With Increasing Demand Global Sunroof Makers Are Accelerating Investments in India

Rising Demand for Sunroofs in India

Global car sunroof manufacturers are increasingly turning their attention to India as the demand for this feature experiences a significant rise. Major players like Inalfa Roof Systems (Netherlands) and their Indian partner, Gabriel India, plan to double their sunroof production capacity within the next year.

This partnership, which established its first plant in Chennai in early 2024, currently produces 200,000 sunroofs annually, with ambitions to expand. Meanwhile, Germany’s Webasto, a leading name in openable sunroofs, is also set to nearly double its production in India, from 500,000 units to 950,000 units by 2027.

Strategic Partnerships and Expanding Capacities

To meet the growing demand, Uno Minda entered a technical license agreement with Japan’s Aisin Corp. in August 2024. Aisin, one of the top 10 Tier I component suppliers, will enable Uno Minda to manufacture and sell vehicle sunroofs locally. This deal reflects the rising importance of sunroofs in the Indian automotive market, which is rapidly transitioning from luxury vehicles like SUVs and MUVs to more affordable hatchbacks. As sunroofs become more common, manufacturers are adjusting their strategies to cater to this trend.

Sunroofs: A Growing Symbol of Status

Even though practical use of sunroofs may be limited in India’s extreme climate conditions, particularly in regions like Delhi and Mumbai, they remain a highly desired feature among consumers. Ravi Bhatia, president of Jato Dynamics, notes that while sunroofs may rarely be fully opened, they represent a status symbol, reflecting the evolving definition of ‘premium’ in the Indian automotive market. This contradiction between functionality and aspiration is a key driver of the market's growth.

India’s Fast-Growing Market for Sunroofs

India is among the fastest-growing markets globally for automotive sunroofs. The segment is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.6% through 2029. This remarkable growth is pushing parts manufacturers to expand local production. Once viewed as a luxury feature, sunroofs are now installed in over 27.5% of cars sold in India—a significant jump from just 12.7% five years ago, according to data from Jato Dynamics.

Future Investments and Local Manufacturing

Uno Minda is also investing in a new sunroof manufacturing facility in Bawal, Haryana, with an initial capacity of 80,000 units per year. The company has already secured a major order from an automaker and is in discussions with other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to increase production. These investments are part of a broader trend where manufacturers are ramping up capacities to meet the growing demand for personalization in vehicles.

Key Facts and Figures:

Inalfa Roof Systems, in partnership with Gabriel India, aims to double its capacity within a year.

Webasto plans to expand production to 950,000 units by 2027.

The Indian sunroof market is projected to grow at 17.6% annually until 2029.

27.5% of cars sold in India now have sunroofs, up from 12.7% five years ago.

Uno Minda’s new plant in Bawal, Haryana, will have an initial production capacity of 80,000 units annually.