Roof Systems
As a global market leader for panoramic roofs, sunroofs and convertible roofs, Webasto delivers solutions that complement vehicle designs and enhance interior comfort with innovative features like switchable glazing, ambient lighting and entertainment functions. As part of its product portfolio, Webasto offers roof systems for electric cars and autonomous driving, as well as solar power solutions.
The world leader for vehicle roof systems
Innovative products, highly motivated employees, system know-how, manufacturing expertise and the highest quality standards make Webasto the world's No. 1 roof specialist.
Overview
Our roof systems
Thanks to our system expertise, we offer the broadest portfolio of individual roof systems: from openable or fixed roofs, to different materials such as glass and textile, to intelligent solutions with integrated sensor technology or further features.
Webasto delivers more than just a roof
Innovation and a clear understanding of customer requirements drive Webasto’s roof system development. When creating electromobility products, certain factors, like space and weight optimization, must be considered. Webasto offers tailor-made roof systems with glass surfaces that let plenty of light into the vehicle interior, creating a bright, pleasant atmosphere with a view.
Roof systems from Webasto are more than just a roof. Maximum opening functions ensure a unique feeling of freedom and enhance light elements that turn the glass surface into a design element, not just a roof. Innovative technology trends enhance comfort in the vehicle.
Our innovative roof functions
Roof systems from Webasto enhance comfort and set visual accents without compromising the vehicle architecture, making them an attractive design element that sets new standards.
Countless possibilities with our roof systems
Webasto’s goal is to develop maximum comfort and safety for passengers in harmony with the vehicle design, for the vehicle roofs of today and tomorrow. Because functions can be combined individually, the possibilities are limitless.
With the most innovative technologies, our roof system becomes an attractive design element that constantly sets new standards for comfort.
- Ambient lighting
- Switchable glazing
- Solar roof
Ambient lighting
Subtle lighting elements and coordinated lighting scenarios create a pleasant atmosphere in the vehicle's interior and emphasize the design of the roof. Lighting elements are integrated into the guide rails of the roof system, and colors and patterns can be selected and combined individually, so no two solutions are alike.
Switchable glazing
A clear view of the sky, pleasant shading for sun protection or more privacy: Webasto is the pioneer among automotive suppliers for switchable glazing in panoramic roofs. At the touch of a button, the glass cover either darkens or becomes transparent again. The advanced technology and design allow for individual freedom. For example, the shading can be activated for specific individual roof segments. The use of these technologies brings a decisive advantage, especially for electric or hybrid vehicles; because blinds are no longer needed for shading, valuable installation space is saved.
Solar roof
The integration of solar cells into electric and hybrid vehicle roofs is attracting a great deal of interest. Webasto, a pioneer in this field, installed the first solar roof in an Audi 80 Coupé in 1989. Much has happened in the solar industry since then, and Webasto has made technical advances to its solar roofs. Today, the efficient solar cells can produce significantly more electricity, which can be used to charge the drive battery via intelligent battery management. This reduces the load on the alternator and lowers fuel consumption. For this reason, the solar roof has been listed as a battery-charging solar roof in the technical guideline as an eco-innovation since 2013. If a solar roof is installed for battery charging, a gasoline-powered vehicle emits an average of 3.8 g/km less CO2 while a diesel vehicle emits around 2.65 g/km less. This makes the solar roof one of the current most efficient eco-innovations on the market.
Roof Innovation Tour
If you’d like to see Webasto’s innovations in-person, but don’t have the opportunity to visit our Innovation Fair in Planegg, Germany, Webasto offers customers an exclusive virtual tour. Our experts will digitally broadcast the products to you and answer your questions in a live webcast.
Book your appointment
Are you interested in our roof systems and want to experience the various solutions and functions in action?
We offer digital tours through our Innovation Fair exclusively to our customers.
Send us a message via our contact form and we will get in touch with you.
Our roof technologies
Webasto is characterized by its state-of-the-art materials, technologies and processes, high quality standards, and the expertise of its employees.
Tailored solutions
With technical expertise, passion, enthusiasm and attention to detail, Webasto’s employees develop technologies that make vehicle roof systems unique.
- Polycarbonate
- Polyurethane foaming
- Polyurethane
- ProTec Glass
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an excellent alternative to glass. With this material, weight savings of around 50 percent can be achieved compared to glass. In addition, polycarbonate is impact-resistant and possesses an outstanding three-dimensional formability. Thanks to a high-quality paint coating (Hardcoat AS 4700), the polycarbonate roof is also scratch-resistant and withstands weathering and UV radiation. Its properties make polycarbonate an ideal material for front covers of electric or autonomous vehicles.
Polyurethane foaming
Polyurethane foaming, a process Webasto has been using for decades, is used to connect components such as screws and reinforcements to a glass sheet with polyurethane. The polyeurethane serves both as a link between the various components and as construction material to form special geometries. Webasto utilizes customized molds, tools and machines for this purpose. It is a special bonding process in which the visible surface can be fully influenced. By combining adhesive and filler, the visible area is given a high-quality and visually appealing design.
Polyurethane
The core of polyurethane composites consists of paper honeycombs coated with a mixture of polyurethane and reinforcing fibers. The rigidity of the material makes it ideal for the production of outer covering parts with an area of more than two-square-meters. On the outside, the roof is covered with a grained, deep-drawn and weather-resistant film, while the inside is flocked to match the interior. The material weighs 50 percent less than steel and offers 3D formability, distinctive acoustic and heat-insulating qualities.
ProTec ® Glass
Webasto ProTec Glass is a safety glazing made of glass and plastic. Under cleanroom conditions, a highly tear-resistant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film is applied to the inside of curved single-pane safety glass (ESG). If a ProTec pane breaks in the event of an accident, the film holds the individual glass elements together as a whole. This prevents individual glass fragments from falling which reduces the risk of injuries. The protective function of Webasto’s ProTec Glass enables the use of very thin (less than 3 millimeters) glass, making the panes lighter than other counterparts. With ProTec Glass, weight savings of around 10 to 15 percent can be achieved compared to conventional laminated safety glass.
Automotive glazing
Webasto has significantly increased its depth of added value by entering the glass finishing sector. The build-up of competence in glass production opens up many new possibilities for us, for example in the areas of switchable glazing, ambient lighting or solar roofs. These functionalities are no longer only in demand in the premium segment, but increasingly also in large-volume vehicles in the small and medium class. In addition, 'smart glass' is also playing an increasingly important role in autonomous driving cars, for which we have also developed the Roof Sensor Module, for example in terms of privacy, safety and entertainment. Thus, Webasto already offers roof systems for the electric future.
Multi Optional Roof: One platform - many roof variants
Automotive manufacturers are faced with the challenge of meeting a multitude of global customer requirements. As a result, platform strategies and modular systems are becoming increasingly relevant. At the same time, markets are becoming increasingly volatile. Webasto offers automakers a solution for roof systems that allows them to respond flexibly to different market requirements. The idea of the Multi Optional Roof is one vehicle interface with many roof variants, meaning that different roof systems can be fitted to one body-in-white variant. The advantage for the manufacturer is obvious: more flexibility in vehicle development. The roof system is considered an integral component in the design and planning of the overall vehicle. Consequently, it is not necessary to decide at the design stage which roof system will be integrated in later vehicle models.
Choose your roof system
Webasto offers individual solutions suitable for all requirements and applications. Choose your roof system in combination with innovative features. Webasto fulfills all wishes regarding comfort and design with its technologies.
Our excellent roof quality
At Webasto, innovation and tradition meet the highest quality standards. Webasto vehicle roofs are developed by specialists in prototype construction and manufactured and quality is tested throughout the production process.
Our production and testing methods
Webasto specializes in the development and production of complex systems. In order to be close to our customers and to meet all requirements, Webasto is represented in three continents with its roof production. Sophisticated, finely tuned and highly engineered production processes as well as automated manufacturing areas ensure optimal results and the highest customer satisfaction all over the world. To ensure top-quality standards, Webasto roof systems undergo elaborate testing procedures.
- Coating
- End-of-line testing
- Test methods
Polyurethane (PU) foam encapsulation
PU foam encapsulation is used to merge mounted parts, such as screws and reinforcements, with a glass pane by using polyurethane material. PU foam encapsulation is a special bonding method using adhesive and filler that gives the visible surface a high-quality and visually appealing finish. In its PU Competence Center, Webasto draws on decades of experience and consolidates its knowledge about polyurethane foaming to ensure all Webasto plants have access to this comprehensive knowledge.
End-of-line testing
When Webasto roof modules leave the production line, they still have a long way to go before reaching customers, but Webasto leaves nothing to chance. After several sample tests during production, the quality of the components is checked again at the end of the line. Components have to withstand long periods of stress, humidity and temperature changes without issue before they are handed over to the customer and used on the road.
Our roofs in the stress test
To ensure roofs uphold in extreme situations, they are regularly exposed to a wide range of conditions in Webasto test centers. Webasto simulates environmental conditions such as extreme cold, intense heat or heavy rain and, to test the acoustics, a variety of possible noise conditions.
Shakers are used to test the opening and closing functions under strong vibrations to ensure the roof functions smoothly on any surface. Roofs have to pass all stress tests with top marks before they are delivered to customers.
Our customer vision
Our global footprint
Webasto is where its customers are. As a global market leader with a broad product portfolio, Webasto has a strong global network with customers, suppliers and colleagues. The company produces in the market for the market and works primarily with suppliers in the respective regions. Webasto understands market and regional needs and can effectively meet demands.
Responsibility with a Long-term View
Responsibility with a long-term view is one of Webasto‘s five corporate values and has shaped its actions as a family-owned company since its foundation in 1901. Today, Webasto considers the value a guiding principle for meeting economic, ecological and social responsibility requirements with holistic solutions. Its customers expect this just as much as Webasto does.
Latest News about our roof systems
Read top news about our products and get deep insights into our roof development, production or the different applications of our roof packs.
- Webasto exhibits roof module for autonomous driving at CES 2023
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, automotive supplier Webasto will exhibit his Roof Sensor Module with integrated lidar for…
- Webasto Makeathon: Students develop solutions for sensor integration in the roof
During the first Makeathon held by automotive supplier Webasto, students and young professionals from all over Germany spent a weekend devising…
- Webasto acquires Luxembourg glass specialist Carlex
Webasto moves into production of a key material for innovative car roof systems: Glass. By expanding its competencies, the company is able to tap new…
- Integration of sensors in the roof: Webasto and Bosch present prototype for autonomous driving
Webasto and Bosch are for the first time showing their jointly developed prototype in the field of autonomous vehicle sensor integration.
- The electric future is now: Webasto in the new Lotus Eletre
Webasto delivers intelligent and efficient automated driving and electromobility solutions for Lotus’ all-electric SUV.
You have more questions?
Together with our customers, we are actively shaping the mobility of today and tomorrow - with innovative roof systems for every need from autonomous driving to the convertible feeling. If you have any further questions about our individual solutions for OEMs, please feel free to contact us. We will get in touch with you in a timely manner. Please note that we do not offer retrofit roof systems for end customers. Our roofs are exclusively for original equipment by an automotive manufacturer. If you have any questions about existing roof systems in your vehicle, please contact your dealer.
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