Webasto Expands Roof Production Capacity in India

Webasto is building a third production plant in India, further expanding its manufacturing network for openable roof systems in one of the country’s largest automotive clusters. The plant in the Delhi region is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will primarily supply vehicle manufacturers in northern India.

Expansion in a Key Automotive Cluster
The new production facility is being built between Manesar and Kharkhoda, two established locations in the northern Indian automotive corridor. The plant is designed for an annual capacity of approximately 500,000 roof systems and strengthens Webasto’s position in the Indian automotive market, where demand for sliding and panoramic roofs is increasing across various vehicle segments.

With the new site in the Delhi region, Webasto will operate three plants in India, complementing its existing production facilities in the western and southern parts of the country. This expansion will raise the company’s total installed capacity to around two million roof systems per year.

Responding to Rising Demand for Roof Systems
The expansion reflects structural changes in the Indian automotive market. Openable roof systems are increasingly being integrated not only into premium vehicles but also into volume and mid-range models. For suppliers, proximity to vehicle assembly plants is crucial to ensure just-in-time deliveries, reduce transportation efforts, and efficiently manage processes within the automotive data ecosystem.

By regionally distributing its production sites, Webasto is pursuing a localized manufacturing strategy focused on short supply chains and greater flexibility within a digital supply chain framework.

Vikas Prasad, President Webasto India, emphasized that the additional site strengthens the company’s ability to tailor solutions to the diversity of the Indian market — ranging from compact cars and SUVs to new electric vehicle platforms.

Investment Strategy and India’s Strategic Importance
The new plant is part of a long-term investment program in India. Since 2019, Webasto has invested more than €110 million in expanding its operations in the country. By 2030, total investments are planned to reach €174 million.

India’s strategic importance was further underscored by the participation of CEO Jörg Buchheim in a German business delegation led by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz during an official visit to India. This highlights India’s growing role in global automotive production and in the development of future mobility concepts.

With the expansion of its production capacities across all major automotive regions in India, Webasto is positioning itself to support increasing production volumes as well as rising integration requirements for vehicle roof systems.

www.webasto.com