Drop top demand halved in 7 years

[rjastra2]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/314438/decl ... ers-report

Declining demand for drop-tops across the globe is hurting the world’s three largest suppliers of convertible roof systems.
Automotive News Europe reports that production of convertibles in Europe and North America has almost halved in the past seven years, plummeting from 827,000 in 2007 to 444,000 in 201

What does this mean for MX5 sales? Will there be a significant bump in sales with the new model?

[radar]

From a convertible lover -

Not sure if it was those Beach party films of the 60s with surf music, muscle cars and pretty blondes - but I love the sun fun notion. Maybe it was Sophia Loren in a Euro spyder somewhere in the Alps.

When I was younger convertible sales dropped right off. Nothing new available apart from Aston Martin etc. My dream was a mid 60s v8 mustang but finances dictated an MGB. Even used examples were top dollar. So few options. Couple of decades later there must be dozens of affordable convertibles available new in Australia.

I never buy "new" and there are plenty of cheap used ragtops available too. Maybe the downward trend is cos "every boomer has owned their one convertible. " Bucket list type thing. Me, I will always wanna have at least one in my garage. Drive it every time with roof down and when it rains - sip a coffee and look at it in the garage - roof down.

Think I'll wait until the new RHD mustang depreciates before I shell out. Still be hard to justify getting out of the NC. But I got a desire to own one more V8 and hear that seductive burble.

Convertible.

[JBT]

Maybe the key words "Europe and North America" might have something to do with it....and the fact that they are generally referring to convertible sedans/coupes

[Vat]

The marketing summary seemed to amount to "could be a bunch of reasons. We don't know why..."

Just thinking out loud here, but 7 years ago coincides with the first rumblings of the GFC...

[Rocky]

How about this:
In their initial purchase, convertibles are not bought by 'enthusiasts' but rather by people who have a surfeit of disposable income.
These people do not necessarily see a convertible as more desirable than a sporty hardtop, and in fact subsequently identify the several disadvantages of convertibles - and don't buy another.
I would suggest that ONLY dyed in the wool sports car enthusiasts have a long-term desire for convertibles.
Everybody else would rather have a hardtop, albeit with a sunroof.

The MX5 was so successful because it was SO good that even people like me who don't like convertibles bought one because of its looks & dynamics.

[Odd]

I'd suggest this is relavent to GFC....when you are flush with cash...what's a few grand to have a posy soft top.....times get a bit tough....back to a tin top

I don't think this data has any relavence to true roadsters...ie MX5's

[thehillsarecalling]

Drive it every time with roof down and when it rains - sip a coffee and look at it in the garage - roof down.

Amen. If I had a garage with tap beer and a toilet, I might never step foot inside the house again.

[Aussie Stig]

Everybody seems to have missed the most relevent point.



" Ford Focus CC, Holden/Opel Astra TwinTop and Volvo C70 have all been discontinued. Peugeot has no plans to replace the 207 CC or 308 CC, the Volkswagen Eos appears all but done, and a new-generation Renault Megane CC remains unconfirmed."

Probably nobody objects to these cars being classified as hairdresser material.
These cars are sold as a fashion statement and are fairly ordinary sedans with the roof chopped.

They are NOT purpose built 'sports' convertibles like say for example our car or boxster or elise.

The MX-5 is Niche market, sure, but punches well above its weight in both credibility and affordability.

[TIP]

Good to know more mx5 gunna keep dropping in my drive way then lol

[Vat]

Drive it every time with roof down and when it rains - sip a coffee and look at it in the garage - roof down.

Bugger that - the rain's worth 100hp!

\in, uh, a 'controlled' environment