As a strategic partner to the automotive industry, Webasto has a worldwide presence and develops solutions for our automotive future. A global production network, uniform standards of quality and innovative technologies are just some of the key success factors that ensure Webasto’s long-term market leadership in convertibles, panorama and sunroofs as well as parking heaters. The Top 100 automotive supplier will be exhibiting at the IAA Cars 2015 from September 17 to 27, in Hall 8.0 at booth A19, presenting itself with the motto “Global Technology. Global Excellence. Global Footprint.”
Webasto is presenting a variety of product and application solutions from its three business units. For its Sunroofs business unit the company is presenting an impressive demonstration of the operating principle and advantages of its Multi Optional Roof (MOR). The focus in the Thermo unit is on innovative heating concepts for all types of drives. At the Convertible unit, the world market leader is showcasing a lightweight soft top for the Corvette Stingray based on state-of-the-art convertible top technologies “made by Webasto.”
Webasto presents itself as the “All Roof Company”
With the Multi Optional Roof (MOR) Webasto offers automakers a concept that constitutes intelligent support for their platform strategies. A single car body interface allows for insertion of diverse roof variants. This concept allows for significant reduction in development and production expenditures. In addition, MOR offers automobile manufacturers the option of flexibility in addressing individual customer requests. This not only allows for differentiation to competitors but also amongst the vehicles of their own model range – on short notice and cost-effectively.
Within the framework of MOR, Webasto delivers a broad range of roof versions and thus underscores its claim as the “All Roof Company”. The range of products includes large, openable panorama roofs, roofs with Webasto Glas ProTec® safety glazing, panorama roofs of impact-resistant, lightweight polycarbonate, lightweight roof elements made of polyurethane composites, folding tops and solar roofs with the option of on-board power generation. Every roof system that Webasto delivers has a reference point system adapted for the individual vehicle. This allows the various roof variants to be installed on only one production line. The automotive manufacturers have recognized the benefits of the MOR and are already installing versions of the MOR in series production, as for example Fiat and Jaguar Land Rover. Additional series runs are planned.
To satisfy customer requests for individualization and comfort, Webasto is also focusing on the development of innovative and comfortable, convenient extra features. In Frankfurt, the top supplier will be exhibiting a first – ambient lighting that is making its debut in the new BMW 7 series. The light graphics integrated into the roof element generate a pleasantly soft atmosphere in the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, by imprinting graphics on the glass element, an entirely new design surface emerges, allowing for great creative freedom in the interior décor of the vehicle. The unobstructed view of the open sky remains unchanged.
Webasto Polycarbonate 360 – beyond the roof
Furthermore, Webasto is presenting lightweight construction technologies. The company had established competencies in this area early on and has already developed a variety of solutions and products that are installed by a large number of automotive manufacturers in series production. The company sees further great potential for polycarbonate in particular, due to its outstanding product properties. The plastic material weighs half as much as glass, is scratch-resistant, weather and UV-resistant, features virtually unlimited moldability and in addition to a wide variety of design possibilities, offers a high level of functional integration. Moreover, polycarbonate also provides an extra safety factor, since the elements are extremely shatterproof.
As part of this, Webasto is expanding the range of applications beyond the roof. Thanks to its superb product properties, polycarbonate has the potential to replace all glass surfaces with lightweight construction, without affecting the appearance, quality and safety of the vehicle. For instance, stationary side and rear windows or other trim parts are conceivable. Due to the diverse options for functional integration, such as heating filaments, spoilers, wipers or solar cells, there are virtually no limits on customer requirements in this area. Webasto consolidates all these applications under the name “Webasto Polycarbonate 360”.
Individual heating solutions for all types of drives
Whether it’s a classic combustion engine, hybrid or electric drive – Webasto has the optimal solution for heating the vehicle for each of these drive types. There is growth potential in the Thermo unit for the High-Voltage Heater (HVH) for hybrid and electric vehicles. These are in series production at Volvo for the first time since the middle of this year. By the end of 2017 the HVH will be used in 13 additional hybrid and electric vehicles of well-known manufacturers around the world. Thanks to the innovative heating layer technology, the heater converts electrical energy to heat with a sustained effectiveness rate of over 95 percent, almost entirely loss-free.
And there’s more. Webasto is taking the IAA as the occasion to launch its completely redesigned and free ThermoCall app, with which users can operate their car parking heaters, from anywhere and at any time. The new app is also impressive for its appealing appearance, clear menu navigation and intuitive operating concept. In addition, a variety of new functions ensure even more comfort and convenience. For example, the parking heater can be programmed for seven days in advance. The new app now also includes a weather alarm that makes recommendations to the user as to when to use the parking heater.
Customised climate solutions for light-duty commercial vehicles
Additional momentum is generated by the heating and cooling systems for light-duty vehicles with a cargo space capacity of up to 18 m³. Here Webasto provides customized solutions for temperature-controlled transports of perishables. Thanks to the new integrated transport refrigeration system Frigo Top 10, now small commercial vehicles with a cargo capacity of up to 5 m³ can also be kept at optimal temperatures.
Most comprehensive product portfolio – customised solution for every convertible
Quieter, faster and lighter than ever before – best describes the new convertible tops that Webasto is offering automakers. The market leader offers the broadest product portfolio on the market, developing an individually customized top for each and every convertible that gives the distinctive character of the vehicle that special touch. The top of the Corvette Stingray that Webasto is displaying at the booth is especially impressive for its lightweight design. While retaining its high quality and safety standards, the weight of the top is substantially reduced through the use of aluminum components. Other current production startups, such as the legendary Ford Mustang convertible, the new BMW2 or the third generation of the Audi TT Roadster clearly prove that automotive manufacturers place their trust in Webasto as the specialist for convertible tops.
