Current Business Development
Webasto is one of the world’s top 100 automotive suppliers. The company, with registered offices in Stockdorf near Munich is among the top 15 in the supplier industry in Germany. Webasto is a market leader for both roof and temperature management systems. The group achieved sales of around 2 billion Euros with more than 8.500 employees in 2010.
Locations Worldwide
Webasto has over 50 locations throughout the world – more than 30 of them production sites.
In Germany roof systems are made in Utting (Ammersee) and in Schierling near Regensburg. In Neubrandenburg you can find the world's largest production site for thermal systems. The convertible business unit, Webasto-Edscha Cabrio, produces at the sites in Hengersberg and Regensburg.
As far back as 1974 the company founded its first international site in the USA, near Detroit. The first Asian subsidiary with a production plant was opened in 1978 in Japan (Hiroshima). Since 1988 Webasto is active in Korea through the joint venture Webasto Donghee. The market leader for roof systems has been active in China's growth market since 2001 – and now has five production sites. The European production sites can be found in France, Italy, Great Britain, Rumania, Slovakia, the Netherlands and Portugal.
Original Equipment & Aftermarket Consumer Goods
Core competencies include the development and production of complete convertible and roof systems as well as heating, cooling, and ventilation systems for both passenger and commercial vehicles. In addition, the company offers parking heaters and sunroofs for retrofitting by the end consumer.
Besides having a long tradition in both passenger and commercial vehicles,Webasto today is also active in the recreational, marine and special vehicles as well. The know-how acquired in the automotive industry is specifically targeted to other types of vehicles. One example are movable roof systems for the marine sector. Thanks to this approach Webasto has been developing innovative products and is constantly opening up new fields for growth for the past 100 years or more.
Innovations and Technological Leadership
Webasto is constantly setting new standards for automobile roof systems. For example, the company extended its product portfolio in 2000 with a further business unit and also established itself as a supplier for convertible roof systems. Webasto was the first to manufacture a five-part retractable hardtop (steel convertible roof) with integrated glass sliding roof for the VW EOS.
Webasto also takes the lead when it comes to using new materials. The company set up its own plastic competence centre in Schierling near Regensburg in 2003. Innovative roof elements of polycarbonate have been produced there since 2007. Webasto commissioned the second production line for polycarbonate components in October 2009 and thus underlined its determination to become the technological leader on this field. Because one of the biggest challenges facing the automotive industry at present is to reduce the fuel consumption of vehicles. This is why the topic of lightweight design and the use of materials such as polycarbonate will become increasingly important.
In October 2010 Webasto presented the next generation of parking heaters for cars: Thermo Top Evo. The new heaters are the lightest in their class, weighing significantly less than their predecessors, and use very little fuel.
Growing by acquisition
As of January 2010 the convertible roof business of Edscha AG and the Webasto convertible business unit were combined to Webasto-Edscha Cabrio. In addition the Karmann business in North America with sites in the US and Mexico was taken over in August 2010.
And Finally, a Glance Backwards
Why is Webasto called Webasto? The idea came from the company founder Wilhelm Baier Senior in 1908 when he moved his factory for stamped parts, wire holders and home appliances from Esslingen to Stockdorf just outside Munich. The name comes from the initials Wilhelm Baier, Stockdorf. More interesting details about Webasto's corporate history can be found here.
