U.S. convertible registrations slip for the first time since 2003
05/16/2008, 8:44 AM
By Drew Johnson
Here’s a little more proof that the sun has stopped shining on the U.S. auto industry — convertible registrations dropped 8.6 percent in 2007, roughly double the decline of the industry as a whole. The drop-off is the first for the convertible segment since 2003 and ends a four-year period of growth.
The decline is believed to be caused by the U.S.’ economic downturn. Most convertibles are purchased as second or third vehicles, but with the U.S. economy sagging, most consumers are cutting out unnecessary purchases. “Despite the increased availability of retractable hardtops, which have made convertibles more appealing to many consumers, they are still considered discretionary purchases and were impacted by reduced consumer spending and conservative economic attitudes,” R.L. Polk & Co. consultant Mark Pauze told Automotive News.
Ford’s Mustang remained the top-selling convertible in 2007, but its registrations slipped by 33 percent to just 32,694. The Chrysler Sebring convertible took the number two spot, with its registration total rising by 2.7 percent to 20,373.
05/16, 7:55 AM
posted by:
Seriously
And who are these people driving the Sebring convertible, I never see them and I live in FL. How does that car sell?
05/16, 8:06 AM
posted by:
BlackX
Chill out man.
05/16, 9:08 AM
posted by:
gbb
Never been a rag top owner. Rented a few and loved them, just no desire to own one.
05/16, 9:36 AM
posted by:
xyunya
This article needs imagery. Some years ago when Davis E.Davis Jr. was in charge of Car & Driver he was opposing some readers view that his magazine was sexist and homophobic. To prove the point he had photo of Fiat convertible and spicy Italian model both topless. Since then every time I read article about convertibles I wish authors would illustrate their articles.
05/16, 11:16 AM
posted by:
xyunya
LLN, that is NOT the desired image!
05/16, 12:14 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
I can definately see the Sebring becoming more popular. It is a convertible… but most folks who buy it don’t get it to be a “play toy”… they use it for daily driving.
05/16, 12:40 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Convertibles fall in and out of vogue, there is nothing that anybody can do about that cycle.
05/16, 1:44 PM
posted by:
ktulu
2 many Mustang convertibles on the road. I can’t say there’s 2 many other 1s I like
05/16, 2:27 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Whenever I check out the used classifieds I swear there are twice as many Mustang droptops for sale as there are hardtops. Mind you with our climate up here I think the ’seemed like a good idea at the time’ theory applies.
05/16, 10:20 PM
posted by:
maxzorin
Convertibles are great until the weather gets cold or hot. Plus until recently getting into an accident is risky. But on the perfect day nothing beats taking the top down.
05/17, 3:39 AM
posted by:
acura_el2000
No matter what, hard-top versions are always substantially sexyier
05/18, 6:54 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
My last two Wranglers were convertible. Never had a problem in cold weather, and that top went up and down manually with 10 minutes of unclipping plastic bits. I can only imagine how luxurious a real high-quality top from Audi or MB would be.
I would have no problem with a convertible as a daily driver.