China Automotive Sunroof Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Panoramic, In-Built, Spoiler, Pop Up, and Others (Tilt & Slide, Solar, and Top Mount)), By Vehicle Type (Hatchback/Sedan, SUV, LCV, and HCV), By Component (Motor, Drive Gear, Slider, Hinges & Cables, Handles & Drive Mechanism, and Glass/Polycarbonate/Metal/Fabric), By Material (Fabric/Metal, Glass, and Polycarbonate), and Forecast, 2024-2032

The China automotive sunroof market size was valued at USD 3.16 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 3.38 billion in 2024 to USD 6.31 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.

The automotive sunroof refers to producing, distributing, and installing sunroof vehicles. Sunroofs, available in various types, such as panoramic, pop-up, and in-built, are increasingly adopted by automakers due to consumers' increasing demand for aesthetic appeal, ventilation, and natural light, driving the market growth. China is one of the largest global automotive sunroof markets. The market has grown substantially due to increasing automobile production and rising consumer preference for enhanced vehicle features.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted various industries globally, including the automotive sunroof market in China. The effects have been multifaceted, influencing production, supply chains, demand, and market dynamics. In early 2020, China implemented strict lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, leading to temporary shutdowns of automotive manufacturing plants. This included factories producing sunroofs and other automotive components.

China Automotive Sunroof Market Trends

Adoption of Advanced Technologies to Fuel Market Growth

The market has seen significant technological advancements in recent years, driven by consumer demand for more luxurious, convenient, and efficient features. Here are some key advancements in this market. Panoramic sunroofs cover a larger portion of the car roof, providing more natural light and enhanced openness. These sunroofs often come with multiple panels that can tilt and slide, offering flexible ventilation options. Panoramic sunroofs often come with sunshades or screens to block out excessive sunlight and provide privacy. These can be manually operated, powered, and integrated into the sunroof's control system. The glass panels typically have UV-protective coatings to reduce harmful sun exposure and minimize heat buildup inside the vehicle.

Smart glass technology for automotive sunroofs represents a significant innovation, offering enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Smart glass, also known as switchable or dynamic glass, can change its light transmission properties in response to external stimuli, such as electrical signals, light, or heat. The most common types used in these sunroofs are electrochromic, thermochromic, and photochromic glass. Some smart glass technologies can be combined with solar cells to generate electricity, further enhancing energy efficiency. For instance, in March 2023, Nio partnered with Ambilight to develop a smart dimming sunroof for its upcoming EC7 model. Ambilight provided the core color-changing material, which consisted of black-grey EC film for the canopy. Outside China, the company is also looking at North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, India, Japan, and the South Korean market.

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China Automotive Sunroof Market Growth Factors

Increasing Demand for Premium Features in Major Vehicle Categories to Boost Market Growth

The increasing demand for premium features is a significant driver for the automotive sunroof market in China. This trend can be supported by several factors, including rising consumer incomes, changing lifestyle preferences, urbanization, and the influence of Chinese automotive trends.

China’s rapid economic development has increased disposable incomes, particularly among the middle and upper classes. This financial growth enables consumers to spend more on premium automotive features, including sunroofs. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2023 the nationwide per capita disposable income was USD 5,497.8 a nominal increase of 6.3% over the previous year and a real increase of 6.1% after deducting the price factor.

With higher disposable incomes, consumers are more willing to invest in vehicles equipped with luxury features that enhance comfort, aesthetics, and driving experience. The shift toward higher-end models with advanced features is evident in the growing sales of mid-range and luxury vehicles. Thus, increasing demand for mid-range and luxury vehicles will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Maintenance, Repair Costs, and Technical Challenges to Restrain Market Growth

Sunroofs require regular maintenance to prevent issues, such as leaks, wind noise, and mechanical failures. Repairing a malfunctioning panoramic sunroof can be expensive due to the complexity and size of the glass panels. Modern sunroofs, particularly panoramic and sliding types, involve complex mechanical systems with motors, gears, and tracks. This complexity increases the possibility of mechanical failures and the associated costs for repairs and maintenance.

Sunroofs require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning, including inspections of seals, motors, and drainage systems. Neglecting these maintenance tasks can lead to more severe issues and higher repair costs in the future.

Also, one of the common problems with sunroofs is water leakage due to improper sealing or drainage system failures. This can lead to interior damage. They are considerably costly to integrate and similarly expensive to repair in case of failure. These factors are likely to restrain the growth of the market.

China Automotive Sunroof Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type Analysis

Rising Adoption of Panoramic Sunroofs by Manufacturers to Drive Segment Growth

By type, the market is classified into panoramic, in-built, spoiler, pop up, and others (tilt & slide, solar, top mount).

The panoramic segment held the highest China automotive sunroof market share and is expected to grow at the highest rate owing to manufacturers' rising adoption of panoramic sunroofs. Many automakers in China offer panoramic sunroofs as a standard or optional feature in their mid-range to high-end models. This widespread availability has driven the China automotive sunroof market growth.

The in-built segment holds the second-largest share of the automotive sunroof market. Segmental growth is attributed to the increasing consumer demand for luxury and comfort. Chinese consumers increasingly seek vehicles with luxurious features. In-built sunroofs, which enhance both the aesthetic and comfort levels of cars, appeal to these preferences, providing a sense of openness and ventilation.

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By Vehicle Type Analysis

Increasing Technological Advancements in Sunroof Technology Boosted SUV Segment Growth

Based on vehicle type, the market is classified into Hatchback/Sedan, SUV, LCV, and HCV.

The SUV segment held the highest growth rate owing to technological advancements in sunroof technology. Advances in sunroof technology, such as improved sealing and noise reduction, ensure better performance and reliability, even in larger roof areas typical of SUVs. Modern SUVs often come equipped with advanced infotainment and connectivity systems that can be integrated with sunroof controls, enhancing the appeal of sunroof-equipped models.

The hatchback segment held the largest market share in 2023. The segmental growth is attributed to manufacturers' increasing launches of hatchbacks equipped with sunroofs. For instance, BYD introduced its latest performance hatchback, the Ocean-M, at the Beijing Auto Show. The vehicle includes a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a sunroof, and more. This development fueled the demand for the sunroof market growth.

By Component Analysis

Increasing Innovation in Materials for Battery Glass/Polycarbonate/Metal/Fabric by Market Players to Fuel Segment Growth

The market is categorized into motor, drive gear, slider, hinges & cables, handles & drive mechanism, and glass/polycarbonate/metal/fabric based on component type.

The glass/polycarbonate/metal/fabric segment holds the maximum share of the China automotive sunroof market due to increasing innovations in materials science that have led to the development of more durable, lightweight, and versatile materials. For instance, polycarbonate offers high impact resistance and lighter weight compared to glass. Smart glass technologies, such as electrochromic or photochromic glass, allow for adjustable tinting, providing enhanced control over light and heat entering the vehicle.  This development drives the segment growth.

The motor segment holds the second largest market share, owing to effective sunroof operation. Motor technology advancements have led to more efficient, durable, and quieter motors. These improvements enhance the overall user experience, making motorized sunroofs more attractive to consumers. Modern motors can be integrated with other vehicle systems, such as infotainment and climate control, allowing for advanced features, such as automatic closing when rain is detected or voice-activated controls. This development boosts the segment growth.

By Material Analysis

Increasing Adoption of Luxury Cars and Rising Demand for Convenience Features to Fuel the Glass Segment Growth

Based on material, the market is categorized into fabric/metal, glass, and polycarbonate.  

The glass segment holds the largest market share and continue to grow over the forecast period. Glass sunroofs significantly improve the aesthetic appeal of vehicles by allowing natural light to enter the cabin. This creates a more open, airy, and modern feel, which is highly attractive to consumers. The sleek, transparent nature of glass sunroofs gives a premium, luxurious appearance, making vehicles more desirable. These developments fueled the demand for the glass segment.

The polycarbonate segment holds the second-largest market share. Polycarbonate is significantly lighter than traditional glass, which reduces the vehicle's overall weight. This improvement in weight enhances fuel efficiency and vehicle performance, which is particularly beneficial for electric vehicles. These developments drive the polycarbonate segment growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Companies Focus On Expansion of Sales Networks and Product Portfolio to Enhance Their Positions

Major players in this market include Webasto Group, Shanghai Mobitech Technology Co., Ltd., and Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V. Automotive sunroof machine manufacturers focus on expanding their product portfolio, sales, and developing lightweight sunroof solutions. Webasto Group is one of the leading manufacturers in the automotive sunroof market. The company is focusing on research and development activities to develop new products with improved capabilities and contracts. For instance, in 2023, Webasto Group signed a contract with Beijing Benz to provide a sliding panorama sunroof for Mercedes-Benz E 260 L (FR) (China) 2023.

List of Top China Automotive Sunroof Companies: 

• Fuyao Group (China)


• Webasto Group (Germany)


• Saint-Gobain (China)


• Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd (Japan)


• Shanghai Mobitech Technology Co., Ltd. (China)


• CIE Automotive (Spain)


• Inalfa Roof Systems Group B.V (Netherlands)


• Shenzhen Guangyi Technology Co., Ltd (China)


• Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd (Japan)


• Freewon China Co., Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In September 2023, Shenzhen Guangyi Technology Co., Ltd. announced that the NIO EC6 is the third model in 2023 to be equipped with the Ambilight EC dynamic canopy, following the EC7 and ET5T. Ambilight adopts flexible electrochromic technology, breaking through the application challenges of traditional electrochromic technology in the automotive field and bringing a new intelligent rooftop product—the EC dynamic canopy for new energy vehicles—greatly optimizing the lighting and spatial experience of new energy vehicles.


• In July 2023, Samvardhana Motherson International, a wholly owned subsidiary of SAMIL, agreed to acquire an 81% stake in Yachiyo Industry Co Ltd’s four-wheeler business, a subsidiary of Honda Motor Co. Yachiyo specializes in manufacturing automobile parts such as sunroofs, fuel tanks, and resin products. This acquisition will offer several advantages to Samvardhana Motherson, including gaining entry into the China sunroof market.


• In May 2023, BYD introduced the Seal Champion version. In this release, as a benchmark for experience appreciation, the four-wheel drive performance version is equipped with an EC dynamic canopy as standard for the first time, while the 700km noble and performance versions can also be equipped with an EC dynamic canopy as an option.


• In March 2023, ASIN announced that its panoramic sunroof has been incorporated into the EQS SUV and EQE SUV, the flagship models of Mercedes-Benz's battery electric vehicle (BEV) brand, Mercedes-EQ. This marks the first instance of an AISIN sunroof being utilized in Mercedes-Benz’s BEVs. The panoramic sunroof is noted for its quiet operation, making it ideal for BEVs, and it features rear seat illumination and a refined design that enhances the vehicles’ luxurious appearance and ride comfort.


• In June 2020, Fuyao Glass signed a strategic cooperation agreement with BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. (BOE). The companies will utilize their own advantages and cooperate in such fields as automotive dimmable glass and window glass display technologies. They aim to launch intelligent dimmable window glass that integrates touch and display functions. Additionally, the companies will work together to promote the application of HMI (Human-Machine Interface) technologies.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides a detailed China automotive sunroof market analysis and focuses on key aspects such as leading market participants, competitive landscape, and type. Besides this, it includes insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the China automotive sunroof market report encompasses several factors that have contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

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