To meet rising consumer demand, carmakers are now offering sunroofs in half of all new cars on sale in India.
A sunroof was once thought to be a luxury feature, but five years ago that number was closer to 7 percent, according to The Economic Times report.
Today, more than one in every four cars sold in the local market has this feature. Sales are even higher, at 55 percent, in models that have the feature, reports add.
In this primarily tropical country, demand for sunroofs is rising in all types of vehicles, including sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), premium hatchbacks, and sedans.
Although India’s weather may not always be conducive to open sunroofs, the feature’s increasing popularity emphasises its symbolic luxury and distinctive viewpoint. The attraction of the sunroof is its unique view, which is similar to that of glass-bottom boats and Vistadome train cars. It enhances the interior of the car and raises the owner’s social standing in addition to that.
The increased demand for sunroofs can be mainly attributed to the perceived luxury that is connected to high-end versions of mass-market cars, much like touchscreens and keyless ignition.
Ravi Bhatia, President and Director of Jato Dynamics India, an auto intelligence firm, emphasises the long-lasting appeal of sunroofs, stating that, while they may not be opened frequently, their undeniable allure contributes to the driving experience, as per Cartoq. In Indian weather conditions, the status symbol of owning a car with a sunroof appears to outweigh practical considerations.
In the Indian market, almost 85 percent of SUVs—including compact models—have a sunroof; this trend is in line with the SUV craze, Cartoq reports. With Maruti Suzuki, a well-liked option in this market, adding sunroofs to models like the Brezza small SUV, even budget-conscious consumers are giving in to the allure. After just three years, the percentage of hatchbacks and multipurpose vehicles with sunroofs has doubled to approximately 3.5 percent, indicating that more and more car segments are becoming interested in this feature, Cartoq adds.
Meanwhile, Webasto, based in Germany, dominates the Indian sunroof market and has expanded operations to meet rising demand. The company recently opened its second plant in Chennai and intends to invest Rs 1,000 crore to more than double capacity to 9.5 lakh units by 2023. In addition, Webasto anticipates continued growth in the Indian market, which is experiencing rapid growth and high demand for openable panoramic roofs.
Furthermore, Inalfa, a Dutch company, has also entered the Indian market through a partnership with Anand Group’s Gabriel India, with plans to establish a 2-lakh-unit plant in Chennai, Cartoq states.
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