| "Convertibles are on the rise again," says | | | | lowest-priced convertible in United States |
| Jim Hall, analyst for automotive research | | | | was the 2-seater Mercedes-Benz SLK280. It was |
| firm AutoPacific Inc. of Tustin, California. | | | | priced at $44,125. Last year, less expensive |
| This year's automakers sales reports are | | | | power-operated hardtop convertibles are |
| dominated by upgraded versions of small cars. | | | | nowhere to be found. Nowadays, three out of |
| Moreover, a sizeable market is reflected to | | | | nine convertible models with power hardtop |
| have purchased not-so-costly convertibles | | | | have a base price of not more than $30,000. |
| with hardtops. These convertibles deliver an | | | | Another reason that triggered the mainstream |
| option to enjoy the fun of open-air driving | | | | demographics to purchase said convertibles is |
| and the security of the traditional cars | | | | reduction of its parts. In the U.S., 40 |
| especially during winter and rainy days. "If | | | | convertible nameplates, softtop and hardtop |
| you're in Chicago, this is a fine car to | | | | went on sale. They have the starting prices |
| drive in the wintertime," says Volkswagen | | | | not exceeding $33,000. The second |
| spokesman Steve Keyes of his company's Eos. | | | | lowest-priced hardtop was 2007 Volkswagen Eos |
| The convertibles that made a dramatic | | | | which has a starting price of $28,620. Next |
| increase in sales include MX-5 Miata with | | | | to Eos comes 2007 Pontiac G6 which is priced |
| power retractable hardtop, Pontiac G6 and | | | | at $29,150. Automakers are taking into |
| Volvo C70. Mazda Miata is one of the | | | | consideration this sweeping shift to stylish |
| innovative convertibles that have triggered | | | | yet functional convertibles. Jace Stokes, |
| the crowd to press their purchase buttons. | | | | Pontiac product manager, says "The G6 |
| Mazda Miata parts which include the | | | | convertible's appearance has drawn people |
| remarkable retractable power hardtop made the | | | | into dealerships in areas of the country that |
| vehicle the new price leader of the year. | | | | have not traditionally been strong for |
| When it arrived at the showrooms, its | | | | Pontiac. |
| starting price was $24,945. That time, the | | | | |