Automotive insights and analytics provider, Jato Dynamics India, has released some new data regarding the increasing penetration of company-fitted sunroofs among cars sold in India. According to Jato India, one in every five cars that are currently sold in the country comes with a sunroof and this penetration is particularly high among the SUV category. In fact, over 50 per cent of vehicles sold in the first half of 2021, which had factory fitted sunroofs, were SUVs. In fact, the data analytics firm claims that it is SUVs that are currently driving the growing demand for sunroofs in India.
undefinedSUVs are driving the growth of #sunroof. One in five cars sold in India has a factory-fitted sunroof. The #penetration in the #SUV category is higher. Innovation in glass technology and demand for comfort and convenience are driving the increase in sunroof #sales. pic.twitter.com/wz5zILtVgy
— JATO Dynamics India (@JATOIndia) August 24, 2021
Looking at the current products available in the market, this is likely to be true. Right now, even cars that are under Rs. 10 lakh offer sunroof as a feature, this segment is filled with sub-4 metre SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, and even the Ford EcoSport and Honda WR-V among others. Beyond that, we have models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, and MG Hector. In fact, much recently, Mahindra launched the XUV700 which is claimed to have the largest sunroof in its segment. Jato India also adds that innovation in glass technology and demand for comfort and convenience are driving the growth in sunroof sales.
Also Read: 2022 Mahindra XUV700 To Get The Largest Sunroof In The Segment
The recently launched Mahindra XUV700 is claimed to have the largest sunroof in its segment
Sharing his views on the growing demand for cars with company-fitted sunroofs, Sridhar V, Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP said, "Hitherto sunroofs were a feature in the high-end cars but now finding a place more in SUV's and less in mid-size or larger cars. It facilitated one to enjoy the early summer or spring in a colder country. Nowadays folks look at it as a premium feature, while it does add to the cost, and also as a fun feature, bringing in more light, more breeze without noise etc."
Also Read: JATO Dynamics Report: Tesla Model 3 Is Europe's 2nd Best Selling Car
On the other hand, auto industry expert, Avik Chattopadhyay, says, "The sunroof is a premium lifestyle feature in India. It has no functional benefit whatsoever for our climate. In fact, it reduces the efficiency of the air-conditioning due to heat coming in from the top. However, people want to have it to show off as we sometimes see children popping out of the roof to 'enjoy' the ride. The other reason why sunroof penetration is increasing is because it comes as a standard feature on the SUV and taking it out will be a more expensive option. Hence brands leave it on and market it as a premium lifestyle feature."
Industry experts believe despite sunroofs not having any functional benefit in our climate, they make car more premium, and that is what buyers are looking for
Irrespective of debate whether sunroofs are necessary for India or not, we have to agree they add that extra bit of premiumness to your vehicle. Having said that we need to understand that as the name suggests, the purpose of a sunroof is just to let more natural light inside your vehicle. However, as pointed out by Chattopadhyay people do allow children to pop out of the roof and that is a big safety risk. So, if you are planning to buy a car with a sunroof, we would request you to not misuse the feature and jeoprardise the safety of your loved ones and yourself.
