HELLA GmbH & Co KGaA is a German automotive parts supplier founded in 1899 originally as Westfälische Metall Industrie AG producing lamps horns and fittings In 1908 it introduced the HELLA trademark for acetylene headlamps The firm evolved into a global OE and aftermarket brand offering lighting systems electronics sensors thermal management and more It serves independent workshops and OEMs via over 125 locations in about 35 countries with strong R&D and quality standards