In a bid to capitalise on the growing demand for sunroofs in India, auto component maker Uno Minda Ltd has entered into a technical license agreement with Japan’s Aisin Corp to manufacture and sell sunroofs. Aisin manufactures various automotive parts such as powertrains, chassis, body parts, including sunroofs and door systems, and connect solutions.
Sunroofs were considered luxurious add-ons earlier and were spotted mostly in high-end vehicles. However, with the recent premiumisation trend, even small hatchback cars are coming equipped with sunroofs. The company noted that sunroof penetration has witnessed a fivefold jump in the last five years, with one in five new cars sold in India today having it.
“In this dynamic landscape, sunroofs have emerged as a particularly noteworthy trend. Uno Minda, steadfast in its commitment to introducing cutting-edge technologies, is thrilled to partner with Aisin Corporation to provide a diverse range of sunroofs in India. Through the synergy of our combined expertise and production capabilities, we aim to establish ourselves as a frontrunner in the burgeoning sunroof market,” Uno Minda CMD Nirmal K Minda said.
Uno Minda is a tier-1 manufacturer and supplier of automotive solutions and systems to vehicle manufacturers in all segments. It makes switching, lighting, acoustics and automotive seating systems, and alloy wheels. With this tie-up, the company looks to expand its business with the premiumisation trend in the industry by adding new product categories.