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Lucas

Lucas
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Lucas has been manufacturing automotive parts for cars and motorbikes for over 135 years and remains an acclaimed electrical manufacturer in the automotive aftermarket. The iconic green boxes feature as prominently in garages today as they did decades ago. 

Some of Lucas’ most popular products include car bulbs and wiper blades, as well as switches and electrical components for passenger and commercial vehicles. Lucas tests all car bulbs for light flux, colour temperature and luminous intensity using pioneering Labsphere equipment.

Lucas Timeline

Lucas…

1875: was established when Joseph Lucas opened a small workshop in Birmingham with five employees.

1880: obtained an official patent for the King of the Road bicycle lamp.

1882: became a private partnership between Joseph Lucas and his son Harry. Joseph rebranded the firm under the name Joseph Lucas & Son.

1884: trademarked the King of the Road bicycle lamp, which Lucas used in its advertising for the next 80 years.

1897: became a public company, with Joseph as the chairman. Thanks to the company’s expansion, Joseph was able to move into the automotive parts and accessories industry.

1902: welcomed Harry as the chairman following Joseph’s death. Harry expanded the factory and extended the product range to include cycle, motorcycle and car accessories.

1910: acquired various firms, including Thomson-Bennett Ltd, which enabled Lucas to manufacture starters and dynamos. 

1926: made several more acquisitions, including C.A. Vandervell & Co and Rotax. Lucas became the largest UK supplier of automotive accessories and electrical equipment. 

1930s: formed a partnership with Bosch to manufacture fuel injection pumps for diesel vehicles. Meanwhile, Rotax developed aviation parts, forming the early days of Lucas Aerospace. Lucas also acquired the British Bendix company.

1943: acquired the Girling brake business, enriching Lucas’ product catalogue with hydraulic brake parts.

1951: set up a holding company (Joseph Lucas Industries Ltd) and subsidiary companies to host the firm’s expansive product lines. At this point, Lucas was managing eight UK manufacturing groups and 12 international distribution companies.

1960: began manufacturing brake parts in France and Germany, formed diesel partnerships in France and Spain and started exporting to over 130 markets.

1970: rebranded as Lucas Industries and became the 54th biggest company in the UK.

1988: focused efforts into global braking systems and high-technology engine management.

1994: rolled out the ‘green’ brand image across all collateral and advertising materials.

2010s: reached a $100 million worldwide sales milestone.