4 major new trends are highlighted, and the intelligentization of LED car lights is accelerating

As the process of automobile intelligence accelerates, especially the dual evolution of smart cockpits and smart driving technologies, the product positioning of car lights is being reshaped. Automotive lighting is no longer limited to basic safety lighting functions, but has gradually evolved into a visual carrier of the entire vehicle’s intelligent experience, becoming a key entry point for car companies to achieve differentiated competition in the market.

Three major dimensions of intelligent upgrading of LED car lights

Industry development has pushed the intelligent upgrading of LED car lights into a new stage. This change is driven by light source technology and extends to high-dimensional functional integration and aesthetic design, reshaping the value anchor of automotive lighting.

First, the light source is upgraded. The evolution of light source technology is the basis for intelligent automotive lighting. Matrix LED, as the basic intelligent starting form, realizes functions such as adaptive high beam (ADB) through zone control.

Mini LED goes one step further. With its higher partition density and display performance, it is used in the fields of tail lights and interactive lights. For example, ISD intelligent interactive tail lights can realize dynamic pattern display, exterior interaction and other functions.

Moving to a higher level, Micro LED is gradually penetrating into the automotive lighting field. According to TrendForce's analysis, after the Micro LED pixel array is introduced into adaptive headlights, the number of pixels that can be accurately and independently digitally controlled will increase to 100,000 pixels. The more LED pixels there are, the more flexibly the illumination area can be adjusted to increase driving safety and meet the requirements of various regional market regulations, which helps car light manufacturers reduce the development, production and logistics costs of headlights in different regional markets.

Although Micro LED car lights are high-end solutions, many car companies have accelerated their introduction. Since 2026, new models such as Ji Krypton and Mercedes-Benz have been equipped with it; before that, the car lights of Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, NIO and other car companies have also applied this technology. The details are as follows:

The second is function upgrade. With the continuous improvement of light source technology, car lights have transformed from simple lighting tools to intelligent interactive terminals. For example, pixelated headlights outside the car can realize road projection interaction, Mini LED taillights can prompt rear vehicle information, and ADS automatic driving sign lights have also become the legal safety signal for vehicles to transmit automatic driving status to the outside; LED ambient lights in the car are not only used for decoration, but can also be combined with ADAS to achieve early warning through color changes, creating an immersive emotional experience.

The third is design upgrade. Driven by technology and function, car light design is moving towards "aesthetics + high integration". For example, new technologies represented by Micro LED, with their advantages of small size and strong plasticity, are expected to provide greater design freedom for the shape of car lamps and further promote the integrated integration and expressive upgrade of lighting and display functions.

Looking at new trends in product evolution from the Shanghai Auto Lighting Show

As light sources and functions continue to evolve, related technical directions are also reflected in industry exhibitions. The recent ALE 2026 (Shanghai) Auto Lighting Exhibition brought together new products and solutions from multiple LED manufacturers, and collaborative innovation between the upstream and downstream of the industry chain was significantly strengthened:

On the chip packaging side, BOE Huacan Optoelectronics, Sanan Optoelectronics, Nationstar Optoelectronics, Jingneng Optoelectronics and other companies are competing to launch 10,000-pixel Micro LED light source; Jinko Electronics, Hongli Zhihui, Nationstar Optoelectronics, Ruifeng Optoelectronics, Jingneng Optoelectronics and other manufacturers use differentiated ADB solutions to drive down costs; on the car lighting manufacturer side, Xingyu Co., Ltd., Liaowang Auto Lighting, etc. are accelerating the implementation of integration. We can also get a glimpse of the four major development trends of current automotive lighting products.

Trend 1: The cost of ADB adaptive headlights has dropped and their popularity has accelerated

ADB adaptive headlights are still the products that manufacturers focus on. Analysts from TrendForce pointed out that under cost pressure, manufacturers have launched more low-cost solutions to promote the further popularization of ADB adaptive headlights.

At this exhibition, Sanan Optoelectronics, Jinko Electronics, Nationstar Optoelectronics, Hongli Zhihui, Ruifeng Optoelectronics, Jingneng Optoelectronics, Everlight Electronics, Tiandian Optoelectronics, Shengpu Optoelectronics, Ruituo Electronics, etc. will bring chips, devices, modules and other products for ADB headlight applications.

Among them, Jingneng Optoelectronics exhibited an 84-pixel COB ADB, which uses ceramic packaging and module integration technology. The pixel design spacing is <70um, and the entire lamp supports a maximum power of 60W.

Jingneng Optoelectronics’ 40700-pixel Micro LED ADB and 84-pixel COB ADB

Hongli Zhihui showcases the ADB 96-pixel headlight source, which is independently controlled by micron-level chips and can achieve precise pixel light control and adaptive adjustment, providing a core solution for high-end smart car lights.

Hongli Zhihui ADB 96-pixel headlight source

Ruifeng Optoelectronics displays a hundred-level pixel ADB light source module, equipped with 12-bit PWM dimming and ADC signal acquisition, and achieves <80μm pixel spacing through laser barrier technology, effectively solving the crosstalk problem.

Ruifeng Optoelectronics ADB light source module

With the introduction of Micro LED technology, ams OSRAM, Sanan Optoelectronics, BOE Huacan Optoelectronics, Nationstar Optoelectronics, Jingneng Optoelectronics, etc. exhibited products such as high-pixel Micro LED and digital light sources, promoting the evolution of ADB adaptive headlights to higher pixel lighting.

Among them, ams OSRAM exhibited EVIYOS HD25 Micro LED adaptive headlights with 25,600 pixels.

ams OSRAM EVIYOS HD25 Micro LED adaptive headlight

Sanan Optoelectronics has launched a pixelated headlight solution based on Micro LED and ASIC 3D stacking technology. It uses 0.18 micron CMOS process and active drive technology to achieve 128x128 (16K pixels) resolution and 35 micron pixel pitch.

Sanan Optoelectronics’ pixelated headlight solution using Micro LED and ASIC 3D stacking technology

The Micro ADB pixel car lights exhibited by BOE Huacan Optoelectronics have 41,140 particles, a resolution of 374×110, a pixel size of 4.5μm, and a brightness of over 2000lm, which can achieve high-brightness 10,000-level pixel lighting.

BOE Huacan Optoelectronics Micro ADB pixel car lights

Nationstar Optoelectronics demonstrated a 10,000-pixel digital Micro LED light source module, which uses eutectic bonding technology to achieve 40,700 pixels that are independently controllable and can accurately adapt to lighting scenarios such as crossing traffic and avoiding traffic.

Nationstar Optoelectronics’ 10,000-pixel digital Micro LED light source module

Jingneng Optoelectronics also demonstrated a 40,700-pixel Micro LED ADB. This product accurately integrates a GaN-based MicroLED matrix with a pixel pitch of 40um and a resolution of 370 * 110 into a CMOS control circuit. Due to the use of AuSn eutectic bonding technology, the headlight has a luminous flux of 6252 lumens (color temperature 5400K) when the power is 82.4W.

Jingneng Optoelectronics’ 40,700-pixel Micro LED ADB and 84-pixel COB ADB

It is worth mentioning that Jinko Electronics has also laid out car-grade Micro LED ADB light source technology and product development of thousands, 10,000 to 100,000 pixels, seizing the industrial commanding heights of the next generation of high-end smart vehicle lighting technology, and providing supporting smart lighting core solutions for high-end autonomous driving full-scenario applications.

In addition, Jinko Electronics has built a high-stability, high-reliability car-grade high-pixel integrated ADB light source full-process development platform to achieve large-scale, low-cost commercialization of a full range of pixel-level integrated ADB light sources and modules such as 32, 48, 84, 96, etc. It is also continuing to promote the large-scale mass production of car-grade integrated ADB light sources.

Micro LED car lights are not only the key exhibits at the ALE exhibition, but also attract much attention at the Beijing Auto Show, which will open on April 24. Magneti Marelli will exhibit h-Digi@ Micro LED high-resolution projection modules, which are available in 25K and 40K pixel versions and can be adapted to different car models. The 25K version is mature and compact, has excellent energy efficiency, and supports high-precision ADB, adaptive lighting, road projection and other functions; the newly released 40K version has higher pixel density and accuracy and is mainly targeted at high-end models.

Magneti Marelli h-Digi@ Micro LED high-resolution projection module

Trend 2, ISD intelligent interactive taillights are accelerating the implementation

ISD intelligent interactive display solutions are still the core focus of this exhibition, and the technology can cover all scenarios of headlights and taillights.

TrendForce analysts pointed out that with the support of various new technologies, ISD intelligent interactive products can display clear graphics and texts, steering prompts, braking intensity, charging status and even customized light languages, greatly improving driving safety and recognition. Almost all relevant manufacturers have corresponding products on display at this exhibition, but under cost pressure, the pixel pitch of the products is larger than before, and it is easier to implement.

Jingneng Optoelectronics exhibited a high-definition interactive display solution that can achieve a 2.2mm pixel pitch and is equipped with LED package diffusion and softening technology to help taillights become intelligent and interactive.

Jingneng Optoelectronics high-definition interactive display solution

Jinko Electronics has launched a series of front and rear interactive module products covering full color, white light, red light, etc., with pixel pitch ranging from P1.25 to P4, forming a complete product system covering high-end, mid-range and high cost performance.

Jinko Electronics 2020 RGB P3.4 interactive screen

Nationstar Optoelectronics brings an interactive screen display solution covering the P1 to P5 spacing. The product has high brightness, low power consumption, and high contrast, and is still clearly visible under strong light, meeting the needs of vehicles for personalized display and dynamic light language.

Ruifeng Optoelectronics brings an interactive screen LED solution that supports RGB/RG/R/W multi-color, a single surface light source emits uniform light, and provides 2323, 3030 and other packages to achieve personalized light language display with clear pixel patterns.

Ruifeng Optoelectronics Interactive Screen LED Solution

As for car lighting manufacturers, Liaowang Auto Lighting brings "Symphony MDL3.1 Intelligent Interactive Lighting", which supports full scene customization and uses dynamic lighting to upgrade from single lighting to digital social interaction.

Trend 3, ADS logo lights have become the focus of competition in the industry

As autonomous driving technology continues to mature and become commercialized, ADS logo lights have become the focus of manufacturers’ technical layout. The Cyan logo has become a mainstream standard recognized by the industry due to its good regulatory compatibility and visual recognition.

TrendForce analysts pointed out that ADS sign lights are technically upgraded to integration and miniaturization, and are designed to be integrated with vehicle lighting. At the same time, they use LED light sources with higher brightness and lower power consumption, and their reliability and compliance with regulations continue to improve. The function has evolved from a single status display to dynamic interaction, strengthening information communication between vehicles and road participants.

Judging from the ALE 2026 exhibition, ADS logo lights have become the focus of the entire industry chain of chip, packaging, and car lighting manufacturers. Sanan Optoelectronics, Aoyang Shunchang, Jingneng Optoelectronics, ams OSRAM, Jinko Electronics, Nationstar Optoelectronics, Hongli Zhihui, Ruifeng Optoelectronics, Everlight, Tiandian Optoelectronics, Ruituo Electronics and other companies have launched differentiated solutions.

Sanan Optoelectronics demonstrated its ADS blue-green light identification light solution that complies with regulatory requirements.

Sanan Optoelectronics ADS Blue-Green Light Signage Solution

Aoyang Shunchang demonstrated a Cyan color "small blue light" solution with high saturation.

Jingneng Optoelectronics’ ADS LED series strictly complies with regulatory requirements and effectively solves the problems of color shift and brightness attenuation through multiple packaging forms such as ceramic, EMC, and PLCC.

Jinneng Optoelectronics ADS LED

In terms of autonomous driving sign lights, Jinko Electronics' ADS Cyan Color LED accurately matches the international standard blue-green (Cyan) coordinates and has been applied in large-scale mass production in a number of OEM models.

Jinko Electronics ADS Cyan Color LED

Hongli Zhihui (Foda Signal) focuses on recommending the Cyan blue-green LED solution "born for smart driving safety signs" to ensure that the color output fully complies with ADS regulatory standards.

Foda Signal Cyan blue-green LED solution

Ruifeng Optoelectronics' ADS Cyan blue-green LED has a wide range of options, with the main wavelength covering 490-497.5nm. It adopts high-precision integrated dispensing technology, with a light efficiency of 120lm/W, and stronger penetration in rainy and hazy weather.

Ruifeng Optoelectronics ADS Cyan blue-green LED

At the system integration level, Xingyu Co., Ltd.’s Wenjie M8 rear combination lamp is equipped with 38 ADS lamp beads specially designed for smart driving.

Trend 4: Ambient lighting is evolving toward personalization and scene-based lighting

In-car ambient lighting has been upgraded from static decoration to dynamic emotional interface, and from simple cockpit backlight to perceptible and responsive intelligent interaction. It matches driving scenes and emotions through changes in color and light and shadow, and builds an emotional connection between people and the car. At the exhibition, many manufacturers such as Jingneng Optoelectronics, Jinko Electronics, Hongli Zhihui, Ruifeng Optoelectronics, and Chitron North released products.

Among them, the Jingneng Optoelectronic Starry Sky Interior Light uses a matrix of 154 Smart-RGB LEDs, which can achieve a variety of lighting effects with uniform light and light-transmitting structures. In the future, it can also integrate voice synchronization and mood adaptation functions.

Jingneng Optoelectronics "Starry Sky Interior Lights"

For automotive smart cockpit atmosphere environment applications, Jinko Electronics has launched a full range of RGB LED light source products covering door, central control, headspace and other regional scene applications, including 3433 RGB, 3030 RGB and other medium and small power devices. It supports high integration and flexible layout under limited cockpit space conditions, and better meets the free and flexible design needs of smart cockpits.

For the first time, Hongli Zhihui (Foda Signal) released car-grade dynamic flame lights and water ripple ambient lights, which do not require surface treatment and simulate a variety of dynamic light and shadows through the transparent mask thickness design, condenser and LED array.

Hongli Zhihui (Foda Signal) dynamic flame lamp and water ripple atmosphere light

In addition, Hongli Zhihui (Foda Signal) also displays infrared heated atmosphere lights, equipped with dual-core LEDs, which can be installed in the co-pilot glove box and use infrared rays to achieve leg physiotherapy.

Hongli Zhihui (Foda Signal) infrared heating atmosphere lamp

Ruifeng Optoelectronics has brought product solutions such as Smart RGB 3535 Ambient Light, 2020 Ambient Light Strip, and 2216 Ambient Light Strip to meet the needs of car cockpits for high-quality, intelligent, and healthy light environments, and achieve an experience upgrade from functional lighting to emotional interaction.

Ruifeng Optoelectronics Ambient Lighting Products

In terms of driver chips, Chitron and Nanochip have both launched highly integrated intelligent drive control chips to support exterior vehicle interaction and cockpit ambient lighting with precise current control.

Chitron North exhibited automotive-grade LED driver chips such as ICND7001, ICND7003, and ICND7301, covering 16-48 channels and multi-current specifications. They have passed AEC-Q100 Grade 1 certification and have outstanding reliability and dimming accuracy. They can realize interactive displays such as pixel taillights and personalized ambient lights.

Chitron North Automotive Grade LED Driver Chip

Summary

It can be seen from the ALE 2026 exhibition that the LED car lighting industry is rapidly evolving along the path of "higher pixels, stronger interaction, and lower cost". The popularity of ADB adaptive headlights is accelerating, ISD intelligent interactive taillights and ADS logo lights have become the focus of competition, and ambient lighting has been extended to emotional scenes. Collaborative innovation among chip, packaging, and car lighting manufacturers is promoting the comprehensive transformation of automotive lighting from functional components to intelligent interactive terminals.

Against this background, TrendForce will hold the 2026 New Display Industry Seminar (DTS) from April 22 to 23. At that time, guests from Nationstar Optoelectronics, Jinko Electronics and other companies will give keynote speeches, and analysts from TrendForce Consulting in various fields will also participate in sharing and conduct in-depth discussions around key industry issues to provide direction reference for industry development. Welcome to register and attend the conference to study and judge cutting-edge trends with industry experts.