communication via digital tail lamps is a key element of innovation. Marelli's Flat-Lit Surface is a digital rear light solution that combines OLED technology with Folia-LED surface emission to create a distinctive 3D illuminated surface. This system supports main rear signaling functions such as stop, hazard, and turn signals, as well as animated welcome/goodbye sequences. With 6mm OLED pixels, it also provides the foundation for personalized displays, external communication, and V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) applications. The Flat-Lit Surface technology enhances rear design differentiation and brand recognition for automakers and is ready for immediate mass production. Furthermore, additional functions can be extended through software updates. h-Digi® MicroLED: High-Resolution MicroLED Headlamps for Digital and Intelligent Front Lighting MicroLED headlamp technology is central to next-generation intelligent automotive lighting, enabling more precise Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB), diverse light distributions, and advanced projection functions. Marelli's h-Digi® MicroLED is a high-resolution MicroLED projection module for intelligent headlamp systems, supporting various vehicle segments with 25K and 40K pixel configurations. The 25K MicroLED is a mature, compact, and energy-efficient solution for high-precision ADB, adaptive front lighting functions, ground projection, and dynamic lighting animations. The 40K MicroLED, unveiled at Auto China, offers even higher pixel density and precision for premium vehicles, with quotations available immediately upon exhibition. This scalable MicroLED lighting portfolio allows automakers to balance performance, cost, and future scalability, while enhancing nighttime safety and enabling cutting-edge intelligent lighting functions. Translator's Note: This document is a translation of an English press release originally published on April 2, 2026. The official language of the press release is English, and its content and interpretation shall take precedence. About Marelli Marelli is a leading global mobility technology supplier to the automotive industry. With a solid track record in technological innovation and manufacturing excellence, our mission is to transform the future of mobility through collaboration with our customers and partners, creating a safer, greener, and more connected world. With approximately 40,000 employees worldwide, Marelli has over 150 facilities and R&D centers in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Africa.