Ten years ago convertibles, symbols of freedom, were at the height of their popularity. Now they're the dying. Worldwide convertible sales plummeted 44 percent from 2004 to just 465,800 cars last year, according to Bloomberg.
People aren't as convertible crazy anymore because SUVs have taken over as symbols of freedom. In the last decade SUV sales have more than doubled to 15.4 million vehicles. "Most convertibles are not really used for open-top driving but rather for giving the impression of being somewhat wild-at-heart and sporty," automotive analyst Christoph Stürmer said. "This image has now been taken by SUVs. Convertibles will stay around as a high-end niche, but fashionistas will keep moving on."
Many car manufacturers have brought back the number of convertibles as a result. Volkswagen will stop making the Eos hardtop convertible. Chrysler won't offer a topless version of the 200 for the next generation. Even Toyota only offers one convertible right now, a Lexus.
As Nas would say, the titties is no longer out.
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[via Bloomberg]
