Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems plans strategic expansion in Western, Northern India to support anchor customers

Inalfa Gabriel Sunroof Systems (IGSS), a partnership between Dutch sunroof systems major Inalfa Roof Systems and India's Anand Group's flagship company - Gabriel India - is planning to expand its manufacturing setup in the country. In the light of the growing demand for sunroof systems from OEMs in the domestic market, IGSS is planning expansion in automotive hubs in the Western and Northern India, beyond its first plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The maiden facility, which primarily caters to Korean OEMs - Hyundai Motor India and Kia India - has hit 65% capacity utilisation within a year of commissioning its manufacturing operations. As per the company, of the total annual installed capacity of 200,000 units, IGSS has manufactured over 130,000 sunroofs within the first 11 months of CY24 itself. Now, as its anchor customer - Hyundai Motor India - readies to commission its new manufacturing unit in Maharashtra's Talegaon, with the site slated to go on stream in H2 CY2026, IGSS plans to follow suit.

According to Anjali Singh, Executive Chairperson, Anand Group, "To meet the rising demand for sunroofs due to the greater premiumisation of the auto sector, IGSS is looking to expand beyond Chennai to other auto hubs, namely the West and North.  We plan to be closer to our valued anchor customers across the country and cater to their needs more efficiently through this planned expansion.” 

The company sees the sunroof market in India experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing customer demand for premiumisation and SUVs, as well as the growing trend of driving for holidays on a significantly improved highway network. IGSS initially chose Tamil Nadu for the state’s investor-friendly policies. Notably, while Hyundai Motor India offers a sunroof in 7 of its 10-model portfolio on offer in India, Kia India, on the other hand, provides the option of sunroof-equipped trims across its entire five-model portfolio.

As per IGSS, the growth in the sunroof segment is enabled by the rising popularity of panoramic sunroofs, which offer expansive views and a sense of openness. Technological advancements, such as smart glass technology and electrically operated systems, are also contributing to the market's expansion. As it entered the partnership with Inalfa Roof Systems in CY2023, Anand Group had set out to invest Rs 170 crore over the next three years in the venture, eyeing a revenue potential of Rs 1,000 crore by 2030.

According to Georges Andary, CEO, Inalfa Roof Systems, “We believe there can be no potential global growth strategy in the automotive business without India at its core. India is one of the largest, most dynamic, and fastest-growing automotive markets in the world. Inalfa, in collaboration with Gabriel India, sees a major potential for further growth in the sunroof segment.” 

According to Jagdish Kumar, Chairman, IGSS, and Group CFO, Anand Group, "Our first facility in Chennai is nearly operating at its full capacity, delivering high-quality sunroofs to our respected anchor customers Hyundai Motor India and Kia India. Notably, the plant has  produced 130,000 sunroofs in just the 11 months of 2024.” 

"With the sunroof market set to expand by 40%  by 2029, IGSS is well-positioned to capitalise on the growing demand. The plan for new plants shows our commitment to continue to be the leading player in the sunroof domain," he added.