Photo Credit: Webasto Group
German automotive components manufacturer Webasto is reportedly considering an initial public offering of its Indian subsidiary by 2027, alongside an expansion of its manufacturing capacity in the country.
The proposed IPO could raise between $400 million and $500 million and value Webasto Roofsystems India at approximately $2 billion, The Economic Times reported on July 6, 2026, citing people familiar with the matter. Axis Capital and JM Financial have reportedly been appointed to manage the proposed offering.
Webasto has not officially announced the IPO. A company spokesperson did not respond to the publication’s request for comment. The size, timing and valuation of the proposed issue therefore remain subject to confirmation.
Indian subsidiary returns to profit
Webasto Roofsystems India recorded revenue of ₹946.5 crore in the financial year ended March 2025, an increase of 31% from ₹720 crore in FY2023–24, according to Registrar of Companies data cited by The Economic Times.
The subsidiary reported a net profit of ₹31.4 crore in FY2024–25, reversing a loss of ₹9.1 crore in the previous financial year. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation increased from ₹36 crore to ₹102 crore during the same period.
According to the report, Webasto supplies roof systems to automakers including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai Motor India and Kia India.
Third production facility planned in Haryana
The reported IPO plans follow a manufacturing expansion officially announced by Webasto earlier in 2026.
On February 26, 2026, the German supplier announced that it would establish its third Indian production facility between Manesar and Kharkhoda in Haryana. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will have the capacity to manufacture approximately 500,000 roof systems annually.
Webasto said the Haryana facility would primarily serve vehicle manufacturers in northern India. Its location will place the company within another major automotive cluster, in addition to its existing manufacturing presence in western and southern India.
Once the new facility becomes operational, Webasto expects its total Indian production capacity to reach approximately two million roof systems per year.
The company attributed the expansion to increasing demand for openable roof systems in the Indian automotive market. The new facility is also intended to shorten supply routes and bring production closer to customers in northern India.
India investment to reach €174 million by 2030
Webasto has invested more than €110 million in expanding its Indian business since 2019, according to the company’s official announcement.
The German supplier plans to increase its cumulative investment in India to €174 million by 2030. The investment covers the expansion of its manufacturing network as India assumes a larger role in the company’s international operations.
Webasto Group CEO Joerg Buchheim visited India in early 2026 as part of a German business delegation accompanying Chancellor Friedrich Merz. During that visit, the company outlined the third-plant plan and identified India as an important market within its global automotive business.
Founded in Germany in 1901, Webasto manufactures openable and fixed roof systems, battery systems, electric heaters and thermal-management products for vehicle manufacturers.
India’s passenger-vehicle sales rise 7.9%
The capacity expansion comes amid continued growth in India’s passenger-vehicle market.
Passenger-vehicle sales reached approximately 4.64 million units in FY2025–26, an increase of 7.9% over the previous financial year, according to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers on April 14, 2026.
Total vehicle production—including passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers and quadricycles—reached 34.71 million units during the financial year.
In the first quarter of FY2026–27, passenger-vehicle sales subsequently reached a record 1.27 million units, according to SIAM. Utility vehicles accounted for about 68% of the passenger-vehicle segment during the quarter, reflecting the growing importance of the category in which panoramic and openable roof systems are increasingly offered.
India supports higher Asia-Pacific contribution
Webasto reported global revenue of €4 billion in 2025, a decline of 7.4% from the previous year, according to the company’s financial results released on May 18, 2026.
The company reported adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of €51 million, compared with €63 million in 2024.
Europe accounted for 35% of Webasto’s revenue in 2025, while the Americas contributed 28% and China 18%. The Asia-Pacific region’s share increased by four percentage points to 19%, with the company identifying strong growth in India as the principal contributor to the increase.
Roof systems remained Webasto’s largest business division, generating approximately 79% of group revenue in 2025. Thermal-management products accounted for 13%, while battery systems contributed 8%.
The Indian unit’s reported return to profit and Webasto’s continuing investment provide the operational backdrop to the proposed IPO. However, until the company makes a formal announcement or files documents with Indian regulators, the offering remains a reported plan rather than a confirmed transaction.
