FORVIA HELLA Develops Futuristic “Thor’s Hammer” Headlamps for Volvo XC70

• A perfect blend of safety, functionality, and design aesthetics

Shanghai, 7 Jamuary 2026. International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA has successfully collaborated with Volvo Cars to create a futuristic “Thor’s Hammer” headlamp for the brand’s first long-range super-hybrid SUV, the all-new XC70. The headlamp builds on Volvo Cars’s iconic “Thor’s Hammer” motif, elevating it with advanced technology and enhanced functionality to ensure a safer, more reliable driving experience. The new XC70 has been officially launched on 26th September in 2025.

"Safety is at the core of Volvo Cars’s DNA, expressed through design and guided by a commitment to sustainability. As the flagship of Volvo Cars’s electrification journey, the XC70’s lighting system not only retains the brand’s iconic ‘Thor’s Hammer’ identity but also redefines safety and automotive aesthetics through innovation", says Didier Keskas, Head of Lighting Business in the Asia-Pacific Region at FORVIA HELLA. "This headlamp exemplifies FORVIA HELLA’s technical expertise and local capabilities, underscoring our dedication to being a true partner in our customers’ strategic transformation. We will continue to drive innovation, support electrification and intelligent mobility of Volvo Cars, and work together to deliver an outstanding driving experience for Chinese consumers."

The new headlamp is equipped with a matrix adaptive lighting system. Compared with conventional LED headlamps, this system integrates independently controlled LEDs, delivering a wider, brighter, and more homogeneous illumination. It allows for precise switching and brightness control, dynamically adjusting the light pattern in real time based on vehicle speed, steering angle, traffic conditions, and road curvature to ensure comprehensive driving safety.

For example, at high speeds, the beam focuses farther ahead, while at low speeds, it spreads to cover a broader area nearby, ensuring optimal visibility at all times. When turning, the headlamps adjust with the steering wheel to expand illumination inside curves, significantly reducing blind spots. Upon detecting oncoming vehicles, the system selectively dims specific LEDs to optimize road illumination without dazzling other road users. If reflective objects like road signs, billboards, or glass are detected, targeted LEDs are automatically turned off to prevent glare to the driver. When the vehicle is fully loaded and the front-end dips, the headlamps automatically adjust their height, keeping the beam focused on the road.

The system also adapts to regional requirements, automatically switching between left- and right-hand drive lighting modes to comply with local regulations and minimizing manual adjustments when crossing borders.

In addition, the daytime running lights feature a distinctive LED strip inspired by Thor’s hammer from Norse mythology, symbolizing strength and protection. This innovative optical design provides a pure white appearance when off and a homogeneous glow when illuminated, showcasing the vehicle’s high quality and sense of technology. As users approach or leave the vehicle, the lights perform a dynamic welcome and farewell animation, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.