At the end of 2023, the SOE division launched the “Light up your ride” ideas competition. The best ideas have now been selected and the first prototypes developed.

Tuesday 07.05.2024

In order to develop new concepts for auxiliary lighting on special vehicles, the Special Original Equipment (SOE) division called for ideas for unique auxiliary headlamps at the end of last year. For the first time, SOE used the external platform heroX to address a broad target group. It was a complete success: a total of 68 suggestions were submitted, 61 of which were external and seven from FORVIA HELLA colleagues, from a total of 23 countries. The ideas ranged from new assembly approaches and innovative design proposals to holistic headlamp concepts "All of the submissions provided good starting points for the further development of our products," says Andrea Schoening, Senior Product Manager in the SOE division. "Now it's important to generate added value for the business from these ideas."

Full speed ahead for product development
A workshop was therefore held at the end of April with colleagues from the Special Original Equipment and Independent Aftermarket divisions. "Together, we can tailor the products to specific customer needs. After all, the IAM is our main customer in the area of auxiliary headlamps," says Schoening. The GTI Innovation Hub from Berlin supported the workshop and helped to scrutinise the various concepts. After just one and a half days, the four best product ideas were finalised. And that's not all: by the end, the first tangible prototypes had already been developed. "This rapid progress during the workshop shows the strong team spirit and proves how useful it is to drive forward product development in collaboration with all departments." The next step is now to gather market feedback. The goal is clearly defined: "A concrete roadmap and ideally a business plan for a specific product should be ready by the end of the year,” says Schoening.