Magneti Marelli is adding production of automotive lighting, specifically LED lighting modules, at its facility in Juarez, Mexico, according to a company press release. The auto components supplier's facility began producing automotive headlights in 1997, the company said, and currently builds head lamps, tail-lamps, rear appliqués, and various electric modules. The facility has a "strategic position" to serve carmakers in the North American Free Trade Agreement region, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors, Honda, Kia, Nissan, and Volkswagen/Audi. The company says that the integration of LED modules production at the plant will involve 115 employees, which will increase to 165 by the end of 2016 and reach nearly 400 by the end of 2017. The plant currently employs more than 3,000 people.

Significance: LED lighting technology is reported to have an average useful life longer than that of a vehicle, but offers more flexibility and new possibilities for safety, styling, and reduced energy consumption than other lighting. The use of LED lights in the automotive industry is increasing, growing from just daytime running lights to headlights and taillights. Magneti Marelli will initially produce white LEDs, which offer light intensity near that of daylight, and which Magneti Marelli says is easier for the human eye, making distinguishing contrasts easier.