Champion Auto Systems has announced that the tooling and equipment to produce the Hollandia 700 (H700) family of sunroofs is on the way to America, following Champion’s acquisition of the Hollandia 700 line.
According to Bill North, president of Champion Auto Systems, Webasto has been entirely supportive so that all of the H700 product attributes and quality will properly transfer. “The majority of the global business for aftermarket sunroofs has always resided in North America thus we felt it imperative to move production closer to better serve the network of professional installers,” he said.
Champion will have the H700 on display at SEMA 2022 in Las Vegas in Booth 52215 in the West Hall.
“As part of its dual strategy, Webasto is increasingly focusing on the field of e-mobility. With the transfer of the Hollandia 700 product and the corresponding production line to our long-standing and trusted customer Champion Auto Systems, Webasto is sharpening its product portfolio accordingly. Both sides will benefit from the sale of the business line, which has already been taking place in an orderly manner since 2019, as part of our respective strategies. Webasto knows that the product is in the best hands for the future. We wish our partner the greatest possible success in continuing the business with retrofit sunroofs,” said Heike Niehues, executive vice president, Webasto Customized Solutions.
North added that the US market is experiencing a significant surge in demand for power sunroof upgrades on used vehicles. Used vehicle sunroof installations are well supported by the network of professional installers capitalizing on both direct-to-consumer and wholesale dealership vehicle sales. North emphasized that, power sunroof upgrades are becoming more important for two reasons:
• With limited new and used vehicle inventory available, it is better and easier to add desired options such as a power sunroof from a professional installer locally.
• As consumers own vehicles for a longer period of time, upgrading the interior fresh air and natural light provided by a power sunroof has an enhanced long-term benefit.
Champion Auto Systems is a leading supplier of vehicle seat comfort products such as heated seats, ventilated seats, and massaging systems; the H700 is complimentary since seating and sunroof upgrades are highly sought-after items installed by the same local companies For example, Automotive Concepts a partner Division of Champion Auto Systems has been installing Webasto aftermarket sunroofs for more than 30 years.
