Marelli and OLEDWorks Honored with 'Collaborative Partnership of the Year' at AutoTech Awards for Innovative OLED 2.0 Technology
Marelli and OLEDWorks: A Collaborative Success in Automotive Lighting
On June 4, 2025, at the prestigious AutoTech Awards held in Novi, Michigan, Marelli and OLEDWorks celebrated a significant achievement in the automotive industry. The two companies received the accolade for 'Collaborative Partnership of the Year' for their outstanding work on the Audi Q6 e-tron, which features the innovative Digital OLED 2.0 rear lights. This recognition highlights the remarkable synergy between Marelli’s expertise in automotive lighting and OLEDWorks’ cutting-edge technology.
Unveiling the Future of Automotive Lighting
The collaboration between Marelli and OLEDWorks represents a monumental stride towards the future of automotive design and functionality. The Digital OLED 2.0 taillights showcased in the Audi Q6 e-tron are unlike any other, marking a new era with up to 60 segments controlled by a revolutionary electronic architecture. Previously, OLED panels had limitations of a maximum of 10 segments, but with this new technology, the taillights are capable of dynamic displays that enhance both aesthetics and safety.
At the core of this development is the integration of advanced lighting technology that turns taillights into more than just safety features; they also serve as communication tools between the vehicle and the environment. The OLED 2.0 taillights enhance road safety through features like integrated warning signals that inform other road users during critical situations. This integration marks a significant step in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, which are becoming increasingly crucial in today's automotive landscape.
A Commitment to Safety and Innovation
During the awards ceremony, veterans from both companies, Steve Muench from Marelli and Kathleen Miller from OLEDWorks, expressed their pride and dedication to the pursuit of excellence in automotive technology. Marelli’s President of Lighting, Frank Huber, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving technological breakthroughs when he stated, "By working in close collaboration, we have successfully integrated second-generation Atala OLED technology into automotive applications."
The Digital OLED 2.0 taillights not only allow for personalized light signatures—customizable via the MMI system and the myAudi app—but they also provide immediate feedback to other drivers, enhancing situational awareness for everyone on the road. Each taillight update can occur every 10 milliseconds, creating dynamic visual effects that are unmatched in the automotive industry.
Industry Transformations and Future Growth
According to David DeJoy, CEO of OLEDWorks, this partnership has revolutionized automotive lighting, setting a new standard for what vehicles can achieve. "The successful launch of digital OLED 2.0 technology in the Audi Q6 e-tron is a testament to our shared vision of innovation, safety, and design excellence," he said, reflecting the companies' commitment to ongoing advancements in this crucial industrial sector.
As Marelli continues to expand its global footprint with around 150 locations worldwide and approximately 45,000 employees, this award stands as a hallmark of the dedication that both Marelli and OLEDWorks share in shaping the future of mobility. Their success in the Digital OLED 2.0 rear light creates a pathway for other automotive lighting innovations, paving the way for safer and more individualized driving experiences.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Marelli and OLEDWorks highlights the importance of partnerships in the automotive industry. By melding innovative technology with comprehensive industry knowledge, they are not only setting benchmarks for functionality and design but are also enhancing the overall safety and user engagement in vehicles. Through their achievements, Marelli and OLEDWorks continue to inspire future innovations in automotive lighting, ensuring that the road ahead is both bright and safe.