Supplier Webasto CEO: "Now the Work Begins"

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The financing of Webasto is secured until the end of 2028. Now the sleeves are being rolled up. CEO Jörg Buchheim is focusing on closer customer proximity, more local responsibility, and wants to "refine" the product portfolio.

At the end of November, Webasto invited attendees to the "Tech Day" at the company headquarters in Krailling near Munich, Germany. Strategy was served as a "starter," so to speak: CEO Jörg Buchheim used his welcome speech to outline the company's future plans and next steps.

"Debt relief and restoring profitability" are at the top of his priority list. At the end of October, Webasto announced publicly that the existing credit lines of around US$ 1.4 billion had been extended until the end of 2028 and that additional loans of US$ 230 million had been agreed. "The first steps toward a sustainably competitive position have been taken. Now the work begins," stated the 57-year-old electrical engineer during the press round. Johann Stohner is assisting him as the board member responsible for restructuring.

Local for Local: Focus on Local Markets

"More 'local for local' and a stronger focus on local markets," according to Buchheim, are important levers. Just as much as even more intensive "technology scouting" in international markets. This will be accompanied by corresponding adjustments in the global corporate organization and new responsibilities. Buchheim demands "faster time-to-market." While he doesn't explicitly use the term "China speed," that is precisely the benchmark today.

As an example, he mentioned the development of electric heating systems for the Chinese market, which has recently been increasingly carried out in China. "We want to work closer to the customer, accompanied by stronger empowerment of the local units," Buchheim explained the new focus, which applies to all business areas. Locally developed low-cost solutions for volume markets are intended to become a profitable pillar.

One Component, Three Functions: "Heater-Cooler" for Electric Cars

An innovation on which Webasto is placing great hopes lies on the table as a prototype with concept proof: the "Heated Chiller" for electric cars. Webasto has signed a pre-development contract with a European OEM for this. The compact component integrates three functions: depending on the need, it cools or heats the drive battery; for interior temperature control, it directly heats the refrigerant and increases the efficiency of the heat pump.

It thus combines various thermal components that are traditionally installed, interconnected, and regulated separately in classic electric vehicle architectures. "Our long-standing expertise in system integration, thermal management, and battery technology has been incorporated into this development. The Heated Chiller reduces costs, complexity, and material usage," explained Christin Reinhertz, responsible for the global business with electric heating systems.

Growth Market for Drive Batteries: Partner Wanted

The battery market is growing—and Webasto is well positioned. The company has established global production capacities for more than half a million drive batteries per year. The CEO sees financing future growth as a major challenge.

The largest current customer is Hyundai. For the Korean OEM, the Bavarians develop and manufacture more than 100,000 battery modules annually in Korea, with a capacity of up to 85 kWh. Webasto also operates additional battery production facilities in China, Slovakia, and Schierling near Regensburg. The latter also serves as the global competence center for battery development. Buchheim makes no secret of the fact that partners in the battery business are welcome.

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Roof Systems: Technology Partner As A "Unique Selling Point"

Webasto's core business remains roof systems. Buchheim aims to intensify collaboration with OEMs worldwide. According to the Webasto CEO, the company's "unique selling point" is being an innovation leader and technology partner to OEMs: "We want to remain that." Reducing costs and minimizing installation space are the current focus areas in this business field.

In the Asian markets, especially in China and India, the market for glass roofs and all types of roof openings is thriving. According to a report by Fortune Business Insight, every second sunroof sold worldwide is now ordered in the ASEAN region. While Far Eastern customers tend to avoid direct sunlight and UV radiation, a glass or openable roof is still considered a "must-have," at least in the higher-priced vehicle segments.

Almost Like in A Convertible

The latest glass roof solution from Webasto has been tailored to this clientele. With a crossbar-free opening of approximately 39.4 in × 31.5 in, it is currently the largest on the market according to the supplier. The glass panel can be opened up to the rear seat row, sliding over the rear window of the hatchback model. "It is lightweight, robust, and easy to integrate, and thanks to its particularly low profile and compact mechanics, it creates additional space for the battery in the underbody," explained Marcel Bartling, CTO at Webasto. So far, the maxi sunroof has only been implemented in a Webasto concept vehicle. However, there are already interested parties, it was said.