Volkswagen has officially announced that the Eos hardtop-convertible is coming to an end. Not entirely surprising, given that the convertible market has been dwindling some time and shows few signs of life. But one of TTAC's industry sources shed some light on an interesting threat to the convertible market.
According to our source, the take rate for panoramic sunroofs has a correlation with the decline in the popularity of convertibles. Lacking access to that (very proprietary) data, it's impossible to corroborate this assertion, but perhaps the B&B, especially those in the industry, have some insight into the matter.
As a two-time convertible owner, I understand that the idea of a convertible is romantic and enticing, but the reality is often the opposite. Hot summer days can lead to sunburns and sweaty scalps, while winters without a lined top (like the Thinsulate-lined roof in the Jaguar F-Type) can be nearly as miserable as being outdoors. If you're ever stuck in traffic in an open-roofed car, you will fry like an egg on the engine block of Ted Nungent's truck.
I happen to dislike panoramic sunroofs for the greenhouse effect it can have on a car's interior, but many people seem to find them to be a fun novelty, and a viable alternative to a real soft top convertible.
from The Truth About Cars http://ift.tt/Jh8LjA
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