Demand for skylights is rising among Indian buyers and here’s why

To meet growing consumer demand, automakers now feature sunroofs in half of all new cars sold in India.

A skylight Once considered a luxury item, five years ago the figure was closer to 7%, according to the Economic Times.

Today, more than a quarter of cars sold on the local market have this feature. The report adds that sales of models with this feature are even higher at 55%.

In the predominantly tropical country, demand for sunroofs is growing across all vehicle types, including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), premium hatchbacks and sedans.

Although the weather in India may not always be conducive to opening the sunroof, the growing popularity of this feature emphasizes its symbolic luxury and unique point of view. The attraction of the skylight is its unique view, similar to that found in glass-bottomed boats and Vistadome train cars. Apart from this, it also enhances the interior of the car and improves the social status of the owner.

The increase in demand for sunroofs can mainly be attributed to the luxury feel in premium versions of mass-market cars, like touchscreens and keyless ignition.

Ravi Bhatia, president and director of automotive intelligence firm Jato Dynamics India, highlighted the enduring appeal of sunroofs and said that while the sunroof may not be opened frequently, its undeniable appeal, according to Cartoq Power helps improve the driving experience. In Indian weather conditions, the status symbol of owning a car with a sunroof seems to outweigh the practical considerations.

In the Indian market, nearly 85% of SUVs, including compact models, are equipped with sunroofs; Cartoq reports that this trend is in line with the SUV craze. Maruti Suzuki is popular in this market, adding sunroofs to models like the Brezza small SUV, and even budget-conscious consumers succumb to the temptation. Cartoq added that just three years later, the proportion of hatchbacks and utility vehicles equipped with sunroofs had doubled to about 3.5%, indicating that more and more car segments are becoming interested in this feature. .

Meanwhile, Germany-based Webasto dominates the Indian skylight market and has expanded its operations to meet growing demand. The company recently opened its second plant in Chennai and plans to invest Rs 1,000 crore to more than double its production capacity to 950,000 units by 2023. Additionally, Webasto expects continued growth in the Indian market, which is experiencing rapid growth with high demand for open panoramic roofs.

In addition, the Dutch company Inalfa has also entered the Indian market through cooperation with Gabriel India, a subsidiary of Anand Group, and plans to establish a factory in Chennai, Cartoq State, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles.