An apparatus for automatically opening and closing a closure panel associated with an opening formed in the roof of an automobile is disclosed. The apparatus drives the closure panel for tilt open and tilt closed operation and for slide open and slide closed operation. During the sliding movement of the panel, the apparatus detects a load on a panel drive mechanism in a zone where the loads are normally low, and deenergizes the panel drive mechanism in the event of occurrence of an overload. In a zone where the loads are normally high as the panel presses against a weather strip, no deenergization of the panel drive mechanism occurs during an interval allocated for overload detection. The apparatus energizes alarm means during the time the panel is driven in the closing direction in a selected mode in order to draw the attention of a vehicle driver. For assuring the safeguard of the panel, the panel is stopped temporarily during the slide closed operation at a point which leaves a given opening.