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