Heiko Klotz won the "HELLA pimps your truck" campaign and was lucky enough to get new lighting equipment for his truck that he named "Emmchen". After a successful conversion (find out more about it in the separate conversion story), he joined us for a short interview and told us how he and his "pimped" truck are getting on with the new lighting.
Hello Heiko,
First of all, congratulations for winning our "HELLA pimps your truck" campaign and thank you very much for agreeing to this interview. How did you come across our campaign?
Thank you very much! I regularly look at what HELLA is doing on Facebook and have been a follower for a long time. That's how I heard about the campaign and I spontaneously decided to get involved. I quickly took a picture and off it went! I was so pleased to win!
Tell us a little about your background: how long have you been involved with trucks in your professional and private life? Would you say that you are a true "truck fan"?
My "truck career" started 28 years ago. I have been on the roads ever since, so a bit of an eternity! Yet, my interest in trucks goes back even further to my childhood. Back then, I had a keen passion for powerful vehicles. I was a proper little fan. My mother told me that when I was 4 in the GDR, I used to say "I will definitely drive one like that one day" whenever I spotted a truck. And that's exactly what happened.
Had you ever used any HELLA products before this campaign?
Yes, I have been familiar with HELLA and its products for a long time. I have always been impressed by the quality of the headlamps. That's why I have often opted for HELLA products when I have had to purchase something. And not just for my truck, but for my private vehicle as well.
How does it feel to work with the truck "pimped" by HELLA? What has changed?
It's a really good feeling! You can see a lot more than before when driving at night, i.e. in the dark. It's less demanding and, therefore, more comfortable. And, of course, it's a lot safer because everything can be seen more easily!
Do other people show an interest in your "pimped" truck? What are the other truck drivers interested in?
To be honest, no outsiders have really spoken to me about the lighting. People are more interested in the distinctive wing and sword picture on the truck's door. But it's different with my colleagues at work. Of course, they knew about the campaign and were interested. They have often asked what it's like to be out and about with the new lamps and whether I am happy with them.
For you, what is more important: design or functionality and safety?
Both, of course! The function is definitely the most important thing because the lamps should fulfil their purpose and ensure great illumination that gives you a good view.
But, of course, design is also important because a truck should also look good with its lamps. I think that good lamps should have a combination of both: a good illumination and a great design. Both lamps from HELLA that are on my truck have both!
Heiko, thank you very much for the interview. We hope you have lots of fun and enjoy many relaxing miles with your new HELLA lighting!