Which Segments are Growing in the Global Automotive Roof Systems Market and at What Rate?

DUBLIN, Ireland--Nov. 2, 20052, 2005--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c28174) has announced the addition of Global market review of automotive roof systems - forecasts to 2011 3rd edition to their offering

In this third edition report, the analysis is extended to provide market volume and value forecasts by product segment for conventional-size sunroofs in Western Europe, North America and Japan, from 2000 through 2011. The report takes a closer look at the size of the convertible market in Europe and North America, the reasons for growth including an exclusive interview with ASC. In addition to highlighting the main market trends in roof systems, chapter two identifies the main players and OE sunroof market shares. This section concludes with a round-up of recent merger, acquisition and capital investment activity.

Chapter three reviews the technical advances in conventional and large sunroofs. It also reviews the latest retractable hard tops designs and roof modules. This chapter is peppered with exclusive quotes from management, providing a real feel for the direction in which each segment is heading.

More specifically, this report addresses a number of topics, including:

- What does the consumer want?

- What are the key design trends in the conventional sunroofs?

- What are the key design trends in the soft top and retractable hard top?

- How much further can open air design go?

- Which segments are growing and at what rate?

- What will the market look like in 2011?

- Why are we seeing a resurgence of convertibles?

- When the Mercedes SLK appeared on the market seven years ago, the consensus was that the retractable hard tops (RHT) technology would soon replace the conventional soft tops and will be exclusively dedicated to exclusive car segments. What is the consensus today?

- Is there a trade-off between soft tops and retractable hard tops or will innovative RHTs boost overall demand?

- Can we expect to see more outsourcing of roof modules?

- How will the roof module market play out?

- How is the European sunroof market divided?

- What was the background to ASCs decision to split the 50/50 joint venture with Germanys Edscha, known as Premier Roof Systems?

- How has ASC re-invented itself?

- Who is extending their geographical reach? And why? Who with?

Profiles of the major roof system manufacturers are provided, namely ArvinMeritor, ASC, Bertone, Car Top Systems, Edscha, Heuliez, Inalfa, Karmann, Pininfarina and Webasto.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c28174