Hella returns to thermal management with long-term aftermarket push

Hella Automotive South Africa is sharpening its focus on thermal management, with Product Manager Grant Christian outlining the company’s renewed strategy at the Hella Synergy event held in Sandton on 9 June 2026.

Speaking to delegates, Christian said Hella’s return to thermal management is not a new departure, but a continuation of long-established expertise. He pointed to the company’s history with Behr, noting that the former joint venture had already built a recognised reputation in thermal management before the partnership came to an end. Now, he said, that capability is returning under the Hella brand.

Christian described the move as a return to Hella’s core strengths, stressing that the company should not be seen as a newcomer to the segment. Instead, he positioned Hella as an experienced player re-entering the market with a clear long-term plan.

That return comes at a time when thermal management is becoming increasingly important in modern vehicles. Christian said today’s cars and commercial vehicles are far more complex than in the past, with more sensors, electronics, turbocharged engines, control units, hybrid systems and electric vehicle technologies all generating additional heat. As a result, effective thermal management is no longer limited to keeping engines cool. It now plays a broader role in ensuring performance, reliability and efficiency across increasingly sophisticated vehicle systems.

Christian said this growing complexity is also creating a stronger opportunity in the aftermarket. To support that, Hella began rebuilding its thermal management portfolio in 2025 with around 900 stock keeping units across six product lines for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and light commercial vehicles. In 2026, the company expanded that range by adding a further 1,000 SKUs. By 2027, Hella plans to have a portfolio of more than 6,000 SKUs, with further growth expected in 2028 as the company fills additional gaps and strengthens its market position.

A key part of the strategy, Christian said, is to build the portfolio around the vehicles that matter most in South Africa. He noted that the local vehicle parc continues to evolve, with Asian manufacturers taking a stronger position across multiple segments. Hella has therefore aligned its portfolio with the fastest-growing parts of the market in order to ensure relevance, demand and opportunity for customers.

The current offering spans both engine cooling and air conditioning. Christian highlighted products such as radiators, intercoolers and expansion tanks on the engine cooling side, as well as compressors, condensers, interior blowers and expansion valves in air conditioning. Together, these account for around 2,400 SKUs across 70 product lines.

Further expansion is already planned. Christian said the roadmap to the end of 2027 includes additional product lines such as heat exchangers, thermostat management modules, thermostats, pressure switches, high-pressure lines and evaporators. Hella is also preparing to expand further into electric vehicle and hybrid thermal management technologies, ensuring that the portfolio keeps pace with future vehicle developments.

Christian stressed that a successful thermal management programme depends on more than product availability alone. Customers also need technical support, product data integrity and confidence in quality. Hella is aiming to support this through complete fitment solutions, including associated components such as gaskets, O-rings and circlips where required.

He added that technical support will be available through Hella’s digital platforms, including resources such as installation guidance, technical information and diagnostic data. Product information will also be supported through TecDoc and other data platforms, with details including OE cross-references, application coverage and technical specifications.

Another part of the strategy is inventory optimisation. Christian said Hella is working to simplify stockholding for customers by reducing unnecessary complexity in certain applications. In some cases, where competitors may offer several part numbers for similar vehicle applications, Hella aims to streamline the offer into a single SKU. According to Christian, this can reduce ordering risk, improve stock efficiency and make inventory management easier for customers.

In closing, Christian said Hella’s message to the market is clear. Thermal management is becoming more critical as vehicles become more advanced, and Hella intends to meet that demand with proven expertise, a rapidly expanding portfolio, strong car parc coverage and a long-term commitment to the aftermarket.

“We are ready to support our customers as this evolution of the car parc continues to grow,” he said.