Magna Electronics has formed a joint venture with startup Rohinni to make ultra-thin micro LED lighting solutions that are needed for distinctive, high-performance lighting in vehicles of the future. These lights will be lighter, brighter and more energy-efficient than other lighting technologies, including OLED.
The joint venture company will be known as Magna Rohinni Automotive, and will effectively leverage Magna’s world-class electronics manufacturing expertise with Rohinni’s expertise in lighting technology for mobility industries. The joint venture will be based in Holly, Michigan.
Rohinni makes thin-film micro and mini LEDs which can be adapted for use in almost any application, and will provide automotive manufacturers and suppliers with new possibilities for design and product differentiation. Rohinni has also developed technology that makes it possible to place micro LEDs onto a substrate surface with adequate speed and accuracy to support high-volume production. Conventional LED manufacturing techniques are very time consuming, but thanks to Rohinni’s expertise in this area, the new joint venture will be able to bring micro and mini LED-based products to market more quickly and cost-effectively.
Rohinni CEO Matthew Gerber said that his team was very excited about partnering with Magna for the joint venture as Magna is a global brand with many years of automotive market and applications experience.
As part of the deal, Magna has made a minority equity investment in Rohinni based on the promising application of their leading micro and mini LED technology in a range of other industries, applications and products.
“This joint venture with Rohinni brings thin, flexible lighting technology that mobility has not seen before,” said Magna CTO Swamy Kotagiri. “Current automakers, new mobility companies, other lighting suppliers, and Magna’s own product groups all stand to benefit from this collaboration.”
