Report

Global passenger car sunroof market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.15% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 7.65 billion in 2023 to USD 15.41 billion in 2031. An automotive sunroof is an aperture on the top of the vehicle that allows fresh air and light to enter the cabin. It promotes passenger comfort by improving air circulation and providing enhanced brightness and illumination during the day. Sunroofs are transparent or non-transparent panels that can be manually or electrically operated. They come in various sizes, shapes, and styles depending on the kind of car. Increased passenger car sales, increased per capita income and consumer spending on effective ventilation and brighter vehicle interiors to improve the overall driving experience, will boost industry demand. Furthermore, technological advances in sunroof materials are driving demand for automobile sunroofs. As a result, continual design improvements and material developments to reduce weight and offer stability are accelerating the industry's growth. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are now developing sophisticated sunroof manufacturing methods, such as composite materials for lightweight sunroof solutions, increasing their demand in the industry.
For instance, in November 2023, Minda Corporation announced a collaboration with Taiwan's HSIN Chong Machinery Works to form a joint venture to manufacture sunroofs for passenger cars. The new venture will offer a full system solution ranging from design and development to manufacturing of sunroofs.
Increasing Demand for Safety, Comfort and Convenience Features
The increased demand for safety, comfort, and aesthetic features has led to many technological advancements in passenger cars, including sunroofs that allow better air circulation and increased light in cabin interiors. The demand for sunroofs by consumers has pushed automakers to provide sunroofs even in the hatchback segment due to the greater need for comfort and aesthetic features. Furthermore, the rise in advanced technologies to remove fog or frost from the windows enhances visibility in all weather conditions. It provides better illumination, leading to increased passenger comfort inside the cabin. Electric sunroofs also offer additional features, such as one-touch opening and closing with rain sensors, making the sunroof more versatile and user-friendly. Hence, the newer models' increased safety, comfort, and convenience features are expected to drive the global passenger car sunroof market.
For example, in August 2023, KIA India added an electric sunroof to the HTK+ variant of the Kia Sonet, priced at around USD 12,200, making the feature more affordable in the sub-4 meter passenger car segment.
Innovation in Glass Technology Leading to Market Expansion
Regarding material, manufacturers in the passenger car sunroof market are increasing the production of glass sunroofs. Sunroof glass makers combine numerous features with technical improvements to create a variety of glassware, including tempered glass, laminated glass, and green glass, which can protect against ultraviolet rays. Installing sunroofs improves air circulation compared to vehicles without them. Furthermore, sunroofs fitted with glazing technology reduce noise and improve thermal comfort in the summer.
For example, in January 2024, French carmaker Renault, launched the new Renault Scenic E-Tech and Renault Rafale with Solarbay panoramic glass roofs. It's a moonroof designed by glazing specialist Saint-Gobain Sekurit. It allows each row of passengers to customize their tinting with the flick of a switch or a voice command via Google Assistant.
Increasing Adoption of Sunroofs in Sports Utility Vehicles
Sport utility vehicles are among the most popular passenger car segments due to their large selection of cars with unrivaled adaptability in range, horsepower, and features. They are suitable for off-road and rough terrain conditions. It is expected to see increased adoption, particularly in developing nations like China and India, where consumer demand is expanding quickly. As a result of these circumstances, manufacturers such as Ford, Hyundai, Toyota, and Kia, among others, have been pushed to supply more equipped amenities for increased customer pleasure, which were formerly limited to premium cars.
For instance, in July 2023, Kia India launched its Seltos facelift in the Indian market with major interior and exterior upgrades and additional features. Despite a single-pane roof offered earlier, a voice-controlled panoramic sunroof was one of the biggest feature additions.
Asia-Pacific Dominates Passenger Car Sunroof Market
Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global passenger car sunroof market due to the rising demand for premium vehicles in developing nations like India and China, where disposable income is increasing. Automakers have made significant investments to increase their domestic manufacturing capacities in the Asia Pacific to meet the growing demand. Moreover, government initiatives to increase adoption of electric vehicles and rise in the number of mass segment cars offering sunroofs as an additional feature are responsible for bolstering demand for in-vehicle sunroofs. This is projected to boost market expansion across the region.
For instance, in May 2023, Webasto SE opened a new panoramic sunroof plant in Chennai, India, with plans to invest USD 126.3 million by 2027 and increase its output from current 500,000 unit to 950,000 units.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
- Rise in individual per capita income or increase in buying capacity of consumers across the globe is likely to propel the global passenger car sunroof market.
- The increase in demand for advanced safety and convenience features such as rain sensors and advanced electronic control systems across the globe is driving the demand for sunroof vehicles.
- The global passenger car sunroof market is expected to grow due to technological advancements in sunroof material and product innovation as well as increased preference for sunroof fitted vehicles as a status symbol.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Key participants in the passenger car sunroof market include Webasto SE, CIE Automotive, Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V., and Inteva Products LLC. The global passenger car sunroof market is witnessing increased research and development activity and investment by industry participants in automotive sunroof technology. Furthermore, manufacturers are investing in improving ambient lighting technology, switchable glass, and solar panels in sunroofs. This trend is projected to persist in the market over the projection period.
In May 2023, Gabriel India (ANAND Group), signed a contract with Inalfa Roof Systems to manufacture sunroofs for the Indian market. The company aims to invest USD 21.3 million into technical collaboration over the next three years, with a revenue potential of USD 125 million by 2030.