Greenhouse (car)

To distinguish the greenhouse from DLO, the greenhouse is a superset which also includes the metal structures above the beltline: in general, these include the roof and all pillars separating the glass and upholding the roof.

[1][2] The shape and position of the greenhouse have a defining influence on the looks and functionality of the car, and are a prime means of differentiating between common body styles such as saloon/sedan, coupé, estate/wagon and hatchback.

[4] A greenhouse which tapers from bottom to top with noticeably inwardly-sloping sides is also known as having tumblehome.

The "airiness" or "openness" of a greenhouse refers to the degree to which the vehicle emulates an open-air experience by surrounding its occupants with large glass areas, also considering the height of the beltline and the width of the pillars,[5] with an extreme example like the Popemobile being nearly all glass.

In the 2000s and 2010s greenhouses became smaller because of design trends pushing a higher beltline, which at least one journalist has traced back to the introduction of the Chrysler 300 and additional safety equipment to meet tighter crash regulations.