Webasto
German automotive equipment company From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Webasto SE is a company headquartered in Stockdorf, Germany, which makes sunroofs, hardtop convertible modules, heating and air-conditioning systems.[3]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1901[1] |
| Headquarters | , Germany |
Key people | Jörg Buchheim (CEO) |
| Revenue | 4,6 Mrd. Euro (2023)[2] |
Number of employees | 16,600 (2023)[2] |
| Website | webasto.com |
History
Summarize
Perspective
The company was founded by Werner Baier in 1901 as a bicycle spoke manufacturer.[3]
In 1997, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated Webasto sunroof modules that shattered or blew off of 1991-1994 the Ford Explorer and Mazda Najavo.[4]
In 2021, after causing delay in the launch and delivery of the new Ford Bronco with low hardtop production, Webasto delivered roof modules with cosmetic defects, turning to a discolored honeycomb pattern. Already-sold models had their tops replaced. Ford scrapped the replaced parts.[5][6][7][8]
Coronavirus outbreak
Webasto owns 11 locations in China, including in Wuhan.[9] In late January 2020, the company disclosed that five of its workers had tested positive to SARS-CoV-2.[10][11][12] This was reportedly one of the first cases of person-to-person transmission of the virus outside China.[12]
The outbreak was handled internally within the company.[13] The story was initially reported in The Wall Street Journal as a case of successful containment of the outbreak.[3] By March 2020, genome studies tracking mutations of the virus suggested that the Webasto outbreak had not been successfully contained, and was linked to a 'decent part' of the overall coronavirus outbreak in Europe.[14] Genetic sequencing also linked the cluster of cases at Webasto's headquarters to the virus outbreak in northern Italy.[15] In May 2020 some medical disprove this assumptions and confirm that the Webasto case remained isolated,[16] while in July other studies identified the most common Italian strain as coming from Germany.[17]
Autonomous driving
In 2022, Webasto joined forces with Bosch to develop a self-driving car that will enable autonomous driving at Level 4.[18] The company has integrated 25 sensors from Bosch into the roof of a prototype vehicle for this purpose.[18]
Charging division
Webasto purchased AeroVironment's charging division in 2018.[19]
Webasto has offices in Monrovia, California and Planegg, Germany, for the EV charging division, as well as manufacturing facilities in Guanajuato, Mexico, Schaidt, Germany, and Wuhan, China.[20][21]
General Motors had to recall over 9000 Webasto charging cords in 2023.[22]
After looking for a buyer for two years, Webasto sold a majority stake of the charging business to Transom Capital Group in 2024. The company had taken heavy financial losses from the division.[23][6][24]
Current production of roof modules
- BMW Z4 (G29) (2018–present)
- Mazda MX-5 RF (2016–present)
Past production of roof modules
- BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E93) (2007-2013)
- BMW 4 Series (F33) (2013–2020)
- Daihatsu Copen (2002-2012)
- Ferrari California (2008-2014)
- Ford Focus Coupé-Cabriolet (2006-2010)
- Mazda MX-5 Power Retractable Hard Top (2007-2015)
- Mini Cabriolet (2004-2008)
- Mitsubishi Colt CZC (2006-2012)
- Renault Wind (2010-2013)
- Volkswagen Eos (2006-2015)
- Volvo C70 (2006-2013)
- Porsche Cayenne GTS[25]
Facilities
- Germany: Schierling (battery assembly)[26]
- USA: Detroit (Bronco hard tops),[6] New Hudson (Bronco hard tops), Plymouth Township (Bronco soft tops)[8] Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Fenton (Thermo & Comfort)[27]
- China: Jiaxing (battery, roof modules),[26] 10 other locations
- South Korea: Dangjin (battery assembly, opened 2022)[6][26]
- India[26]
- Japan[26]
- Mexico: Guanajuato (charging), Irapuato (roof modules)[28]
References
External links
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