A mercury-free high-pressure gas discharge lamp (HID [high intensity discharge] lamp) is described which is provided for use in automotive technology. To achieve improved lamp characteristics, in particular a substantially equal luminous efficacy in comparison with lamps of the same power and a mercury-free gas filling, as well as a highest possible burning voltage, the discharge vessel (1) is provided in its wall regions (10) which are lowermost in the operational position with a coating (15) which reflects at least a portion of the infrared radiation generated during operation, such that the temperature of the coldest spots, and in particular of the light-generating substances collected there, is raised, with the result that the light-generating substances can enter the gas phase in sufficient quantities also without mercury, and in particular with the use of a metal halide as a voltage-gradient generator.