Mitsuba Launches Rare-Earth-Free WR20 Roof Motor

Mitsuba Expands Rare-Earth-Free Motor Portfolio

Mitsuba Corporation is beginning the full-scale rollout of its rare-earth-free “WR20” brushless roof motor, expanding its portfolio beyond the company’s earlier rare-earth-free brushless wiper motor. The new motor is designed to open and close automotive roofs and shades, addressing applications where compactness and weight are important considerations. Mitsuba is targeting annual sales of 2 million units while also seeking to increase the number of vehicle models equipped with the product. The rollout represents the company’s second rare-earth-free motor and extends its efforts to develop automotive motor solutions without relying on rare-earth materials.

WR20 Developed With Webasto for Automotive Roof Applications

The WR20 was jointly developed with Webasto Roof & Components, a major German supplier of automotive roof systems. While rare-earth-free motors generally tend to require larger designs, Mitsuba says the new motor is both smaller and lighter than the conventional model. Deliveries have already started to a German luxury automaker through Webasto, marking the beginning of commercial deployment. The collaboration combines Mitsuba’s motor technology with Webasto’s expertise in automotive roof systems, supporting the introduction of the WR20 into vehicle applications where roof and shade mechanisms require efficient and compact motor solutions.

Mitsuba Targets Higher Production and Global Market Expansion

Mitsuba’s roof motor business already has a substantial global presence. The company reported approximately 14 million roof motor units in sales during FY 2025, representing a 36% global market share and the leading position worldwide. The company’s new WR20 rollout therefore builds on an established roof motor business while introducing a rare-earth-free alternative designed for broader adoption. With deliveries already underway in Germany through Webasto, Mitsuba is positioned to expand the product across additional vehicle models as it works toward its annual sales target of 2 million units.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mitsuba rare-earth-free WR20 roof motor?
The Mitsuba rare-earth-free WR20 roof motor is a brushless motor designed to open and close automotive roofs and shades while eliminating the use of rare-earth materials. Developed jointly with Webasto Roof & Components, the motor is smaller and lighter than Mitsuba’s conventional model despite the typical size disadvantage associated with rare-earth-free motor designs. Commercial deliveries have already begun through Webasto to a German luxury automaker. Mitsuba plans to expand the number of vehicle models using the motor and targets annual sales of 2 million units.