AUTOMOTIVE SUNROOF MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Size and Trends

Global automotive sunroof market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8.52 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 16.86 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% from 2024 to 2031.

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The market growth is driven by increasing demand for open-air and enhanced ventilation in vehicles. Customers are willing to pay extra for automotive sunroofs due to their aesthetic appeal and comfort benefits.

Emerging economies are expected to account for a major chunk of the incremental growth due to rising affordability and purchase power. Increasing demand for premium and luxury vehicles equipped with advanced automation features including sunroofs is driving the market growth. However, high costs associated with maintenance and repair of complex automated sunroof systems can hamper the market growth in the near future.

Increased preference for open-air driving experience

Rising preference among consumers for an open-air driving experience is expected to drive the market growth. In past times, sunroofs were seen as more of a luxury feature available only in high-end luxury vehicles, now these have become quite common even in mid-range and compact vehicle.

Customers nowadays want their vehicles to feel more spacious and have a sense of an open environment even while driving with the roof closed. A sunroof allows natural light to enter the vehicle interior and gives a glimpse of the outside environment like trees and sky. This enhances the overall feeling of freedom while driving. On nice sunny days, many drivers also keep their sunroofs open partially or fully to truly feel the outdoors. This offers a refreshing break from being surrounded by the four walls of a vehicle. The open-air experience is quite therapeutic and relaxing for customers after a long day at work.

Automakers have also played a role in promoting the joy of open-air driving. Their marketing campaigns highlight the fun element of enjoying scenic views and cool breeze with the sunroof open. Many new vehicle designs now incorporate larger panoramic sunroofs covering almost half the roof area. This provides a much more vast open view compared to traditionally smaller sliding or pop-up sunroofs. The expanded glass roof makes the cabin feel airier and more premium. All these factors have made customers attach greater importance to the sunroof feature while choosing their new vehicle. Even buyers who may not have considered it earlier now want a sunroof for occasional open-air joy rides.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Innovations in sunroof design and technology is expected to drive the market growth. Earlier basic sliding or pop-up sunroofs used to be the norm. However, with automakers focusing more on premium features, sunroofs too have evolved greatly. Now the latest design features include panoramic glass panels, fully retractable designs and sunroofs with one-touch open-close functions.

The automotive industry's shift to incorporate more glass area into the roof and introduce futuristic styles like four-door coupes has driven

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Vehicle costs are rising due to increasing raw material prices and new safety regulations, thus, leaving consumers with less discretionary income for luxury items like sunroofs.

 Customers also have concerns about the weight sunroofs add to vehicles and their impact on fuel efficiency. Manufacturers must overcome these perceptions with advanced lightweight materials and energy-efficient designs.

Market Opportunity: Growing popularity of open-air driving experiences

Rising income in developing nations allows drivers to afford vehicles with optional features. Manufacturers can tap into this emerging demand by offering affordable sunroof models.

Growing popularity of open-air driving experiences also allows opportunities to market sunroofs as a way for customers to feel more connected to the outdoors from within their vehicles.

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In terms of type, built-in sunroof system segment is estimated to contribute the highest share of the market owing 43.6% in 2024 due to its seamless integration and comfort factor. Built-in sunroof designs are factory installed, allowing automakers to better refine the overall vehicle structure and passenger space for optimal comfort. With no removable panels, built-in sunroofs provide a smooth, sleek exterior appearance. On the inside, these maximize headroom and make the cabin feel more spacious. Customers appreciate the refined OEM quality and hassle-free operation of built-in designs over other removable panel styles. As comfort and seamlessness remain top priorities for buyers, built-in sunroofs will continue dominating this segment through refined designs tailored for each vehicle model.

Insights, By Sales Channel: How OEM Sales Maintain Channel Dominance

In terms of sales channel, OEM segment is estimated to contribute the highest share of the market owing 71.4% in 2024. Most sunroof purchases occur alongside new vehicle transactions at dealerships. This allows automakers to directly market the latest sunroof innovations to buyers during the vehicle selection process. Customers value popular OEM brands and styles that fit the look and feel of their chosen car model. OEMs can also promptly offer installation services and provide seamless warranty coverage post-purchase. Aftermarket sunroofs face greater challenges in competing on brand appeal, fitment options, and installation complexity versus factory-integrated systems. As long as OEMs maintain proximity to end consumers through effective dealership strategies, the channel will retain its strong market positioning.

Insights, By Operation Type: Why Electric Operation Drives Growth

In terms of operation type, electric segment is estimated to contribute the highest share owing 62.4% in 2024 due to evolving preferences for effortless functionality. Modern drivers want the convenience of automatic, plug-and-play control over manual hand-cranking mechanisms. Well-designed electric motors and slimline switches integrated into vehicle interiors provide instant open/close access with just the push of a button. Younger buyers who grew up with advanced technologies particularly favor electric sunroofs for their intuitive “touch” experience over complicated manual levers. Electric actuators also allow for precision titling and sliding movements versus coarse manual adjustments. As newer vehicles adopt smarter functionality throughout, electric sunroofs satisfy the desire for seamless, worry-free operation. Their dominance in this segment will likely continue as digital connectivity further simplifies automobile experiences overall.

Regional Insights

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North America has traditionally dominated the global automotive sunroof market, owing 48.5% in 2024 to high consumer demand and strong presence of OEMs in the region. The U.S. is the single largest market for sunroofs, supported by passenger vehicle parc of over 250 million on-road. American consumers have shown a marked preference for open-air driving experiences over the last decade, driving sunroof adoption rates. This is evident from the fact that sunroofs are now offered as standard features even on entry models across most vehicle segments.

Canada and Mexico are other major North American markets, where the sunroof uptakes have steadily grown year-over-year. The existence of factory operations of top automakers like General Motors, Ford, and FCA in the region ensures strong aftermarket demand for sunroof components and systems as well.  Free Trade Agreement between the three countries has enabled seamless trade flows of sunroof parts within North America. This has optimized inventory management and logistics for regional fitment centers and distributors.

Among emerging regions, Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market for automotive sunroofs. China, in particular, demonstrates high growth potential attributed to factors like increasing vehicle production, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences towards enhanced in-cabin experiences. Chinese consumers are warming up to the idea of open-air driving due to improving road infrastructure and urban congestion levels easing in tier-1 cities. This has driven OEMs to offer more roof configurations, including panoramic moonroofs, on a wide array of models catering to middle-income demographics.

India is seen as a promising market for sunroofs in Asia Pacific. The country's robust GDP growth means more people can afford to finance vehicles, prompting car manufacturers to include sunroofs as a standard feature in more cars.to make models more appealing. As disposable incomes rise across urban regions, customers are actively opting for open-roof experiences while driving in pleasant weathers. This will likely sustain the attraction of comfort features like sunroofs in the personal mobility space.

Market Report Scope

Key Developments

• In May 2023, Webasto Group is a company that specializes in providing products for vehicles, such as car roofs and heaters. started a new factory in India to make car sunroofs. The factory is in Chennai and can make 250,000 sunroofs every year. about it covers about 9,500 square meters. It shall make the sunroofs and send them to customers in Southern India.
• In May 2023, Gabrial India is a company that specializes in automotive components. They provide a range of products such as suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, and related parts. made a deal with Inalfa Roof Systems is a company that specializes in manufacturing automotive roof systems. They design, develop, and produce various types of sunroofs and roof systems for vehicles. to make sunroofs for SUVs and sedans. Both companies spend US$ 20.72 million to build a new factory in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. It will start working in early 2024 and will make 200,000 sunroofs each year at first.
• In August 2022, Gentex announced that it invested US$ 300 million into growing their business in Zeeland, Michigan. With help from the Michigan Strategic Fund, it is making a new high-tech factory and expanding an old one. It will make more car parts like mirrors and displays for cars and planes. This will create 500 new jobs, adding to the 5,000 people already employed in Michigan.
• In May 2023, Inalfa Roof Systems Group and Gabriel India agreed to work together. Both companies make sunroofs in India. Gabriel India made a new company called Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems (IGSS) to do this.

*Definition: The automotive sunroof market comprises companies that manufacture and sell built-in sunroofs for passenger cars and other vehicles. A sunroof allows natural light and ventilation into the vehicle while providing an open-air feeling. It enhances the interior ambience and driver/passenger experience. Key components of an automotive sunroof include the glass panel, interior sunshade, exterior sunshade, motor and other mechanical parts. Factors such as rising vehicle production, increasing consumer preference for premium and luxury features, and hot weather.

Market Segmentation

• Type Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Built-in Sunroof System
  • Tilt 'N Slide Sunroof System
  • Panoramic Sunroof System
•  Sales Channel Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • OEM
  • Aftermarket
•  Operation Type Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • Electric
  • Manual
•  Application Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • SUV
  • Sedan
  • Hatchback
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, US$ BN, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • South Africa
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players
  • Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V
  • Inteva Products
  • Wuxi Ming Fang AutoMobile Parts
  • Webasto Group
  • Wuhu Mosentek Automobile Technology
  • Magna International Inc
  • Aisin Seiki
  • Yachiyo Industry Co. Ltd
  • Zhejiang Wanchao Electric Co. Ltd
  • Johnan Manufacturing Inc.
  • Yachiyo Industry
  • Yutani Gaunjia (Mobitech)
  • CIE Automotive
  • BOS GMBH & CO. KG
  • Signature Automotive Product