Automotive Sunroof Market

Market Overview

The global automotive sunroof market size was valued at USD 8.18 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach USD 20.83 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period (2023-2031). The global automotive sunroof market is driven by increasing consumer demand for enhanced driving experiences and vehicle customization trends.

A car's roof opening, called an automotive sunroof, allows natural light and fresh air, improving passenger comfort by allowing for better ventilation and brightness. Sunroofs can be opaque or transparent and are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles to fit various car models. They can be controlled electronically or manually. Car manufacturers are currently using cutting-edge technology, including lightweight composite materials, to create lighter and more efficient sunroof solutions, driving demand for these advancements in the market.

Market Dynamics

Global Automotive Sunroof Market Drivers:

Rising Consumer Demand for Enhanced Comfort and Aesthetics

The contemporary automotive market is witnessing a notable shift in consumer demand towards vehicles that offer elevated levels of comfort and aesthetics. This evolving preference is evident in car buyers' growing popularity of sunroofs. Sunroofs are now a crucial component in improving the entire driving experience because of their capacity to create an interior feeling of spaciousness and let natural light flood the space.

Automakers are increasingly integrating sunroofs into their vehicle designs in response to this burgeoning trend. They are recognizing the critical role that comfort and aesthetics play in forming the modern automotive landscape and are responding to the needs of consumers by accomplishing this. This shift in consumer preferences underscores the need for continual research and development efforts within the automotive industry to cater to the evolving desires of a discerning clientele.

Global Automotive Sunroof Market Restraints:

High Maintenance and Repair Costs and Reduction in Fuel Efficiency

The automotive industry's pursuit of high-quality panoramic or retractable sunroofs faces a significant challenge due to their associated costs. The incorporation of such sunroof designs necessitates substantial investments in design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation, which may discourage cost-sensitive consumers and potentially impede market growth. This issue is compounded by the industry's concurrent emphasis on reducing vehicle weight to enhance braking, acceleration, and fuel economy, typically achieved by positioning heavy components low in the vehicle to optimize handling and stability.

While conventional roof assemblies weigh approximately 20-30 kg, panoramic sunroofs can weigh up to 90 kg, primarily due to the substantial weight of the glass, in addition to components such as electric motors, drainage channels, and reinforcing bars. This added weight poses a significant challenge by potentially compromising a vehicle's fuel efficiency, highlighting the need for innovative solutions that balance consumer demand for panoramic sunroofs with the automotive industry's pursuit of lightweight design. This is expected to hinder market growth.

Global Automotive Sunroof Market Opportunities:

Increasing Consumer Demand for Luxury Features and Integration of Advanced Technologies in Vehicles

The global market is anticipated to experience significant expansion due to the escalating customer desire for luxurious features and the incorporation of modern technologies in automobiles. The increasing desire for improved driving experiences and comfort among consumers has led to a growing demand for vehicles fitted with sunroofs. In addition, sunroofs provide a sense of luxury and present avenues for the integration of cutting-edge technology. For instance, panoramic sunroofs have intelligent functionalities like automated shading, tinting, and networking. The current trend offers substantial potential for market participants to leverage the changing preferences of consumers, therefore promoting innovation and growth within the automobile sunroof industry.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia-Pacific is the most significant global automotive sunroof market shareholder and is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. The Asia-Pacific market exhibits distinct trends, primarily marked by the upswing in disposable incomes among its populace, particularly in burgeoning economies like China and India. This surge in affluence has led to a heightened demand for premium automobiles. Thus, manufacturers strategically channel substantial investments into expanding their regional domestic production capacities to meet this burgeoning product demand. Similarly, governmental initiatives aimed at bolstering the adoption of electric vehicles and increasing the availability of mass-segment cars offering sunroofs as optional features have contributed to a noteworthy surge in demand for in-vehicle sunroofs. These combined dynamics position Asia-Pacific as a dominant force in the global market landscape.

Europe is anticipated to grow substantially during the forecast period. The European market is poised to secure the second-largest market share, driven by robust passenger car sales despite stringent emission regulations and the presence of renowned manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the premium vehicle segment. In North America, particularly the United States, a steady growth trajectory is anticipated, primarily attributable to the early embrace of comfort-oriented features and the substantial sales of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), positioning the region as a consistent market contributor.

In North America, the automotive sunroof market is witnessing steady growth, driven by consumer preferences for open-air driving experiences and advancements in sunroof technology. The United States and Canada are key players, with a growing demand for panoramic and traditional sunroofs. Further, rising concerns about vehicle aesthetics and interior comfort fuel the adoption of sunroofs in the region. Furthermore, the integration of sunroof systems with advanced features like smart controls and anti-pinch safety mechanisms is predicted to continue driving market growth in North America.

Latin America and the Middle East and Africa region exhibit discernible tendencies within this particular market category. The Middle East and Africa automotive industry is witnessing significant expansion due to increased customer demand for luxury automobiles with advanced technologies. There is an increasing consumer preference for automobiles equipped with panoramic sunroofs since they provide better visual appeal and improved airflow. Furthermore, there is growing recognition among customers about the benefits linked with the installation of sunroofs. The variables mentioned above contribute to the underlying drivers driving the industry's growth in the area.

Furthermore, the automobile sunroof business in the Latin American area is now seeing significant expansion. The trend may be ascribed to the growing prevalence of an expanding middle-class population actively pursuing automobiles that provide enhanced comfort and aesthetic appeal. Therefore, the industry is now seeing a sustained increasing trajectory in demand and total market size. Both areas have good prospects for future expansion, propelled by the automobile industry's continuous endeavors to cater to the evolving preferences of customers more inclined towards cars fitted with sunroofs.

Segmental Analysis

The global automotive sunroof market is segmented into material type, type, vehicle type, and region.

Based on material type, the global market is segmented into glass and fabric.

The glass segment is the most significant shareholder and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. In 2022, the glass segment dominated the market and is poised for remarkable growth in the foreseeable future. This substantial expansion is primarily driven by technological advancements and material innovations, particularly sunroof glazing. These innovations have addressed safety concerns by enhancing overhead protection and developing glass that effectively reflects harmful UV rays. In addition, glass sunroofs offer additional benefits, such as reducing the need for a vehicle's air conditioning system by allowing natural light to enter and improving the overall air circulation within the vehicle. Conversely, the fabric sunroof market is expected to experience a decline in the coming years, largely due to a decrease in convertible car sales.

The fabric segment refers to sunroofs in vehicles that utilize soft, flexible materials such as canvas or cloth for their panel construction. These fabric sunroofs are often preferred for their lightweight and cost-effective design, providing a panoramic view and natural light inside the vehicle while maintaining a sleek appearance. This segment has witnessed steady growth due to consumer demand for sunroof options in various car models, offering a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and affordability, making it a significant consideration for automotive manufacturers and buyers alike.

Based on type, the global market is divided into panoramic sunroofs, in-built sunroofs, and others (tilt and slide, pop-up, and top mount).

The panoramic section is the dominant segment in terms of market share and is expected to expand substantially over the forecast period. The expanded coverage area of the system ensures that occupants in both the front and rear seats experience enhanced natural freshness. These features are commonly included as standard amenities in luxury automobiles. These elements are accountable for the favorable expansion of this segment.

The category of in-built sunroofs maintains a significant portion of the market, mostly due to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) favoring the inclusion of inbuilt sunroofs in their vehicles. These sunroofs often come equipped with additional features such as vents, sunshades, and auto closure functionality, which enhance the vehicle's overall comfort level.

Based on vehicle type, the global market is fragmented into electric-powered vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles.

Gasoline-powered vehicles segment includes vehicles that run on traditional gasoline engines. These vehicles typically have sunroofs as optional, allowing occupants to open or tilt the roof panel to let in natural light and fresh air.

Electric powered vehicles segment encompasses electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids that primarily rely on electricity for propulsion. Sunroofs in electric-powered vehicles serve similar purposes as gasoline-powered vehicles, allowing sunlight and ventilation while driving.

Recent Developments

• October 2022- Magna announced that they are investing over USD 120 million to establish and operate a new engineering center in Bengaluru, India, to support e-mobility. The new center is called Magna Innovation Campus Bengaluru.
• May 2023- Inalfa Roof Systems Group signed an agreement with Gabriel India to manufacture sunroofs in the country. Gabriel India formed a wholly-owned subsidiary christened Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems (IGSS).