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NewsDate
May 23, 2025
Celebrating a Milestone in Automotive History
In 2025, Lucas proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, a century and a half of dedication to the automotive industry. For generations, the iconic green boxes have represented trust, reliability, and quality in workshops and garages across the world.
Lucas continues to deliver the parts that keep vehicles moving. That legacy, started in 1875, remains as relevant today as ever.
From Oil Lamps to Automotive Icons
Lucas was founded in Birmingham, England by Joseph Lucas, just three years after the petrol engine was patented. What began in the 1860s as a paraffin oil supplier soon became a pioneer in lighting with the launch of the King of the Road bicycle lamp in 1878.
Before the first Ford Model T or Mercedes ‘horseless carriage,’ Lucas was already helping to shape the future of mobility.
Innovating Through the Ages
Throughout its long history, Lucas has continually adapted to change. From surviving world wars to leading lighting innovation, the brand has stood alongside household names like Cadbury, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s.
The 1960s and 70s saw Lucas sealed beam headlights fitted to premium marques including Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Jaguar. In 1971, Lucas launched the H4 bulb in Europe, the same year Walt Disney World opened. The LLB472 H4 bulb remains one of the most trusted in the market today.
A Bold Identity for a Global Brand
The 1970s brought the introduction of the Lucas diagonal, a brand symbol now recognised worldwide. This identity became even stronger in the 1990s with the adoption of the now-famous green brand colour—creating a cohesive visual identity across packaging, signage, and marketing.
Lucas continued to push boundaries into the early 2000s with the release of HID (Xenon) headlight bulbs, securing its place among the world’s top ten automotive component suppliers.
A Global Network with Strong Foundations
Central to Lucas’s ongoing success is its global network of specialist licensees. These expert partners bring the Lucas brand to life in specific aftermarket categories and territories.
Among them, ELTA stands out as the longest-standing Lucas licensee with a partnership spanning over 20 years. Headquartered near the original site of Joseph Lucas’s Birmingham workshop, ELTA was founded in 1993 and has grown into a leading importer and distributor of automotive components.
From its UK and European facilities, ELTA serves customers worldwide. Its commitment to quality is demonstrated by ISO certifications (9001, 14001, 45001), EcoVadis Silver Medal sustainability recognition, and robust in-house product testing.
ELTA: Driving the Lucas Vision Forward
As a Lucas licensee, ELTA specialises in four major categories:
Bulbs
A full range of automotive bulbs for both retail and trade customers, including standard replacements, performance upgrades, and point-of-sale solutions to support retailers.
Wiper Blades & Systems
A comprehensive portfolio designed to cover every price point, from conventional blades to advanced systems, ensuring performance and accessibility for all.
Spark Plugs
A tailored range for aftermarket demand to make stocking and selling Lucas Spark Plugs effortless. Lucas Spark Plugs are engineered to the highest standards using premium grade nickel and ultra-durable iridium, which is significantly stronger than platinum.
Gas Springs
Whether it's your bonnet, boot, or tailgate, Lucas Gas Springs offer smooth, reliable and trusted performance for peace of mind. Manufactured to the highest standards and certified to IAFT 16949:2016.
Celebrating the Past. Advancing the Future.
The enduring partnership between Lucas and ELTA reflects a shared commitment to progress, quality, and customer satisfaction. As Lucas celebrates this major milestone, both brands remain focused on innovation and growth in the global aftermarket.
Through campaigns like “Every Box Tells a Story,” Lucas continues to honour its heritage while looking firmly to the future.
Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Stay connected—there’s much more to come.
About ELTA Automotive
ELTA Automotive is a leading provider of automotive components, offering a diverse and high-quality product portfolio. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ELTA Automotive continues to be a trusted name in the automotive industry.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tim Brotherton
Marketing & Communications Manager at ELTA Automotive Ltd