Research and Markets : Roof Systems: Market Trends, Companies and Forecasts to 2007, 2004 Edition

DUBLIN, Ireland--Nov. 1, 20042, 2004--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c9201) has announced the addition of Roof Systems: Market Trends, Companies and Forecasts to 2007, 2004 Edition to their offering

This second edition updates and builds on analysis from our first edition report, and has 35% more content for the same low price as the first edition. Lifting the lid off the roof system market More fresh air and light are the crucial wellbeing factors consumers will take into account when considering their next car, say manufacturers. It's hardly surprising then to find that vehicle makers are increasingly using sunroofs and other roof systems to help differentiate the product offerings. While conventional sunroofs will remain popular, motorists are looking for that extra 'wow' factor in the showrooms. Full-glass sliding roofs that let the sunshine in for all occupants and retractable hardtops that fold down in just 15 seconds are becoming popular. By 2010, 40% of all new cars fitted with a sunroof will feature a large open-air design satisfying that need. That's up from just 2% in 2003. Sunroofs are not just getting larger but more stylish, too. For example, the most eye-catching design feature on the Citroen C3 Pluriel is the multi-function roof system, which allows the car to be a cabriolet, spider, saloon and pickup. Light reactive windows are also being used in sunroof applications. Germany's Webasto spent three years developing the automated sunroof for the new Maybach, in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler. The design uses a combination of electrochromic glass, electroluminescent coating and a sunblind, so that the occupants can select the mood of the interior whatever the weather. Vehicle makers are also gradually taking the idea of one-piece roof modules seriously, and it seems only a matter of time before they are in widespread use.

In this greater-coverage second edition we extend the coverage in our first edition sunroofs report to roof modules, convertibles and retractable hardtops thereby adding coverage of more companies, and reacting to the change in this sector from sunroofs to roof modules. As a result of increasing our coverage of this sector, this report is now 67 pages long. In addition to highlighting the main market trends in roof systems, Chapter two identifies the main players and OE sunroof market shares worldwide (across three time points), covering Japan, China, Europe and North America. It also identifies market shares for the convertibles market in Europe and North America. Our product fitment forecasts in this study extend to 2007, determining the market worldwide (and by major car-producing region) for conventional sunroofs, large sunroofs, convertibles and retractable hardtops. All in all, this report includes 22 product forecast data sets plus share analysis of eight markets. This section concludes with a round-up of recent merger and acquisition activity Chapter three reviews the technical advances in conventional and large sunroofs. It also reviews the latest retractable hardtops designs and roof modules. Chapter four provides brief profiles of the major roof system manufacturers, namely, ArvinMeritor, ASC, Bertone, Car Top Systems, Edscha, Heuliez, Inalfa, Karmann, Pininfarina and Webasto.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c9201