To be continued…
Making you road ready since 1925
Celebrating 100 years of OSRAM Automotive
100 years of late nights
100 years of foggy morning
100 years of long hauls
100 years of school runs
100 years of off-road adventures
100 years of driving safely together
Making you road ready since 1925
The OSRAM Automotive success story
Driving road readiness forward since 1925
The year is 1925 and a group of excited onlookers are gathered in Berlin for the unveiling of the world’s first dual-filament headlight, the BILUXTM. What they witnessed that day was not just a brighter bulb that allowed drivers to switch between high and low beams; it was a pivotal moment in road safety and the start of a legacy – one in which OSRAM, together with OEMs, workshops, and retailers, would go on to redefine road readiness.
Historical OSRAM automotive bulbs
World’s first dual-filament headlight bulb: BILUXTM
The further developed BILUXTM H4
Historical OSRAM auxillary bulb
OSRAM BILUXTM 7327
Historical Advertisement
No. 1 in automotive lighting
Ask any mechanic about OSRAM automotive lighting and you’ll always hear the same word – quality. As a company built on German engineering excellence, simply meeting the minimum ECE requirements has never been good enough for OSRAM. In each of their 25+ R&D locations, bulbs are rigorously tested under the harshest conditions to ensure they exceed industry standards and customer expectations. It’s no surprise that OSRAM has been the leading global supplier in both the OEM and aftermarket sectors for decades.
For workshops and retailers, this means offering original replacement parts trusted by manufacturers. When you choose OSRAM, you’re delivering reliability and peace of mind to every driver. A lot has changed in 100 years, but one thing that hasn’t is OSRAM’s commitment to enhancing road safety. This has been the driving force behind a long list of game-changing innovations over the decades. Here are just a few:
100 years of groundbreaking
automotive innovation
1925
Unveiling of the world’s first dual-filament headlight bulb BILUXTM. A pivotal moment which should lead to the re-definition of road-readiness.
1971
OSRAM was among the pioneers, with its first H4, in developing halogen technology for automotive headlights, which became the standard for automotive lighting.
1991
Development of the D1 xenon HID bulb, revolutionizing headlight brightness and efficiency.
1993
With OSRAM’s first H7 bulb, the sibling of the H4 was launched.
2000's
OSRAM helped pioneer full-LED headlamps, with components featured in premium cars (exemplary image).
2007
Launch of a range of performance halogen bulbs. Whether for brightness, style, durability, or cost motorists could now choose a bulb that suited their lifestyle.
2014
Added driving & working lights to expand the lighting portfolio with fixtures for on- and offroad use on multiple vehicles.
2019
Expansion of portfolio to include battery care, tyre maintenance, dash cams, inspection lights, and more to get you road ready.
2020
NIGHT BREAKER LED, Germany’s first street-legal1 LED replacement bulb, was launched in another aftermarket revolution.
2024
Today, the new plug-and-play H7 LED bulb NIGHT BREAKER LED1 SPEED offers a 1:1 replacement in terms of size but impresses with its outstanding light output.
To be continued…
For a century, OSRAM has been a trusted partner in every journey. And it’s clear that the journey is far from over. 2025 will see the release of a newly developed tyre care range, a LED upgrade for xenon replacement bulbs (off-road2), a smart warning light (in Spain), and continuous work on further product developments. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and partnership, OSRAM isn't just shaping the future of automotive lighting; they’re empowering businesses and enhancing road safety for all. Here’s to the next century of brighter, safer journeys – together.
For 100 years OSRAM Automotive has been an integral part of the driving experience.
We’ve helped millions of motorists drive safely.
We’ve been on billions of trips.
And witnessed countless moment on the road,
from first driving lessons to honeymoons,
and speeding to maternity wards.
We’ve been with you through it all,
helping you stay road ready.
Our story is your story.
And we’ve been writing it together for 100 years.
Thank you!
1 Approved LED light source - only applies to the respective countries in which there is approval or to which an equivalent approval applies and the vehicle models and light functions currently listed in the compatibility list. For more details see our landing page.
2 These products do not have ECE approval and must not be used on public roads in any exterior application. Public roads use leads to cancellation of operating license and loss of insurance coverage. Several countries forbid sale and use of these products. Please contact your local distributor for further information.
