Motor vehicle lighting market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the breakthrough of electromobility in Germany, supported by automakers offering over 80 electric models, likely bolstered demand for modern vehicle lighting systems. Despite this initial impetus, the market volume in physical terms contracted over the next two years, falling from 89 thousand tons to 70 thousand tons by 2020.

The market showed a partial recovery to 79 thousand tons in 2021 before decreasing again to 73 thousand tons in 2022. In value terms, these fluctuations corresponded to shifts in the market's monetary size, which dropped to $1,296 million US in 2021 before rising to $1,427 million US in 2022.

The market volume rebounded strongly to 92 thousand tons in 2024. This growth was supported by technological innovations from major players, including the launch of advanced RGB LEDs for dynamic lighting by ams OSRAM and Forvia Hella, as well as regulatory updates to Germany's road traffic licensing ordinance (StVZO) concerning lighting equipment. These developments stimulated demand for newer lighting systems, even amidst a reported slowdown in electric vehicle registrations during the preceding period.

Production motor vehicle lighting in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's motor vehicle lighting production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 955 million US dollars, representing a 17.7% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The peak was reached in 2018, when production hit 1 293 million US dollars, marking the largest increase of 12.9% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's motor vehicle lighting production volume has dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2020, 21 907 tonnes were produced, which is 19.3% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 23.1%, with an average annual decline of 8.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports motor vehicle lighting from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Motor vehicle lighting exports from Germany have fallen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 34.2 thousand tonnes, a significant 12.2% drop from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 10.4%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 39.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's motor vehicle lighting exports in kind were spread across many partner countries. China accounted for 33.5% of exports, the United States for 5.8%, and France for 4.7%. Together, these three countries represented 44.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Motor vehicle lighting exports from Germany have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 719 million US dollars, showing a modest decrease of 4.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports actually increased by 7.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The peak value was in 2018 at 2 906 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 15.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China, the United States, and France were the main markets for Germany's motor vehicle lighting exports in value terms. China made up 40.2% of exports, the United States 6.7%, and France 3.3%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 50.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Germany in value, 2017-2020

Imports motor vehicle lighting to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Motor vehicle lighting imports into Germany have decreased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 82.4 thousand tonnes, reflecting a modest 9.1% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 18.2%, with an average annual decrease of 6.5%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 101.4 thousand tonnes, which saw a slight increase of 0.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 10.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Czechia, Spain, and Slovakia were the key partners for Germany's motor vehicle lighting imports in kind. Czechia contributed 26.6% of imports, Spain 13.1%, and Slovakia 12.0%. Together, these three countries represented 51.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of motor vehicle lighting into Germany have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 3 119 million US dollars, a decrease of 5.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12.8%, equating to an average annual decline of 4.5%. The peak was in 2018 at 3 653 million US dollars, which saw a 2.1% increase. The largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 9.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, Czechia, Spain, and Slovakia remained the principal suppliers of motor vehicle lighting to Germany in value terms. Czechia accounted for 27.0% of imports, Spain for 13.3%, and Slovakia for 12.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 52.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Germany in value, 2017-2020