The demand for luxury vehicles with cutting-edge roof systems is projected to increase due to shifting lifestyle trends and rising disposable income among consumers. It is anticipated that the enforcement of stringent regulations concerning vehicle safety standards and emissions control will also propel the uptake of lightweight and efficient roof systems. Against this backdrop, the automotive roof systems market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) is estimated to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over 2023-2028, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s latest report “Global Sector Overview & Forecast – Automotive Roof Systems” reveals that the APAC automotive roof systems market is estimated to reach 20.9 million units in 2023 and 24.1 million units in 2028. However, obstacles like high installation and maintenance costs as well as the ongoing need to develop innovative and energy-efficient roof systems may partially impede market growth.

Lucy Tripathi, Senior Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The APAC roof systems market is expanding due to rising consumer demand for high-end, luxurious automobiles with cutting-edge technologies and creative designs. Luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW are incorporating foldable and convertible roof designs into their designs.

“The other factors that will contribute to the growth of the market include the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and the growing trend of smart technology integration in automotive designs. Further supporting the market expansion in the APAC region are consumer preferences for a comfortable and opulent driving experience and the increasing emphasis on vehicle customization.”

The growing use of lightweight materials in roof systems, motivated by the desire for lower emissions and fuel efficiency, is one of the major trends observed in the market. It is anticipated that rising investments in lightweight cars will soon fuel demand for automobile rooftops. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, such as panoramic sunroofs with integrated solar cells that offer increased passenger comfort and energy efficiency, is another significant trend. In solar-powered cars, solar rooftops are becoming more and more popular.

Tripathi concludes: “The market for automotive roof systems is expected to grow because of the increasing use of solar sunroofs in EVs across the globe and rising automobile sales. Eva, the first two-seater electric solar-powered car from Vayve Mobility, was unveiled in January 2023. It has solar panels on its roof for extra charging.”