Automotive Sunroof Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material Type (Glass, Fabric), By Product Type (Pop-Up, Inbuilt, Tilt & Slide, Top Mount, Panoramic), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Cars, Light Commercial Vehicles, Electric Vehicles), and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026

The global automotive sunroof market size was USD 929.6 million in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 2,926.2 million by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.9% during the forecast period.

The sunroof in a vehicle is a fixed or operable opening in a vehicle roof that allows light and fresh air to enter inside the passenger compartment. Interior climate improves and the draught is reduced as efficient ventilation inside the vehicle is enabled. They are either transparent or non-transparent panels that are manually operated or motor driven and various types of sunroofs are available in the market depending on the shapes, sizes, and features that vary from vehicle to vehicle. They provide greater brightness and illumination and coupled with improved air circulation which is responsible for further increasing the comfort level of vehicle occupants. Hence, there is a growing trend among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to offer spoiler type or inexpensive removable sunroofs as an optional feature in passenger cars in addition to premium vehicles in the automotive industry.

LATEST TRENDS

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Rising Popularity of Sunroofs in Sports Utility Vehicles

SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) segment has witnessed an increased adoption particularly in developing countries such as China and India, as they offer versatility in range, power output, and other features and are suitable for off-road and rough terrain conditions. Hence, these factors have compelled manufacturers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, among others, that are prominent players in the SUV segment to further provide equipped features for enhanced consumer satisfaction. Initially, they were exclusive only to premium cars.

However, owing to their popularity among the youth as well as the ability to maintain optimum levels of sunlight and better visibility within the vehicle has prompted the OEMs to increase the variety of roofs offered in such multi-purpose SUVs. Kia Soul, Hyundai Tucson Limited, Ford Flex are among the new and relatively affordable SUVs that are offering panoramic roofs as an optional feature at a low cost. Furthermore, popular models such as the BMW X3, X5, X6, and Acura RDX, Audi Q3, Audi Q7, are also fitted with panoramic roofs. Hence, greater SUV adoption is expected to positively impact the growth of the market.

DRIVING FACTORS

Greater Demand for Passenger Comfort, Convenience and Safety Features to Promote Growth

There has been an increasing consumer inclination towards vehicles that offer aesthetic yet safety and comfort-oriented features which have led to the increased popularity of the mid-segment vehicles. For example, keeping the windows open is not as convenient as the noise of the gushing wind makes it difficult to converse with fellow passengers. The sunroof is a viable solution in such situations as it allows the noise factor to be cut off yet the vehicle remains well ventilated with fresh airflow which improves comfort levels of the vehicle occupants. For example, AGC Inc. has developed glazing technologies such as the smart glazing wonderlite which improves thermal comfort for the car occupants by reducing the heat penetration into the car, which reduces air-conditioning needs, hence enabling fuel savings and decreased CO2 emissions. Moreover, OEMs are working to enhance the safety factors associated with installations in automobiles. For example, a panorama sunroof airbag system has been developed by Hyundai Mobis, which is the first of its kind across the globe. Hence, in case of an accident or rollover, this system prevents passengers from being thrown out of the sunroof. Furthermore, the integration of rain sensors with these systems has also been achieved. This feature allows for the automatic closing as soon as it starts raining. Hence, technological advancements are expected to drive growth in this market over the forecast period.

Growing Penetration of Solar Sunroof Technologies in Electric Vehicles

The automatic opening and closing provides convenient operation and hence they are increasingly being utilized across a wide range of vehicles. Environment-friendly vehicles are being actively promoted by various governments, particularly in developing regions, to adhere to increasingly stringent emission regulations. For example, Panasonic developed a 180-W solar photovoltaic car roof for the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) which is expected to increase vehicle efficiency by up to 10%. To match the Prius PHEV’s aesthetic design features Panasonic introduced innovative technologies to laminate the 3-D curved glass, hence achieving module installation on the vehicle roof without impairing the advanced design. Furthermore, Audi has been working with Alta Devices to develop panoramic glass roofs for key Audi models integrated with solar cells. The electricity produced from the solar roof can be used to supply, for instance, the seat heaters and air conditioning system via the car's electricity system. Hence, efficiency increases which positively impacts the driving range of an Audi electric vehicle. Hence, OEMs willing to invest in R&D coupled with lucrative government funding have propelled the advancement of solar roof technology, which is expected to fuel the global automotive sunroof market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Repair Cost and Reduction in Fuel Efficiency to Restrain Market Growth

Manufacturers particularly focus on weight reduction in vehicles as it enables improved braking, acceleration, and greater fuel economy. Also, to improve handling and vehicle stability, hefty items such as the fuel tank, engine, and among others, are usually positioned as low as possible. However, regular assemblies, depending on the size, weigh around 20-30 kg while the panoramic sunroof can weigh as much as 90 kg. For instance, panoramic glass roofs, in addition to the required electric motor, drainage channel, and reinforcing bars, also weigh greater owing to glass being considerably heavier and thicker than aluminium or steel roof panels. Hence, the additional weight can significantly affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Furthermore, glass or clear synthetic resin is used and their ability to insulate from outside temperature is inferior compared to a standard vehicle roof. Moreover, regular maintenance is required to ensure the optimal working condition. Rain leakage through the rubber sealant between the window panel and the roof is also a possibility. They are considerably costly to integrate and similarly expensive to repair in case of a failure. Hence, these factors are likely to restrain the growth of the market.

SEGMENTATION

By Material Type Analysis

Glass Sunroof Segment to Dominate the Global Market

Based on material type, the market is segmented into glass and fabric. The glass segment held the largest share of the market in 2019 and is expected to observe exponential growth over the forecast period. Increased adoption of this segment can be attributed to technological advancements, material innovations such as improvement in sunroof glazing which has reduced the overhead safety concerns and glass which can reflect UV rays. Glass sunroofs can reduce reliance on the vehicle’s air conditioning system as they allow a direct flow of natural light and improve the natural air circulation inside the vehicle. Consequently, the market for fabric sunroofs is expected to decline over the forecast period with plummeting sales of convertible cars.

By Product Type Analysis

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Inbuilt Segment to Dominate the Global Market

Based on product type, the market for automotive sunroof is segmented into inbuilt, panoramic, tilt & slide, top mount, and pop-up sunroof. The inbuilt segment is expected to hold the largest market share owing to OEMs as they largely prefer providing inbuilt in their cars and the additional functions such as vents, sunshade, auto close, among others which further improves the vehicle comfort levels. The tilt and slide segment is anticipated to witness healthy growth in this market as a result of high demand in vehicles with short roof sizes and the ease of operation owing to their simple sliding process.

The panoramic segment is projected to witness significant growth in this market. Panoramic roofs cover a larger area which ensures that both the front and rear seat occupants can benefit from the increased natural freshness and they are frequently offered as standard equipment in high-end vehicles. These factors are responsible for the positive growth in this segment. The pop-up segment is projected to exhibit steady growth in this market chiefly driven by its affordable cost compared to other types and its completely removable feature offered in some vehicles. The top mount segment is also expected to observe steady growth in this market as they provide greater headroom space and are typically equipped with wind deflectors which prevent undesirable noise at high speeds.

By Vehicle Type Analysis

Electric Vehicle Segment to Lead Growth in the Market

Based on vehicle type, the market is segmented into passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and electric vehicles. The passenger car segment is expected to observe significant growth in the market. Increasing growth in this segment can be attributed to cost-effective options being introduced which provide natural ventilation and increased comfort without the excess cost burden associated with the installation and maintenance of the sunroofs. The light commercial vehicle segment is anticipated to witness high growth in the market over the forecast period owing to the increased adoption of sports utility vehicles, particularly in emerging countries. The electric vehicle (EV) segment is also projected to observe considerable growth in the market. The inclusion of sunroofs increasingly as a standard feature and better all-round visibility coupled with early adoption of innovative materials is responsible for the positive growth of the electric vehicle segment.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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The market for automotive sunroof in Asia Pacific is characterized by a rise in disposable income of the population coupled with a surge in demand for premium vehicles in developing economies such as China and India. To fulfill the growing demand automakers have been investing aggressively to increase their domestic manufacturing capacities in this region. Furthermore, government initiatives to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and the rise in mass segment cars offering sunroofs as an optional feature are also responsible for stimulating the demand for in-vehicle sunroofs. These factors are anticipated to lead to the dominance of APAC in the market.

Europe is expected to hold the second-largest automotive sunroof market share. Factors such as rising passenger car sales despite stringent emission regulations in place and the presence of manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz that are leading technological innovations and are also established players in the premium vehicle segment are factors propelling the market growth in this region. North America is anticipated to witness steady growth in this market with the US accounting for the foremost share. The early adoption of comfort-oriented features and the high adoption rate of sports utility vehicles has positioned this region as a steady contributor to this market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Webasto Group Expected to Retain their Leading Positions in the Market

Greater consolidation in the market is responsible for the limited number of market players currently dominating the market. CIE Automotive, Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V., Webasto, Magna International, Valmet Automotive are some of the prominent manufacturers operating in the market. Increasing product penetration via the acquisition of key regional players and a renewed focus on product portfolio growth, particularly in volume-driven developing economies has been an important part of the business strategies of the leading market players.

For instance, in 2016, Inteva Products opened its second manufacturing facility in Romania, dedicated to producing sunroof system components which allows it to further expand its footprint across Europe. Furthermore, OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Audi collaborating with Tier-1 suppliers for R&D purposes is also a positive factor impacting the market positions of the key players.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Magna International Inc. (Canada)


• Webasto Group (Germany)


• Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V. (Netherlands)


• Inteva Products (U.S.)


• CIE Automotive (Spain)


• Valmet Automotive (Finland)


• Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2018 – Webasto shifted its sunroof production plant to a new, larger plant in Guangzhou, China allowing the company to expand its presence in China. The new plant can enable the production of up to 1.6 million sunroofs annually and with a continuous increase in demand particularly for large panorama roofs in China strengthens the company’s sunroof business unit.


• September 2017 – Webasto developed a new convertible roof system for the Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C Roadsters. This convertible roof has been designed as a high-speed capable soft-top yet reliable and aesthetic system using advanced lightweight materials.

REPORT COVERAGE

The automotive sunroof market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product types, competitive landscape, and leading applications of the product.

An Infographic Representation of Automotive Sunroof Market

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Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market over recent years.

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