It’s been a long time since convertibles were the spring of the automobile. And it’s already too late to worry about it. This category of automobiles, the most romantic of all, looks more and more like an endangered species every day. After an improvement in the early 2000s, the market share of convertibles today represents only 1.3% of overall sales of new vehicles in North America.
This year there are no newborns in the category. Only deaths. Indeed, recent months have mainly seen the disappearance of Mercedes’ C and E Class convertibles as well as the open-air bodies of the Audi TT Roadster and R8. By the end of the year, it will be the Chevrolet Camaro’s turn ($47,299) to ascend to the sky. Until then, this convertible remains, along with the Mazda MX-5 ($34,900), the Mini Cabriolet ($40,590) and the Ford Mustang ($44,030), the last financially accessible representatives of the convertible.
The offer is still plentiful from these brands which often invite you to spend lavishly. Indeed, high prestige brands see no cloud on the horizon. Aston Martin, Ferrari and Bentley, to name just these three, are staying the course and keeping the convertible in their catalog.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TESLA
Tesla Roadster
A temporary decline
This decline in generalist and luxury brands is only temporary. Tesla (roadster), Polestar (6) and Porsche (718 Boxster) have already indicated their intention to market electric convertibles within the next two years. Genesis, a prestigious brand of the Hyundai group, is also planning to invest in this niche, as evidenced by the X Convertible Concept presented in 2022 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
If you refuse to give up on open-top driving, we invite you to take a look at the second-hand market. There is no shortage of choice, but the prices asked are generally more attractive come fall…