Heads Up from Webasto

Four out of Six Car and Truck of the Year Candidates Feature Webasto Roof Systems

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Dec. 18 -- The six finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year announced last week are an expression of bold new designs and capture features that automotive consumers crave -- and four of those vehicles feature sunroof systems from Webasto Roof Systems.

The high ratio is a testimony to Webasto's depth and breadth as a designer and supplier of innovative sunroof products. The company's global vision and expertise gives carmakers expanded opportunities to differentiate their vehicle lineups in the highly competitive race to match consumers' changing desires.

The four vehicles nominated that have optional roof systems supplied by Webasto are:

  *  Chevrolet Silverado
  *  Ford Edge
  *  Mazda CX-7
  *  Saturn Aura

"Congratulations to the manufacturers of the vehicles chosen by automotive journalists to be candidates for Car and Truck of the Year," said Brett Healy, Webasto Vice President, Business Development and Marketing. "We feel some of the same pride Ford, GM and Mazda must be experiencing. Webasto's innovative roof systems provide not only distinct advantages in the marketplace but also differentiation from other competitors in the running for these prestigious awards.

"Interestingly, every one of these four vehicles utilizes a uniquely different type of sunroof system. As a group, these four finalists provide a snapshot of Webasto's roof system capabilities.

"The world of roof systems has drastically changed the past decade, as new, innovative and large systems have been more regularly introduced," Healy continued. "With more than 40 percent market share, Webasto is the leading worldwide Tier 1 supplier of roof systems and body modules."

The Ford Edge's Vista Roof has a one-touch-open button to control the large 27" x 29" forward moonroof which, together with the fixed rear moonroof, provides both first and second row passengers with grand views of the sky above. When open, the forward Vista Roof provides a sense of open-air freedom and spaciousness.

The Mazda CX-7 features a more traditional tilt and slide sunroof designed and built by Webasto's Japanese organization. While the Chevrolet Silverado (and GMC Sierra) Crew Cab features a similar tilt and slide sunroof, the extended cab versions have a Webasto "spoiler" sunroof that also includes a two-position roller blind sunshade.

Finally, the Saturn Aura is equipped with the roof that has caused considerable buzz in the industry -- the four-panel Lamella panorama, which has opening dimensions of 35" x 37", almost twice as large as any other sunroof in its class, providing driver and passengers with a unique open-air experience like few others.

"We know first hand from our global reach and experience that traditional roof systems are being replaced in many markets by more innovative sunroof options," Healy said. "Consumers are demanding new features on their vehicles every year -- and the roof area was about the only remaining place left on vehicles to incorporate innovative and attractive design cues. Webasto has used its decades of expertise to pioneer roof systems that are functional, attractive and versatile -- something which is reflected in the choices for North American Car and Truck of the Year."

Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Webasto AG, one of the world's largest suppliers of roof systems and thermosystems to the automotive industry. The 104-year-old company is based in Stockdorf, Germany, and employs more than 6,000 people in over 40 countries. For additional information, please visit http://www.webasto.com/ .