Webasto Unveils Eco-Friendly Openable Roof for Sustainable Mobility

Webasto has presented the innovative “Greener Roof” for the first time at Auto Shanghai (April 23- May 2). The transition to a sustainable economy is a significant challenge for the entire industry: energy-intensive materials such as steel, aluminium or glass are to have lower CO₂e emissions in the future through optimized manufacturing processes and more efficient use. The engineering team at Webasto shows how sustainable vehicle components can already be implemented through design.

One of the most important components in a panoramic roof, but also one of the most CO₂-intensive, is the steel frame, which contributes to the overall rigidity of the vehicle. Thanks to an innovative design approach that includes the use of low-CO₂ materials such as plastics, the amount of steel required is now significantly reduced. In addition, more than 60 percent of the production waste from cutting and forming the steel plate can be eliminated in the manufacture of the frame. This not only reduces the product carbon footprint of the roof but also helps conserve resources. The system still provides the required stiffness. In addition, innovative design eliminates the need for aluminum by rethinking the function of the opening mechanism and integrating it into other components. Overall, the new design concept can reduce CO₂e by 30 percent compared to the previous design.

“Greener Roof” for modern vehicle architectures and BEVs
The Greener Roof is not only environmentally sustainable but also demonstrates how a commitment to the environment can go hand in hand with technical and practical benefits. Through innovative design and efficient use of materials, the weight of the roof can be significantly reduced, and the interior space can be increased – both ideal conditions for the use of the Greener Roof in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). In addition, Webasto's new components achieve the greatest transparency in width - a plus in comfort and design for modern vehicle architecture.

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