Webasto SE

In 1901, a spark ignited in Esslingen, Germany. This spark wasn’t a fire, but the birth of Webasto SE. Originally the “Esslinger Draht- und Eisenwarenfabrik Wilhelm Baier,” it quickly transformed from crafting bicycle parts to revolutionizing car comfort. Webasto SE, now headquartered here in Stockdorf, a district of Gauting, became synonymous with innovative car roofs. Imagine the first fold-down roof for Daimler-Benz in 1932, a Webasto creation. This innovation changed car design forever. Webasto SE didn’t stop there. During World War II, they supplied heaters to Daimler-Benz and metal parts to BMW. The company’s history has some shadows. Webasto SE, like many companies during wartime, employed forced labor. This difficult past is acknowledged in their history. After the war, Webasto SE adapted, using leftover war materials to create everyday metal objects. By 1952, they pioneered heaters for buses and independent car heaters. Their partnership with Mercedes-Benz continued, becoming their steel sunroof supplier in 1956. Webasto SE continued to expand globally, opening its first international subsidiary, Webasto Sunroofs Inc., in the USA in 1974. This global reach extends to over 50 locations today. Webasto SE remains a family-owned business, split between the Baier and Mey families. Their philosophy is reinvestment, ensuring the company’s continuous growth and innovation. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in their 2017 venture into electromobility. Webasto SE now develops charging technology and battery systems for electric vehicles, further solidifying its role in shaping the future of the automotive industry. They even faced a major challenge head-on when their headquarters became the site of Germany’s first COVID-19 outbreak in January 2020. Their swift and transparent response earned them praise and helped contain the spread. Webasto SE stands here today, a testament to innovation and resilience. From bicycle parts to electric car batteries, their journey reflects the ever-evolving automotive landscape.