South Korea Automotive Sunroof Market

South Korea Automotive Sunroof Market Analysis

The South Korea Automotive Sunroof Market is expected to register a CAGR of greater than 5% during the forecast period.

A sunroof is often considered an additional feature in automobiles, which is available in fixed or operable (venting or sliding) openings, in an automobile roof. Sunroof, as a feature in automobiles, was installed way back in 1932, when Mercedes Benz offered the first car sunroof.

The trend of the sunroof as an optional feature has gradually changed as it is now a standard feature in most of the premium and luxury cars and in a few mid-segment cars. The first car company to offer sunroof as a standard option was the Nash Motor Company, which installed a sunroof in some of its 1937 models.

Product and material innovations, along with the timely evolution of sunroof technologies, have been helping market growth. To augment the demand for sunroofs, vehicles are now fitted with tinted or UV-reflective glasses, in order to avoid unwanted heat and sunlight. Companies, like Webasto, comply with the highest safety standards in their advanced headliner safety system. Optional rain sensors and enhanced electronic control systems are some of the improved features installed and appreciated in a sunroof system, currently.

South Korea Automotive Sunroof Market Trends

Increased Adoption of Sunroofs in Sports Utility Vehicles

A rise in the adoption of sunroofs in vehicle rooftops, is expected to augment the automotive sunroof market during the forecast period. The rise in the use of sunroofs from the aftermarket is also significantly driving the demand for the automotive sunroof system.

SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) are big cars, ideal for rough surfaces and off-road. These cars can accommodate about five to seven people. The automotive sunroof market for SUV includes the scope for the multi-utility vehicle (MUV).

Sport utility vehicles constitute one of the most popular automotive segments due to a wide range of vehicles of unmatched versatility in range, power output, and features. In the United States, SUVs are expected to dominate the light vehicle market with a share of 40% by the end of 2020. It is an appropriate choice for its consumers due to the ability of the vehicle to accommodate big families, carry large amounts of cargo, and handle adverse road conditions. Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet have been the prominent and leading SUV brands that are affecting the sales of SUV in the global market.

Glass Sunroof Captures Largest Market

The glass sunroof segment held the leading share in the market in 2016 and it is poised to expand at a phenomenal CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to advancements in technology, which have made it possible to manufacture various types of glasses, such as tempered glass, laminated glass, and glass that can protect from ultraviolet rays.

Unlike fabric sunroofs found commonly on convertible automobiles, glass sunroofs offer the flexibility to better control natural light and enjoy natural air ventilation instead of car's air conditioner. Owing to such benefits, the segment will continue to dominate the market until 2025.

On the contrary, demand for fabric types is likely to plummet over the coming years in line with dwindling sales of convertible automobiles.

South Korea Automotive Sunroof Industry Overview

The South Korea automotive sunroof market is consolidated with just a couple of players, such as Webasto Group, Inalfa Roof Systems Group BV, and Inteva Products LLC dominating the market. Due to the high profitability of the market, these major players focus on the acquisition of small regional players for a higher penetration into the regional markets.

Inalfa Roof Systems has been the most active sunroof player over the last four years. Inalfa opened new facilities in Shanghai, Cherokee, Poland, Chongqing, and South Korea. The company also extended its Slovakian facility and opened a new technical center in the United States.

South Korea Automotive Sunroof Market Leaders